LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, alongside First Gentleman Bryan Sanders and leaders from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), announced the launch of a new Outdoor Education Pilot Program aimed at connecting students with the state’s natural resources and potential careers in outdoor recreation.
The initiative, a collaboration between the Arkansas Department of Education and AGFC, will begin with 30 schools selected from across the state. During the first year, the program will be evaluated to determine its effectiveness and prepare for potential statewide implementation.
“A student’s education should not be fully reliant on technology and smart devices,” Gov. Sanders said. “This program emphasizes another reason why my husband, Bryan, and I started the Natural State Initiative: to get kids off screens and outside. Thank you to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for investing in our kids’ future and promoting outdoor education.”
Bryan Sanders, chair of the Natural State Initiative Advisory Council, emphasized the broader benefits of the program.
“Getting kids outside is one of the best things we can do for them, improving their education, health and quality of life,” he said. “This program will inspire our kids to develop a greater appreciation for the Natural State, and help Arkansas build a pipeline of future workers and entrepreneurs to support our growing tourism industry and outdoor economy.”
According to AGFC Chief of Education Mary Beth Hatch, the pilot is designed to integrate conservation and outdoor experiences into standard school curriculum.
“We have designed this with resources that are built around the standards taught in core and elective content areas, experiences in outdoor learning and engagement, and projects that empower students to think critically and solve problems about the world around them,” Hatch said. “These outdoor learning experiences that are connected to what is being taught in the classroom will provide opportunities for students to improve mental and physical health, learn new knowledge and skills in the natural state, gain confidence and independence, and reduce screen time.”
Arkansas Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva also voiced strong support for the pilot.
“Arkansas’ natural landscapes offer powerful opportunities for hands-on learning that inspire curiosity, support academic growth, and build a lasting connection to the environment,” he said. “As the Natural State, we are uniquely positioned to make the outdoors an essential part of every student’s education, while also building a strong talent pipeline for rewarding, in-demand careers in outdoor recreation and conservation.”
Doug Schoenrock, director of the AGFC, noted the long-term impact of the effort.
“The knowledge and experiences gained from this initiative will provide students with a connection to the woods and waters of Arkansas, building future outdoor recreationists and conservationists,” he said. “The Governor and First Gentleman’s vision to incorporate the outdoors in everyday classroom content is truly revolutionary and speaks volumes about how natural resources and outdoor activities are woven into the fabric of The Natural State.”
The Natural State for Outdoor Tourism
Tourism is Arkansas’ second-largest industry. Under Gov. Sanders’ leadership, the outdoor economy has grown from $3.5 billion to $4.5 billion. In the most recent year for which data is available, the state welcomed more than 50 million visitors who spent nearly $10 billion — much of it on outdoor recreation.
The Outdoor Education Pilot Program is a key goal of the Natural State Initiative, launched in 2023 to bring together public, private, and nonprofit partners to expand outdoor access and economic opportunity.
Applications for the pilot program are now open. Schools interested in participating can find more information and apply through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission or Department of Education websites.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
