COUNCIL OF OUTDOOR LEARNING
Awards and Grants

Council of Outdoor Learning

The ​Council of Outdoor Learning (CoOL) is an EEA initiative that focuses on the design, development, use, sustainability, and longevity of outdoor learning environments at schools, nature centers, and elsewhere; and promotes research-informed practices for effective student and environmental outcomes. CoOL provides a Toolkit for creating outdoor learning spaces, hosts an annual Outdoor Learning Symposium to share resources and strategies for teaching outdoors, curates a collection of outdoor learning activities that are integrated with state standards, supports OL providers, and offers customized professional development workshops and webinars for teachers and non-formal educators.

CoOL Awards

Outstanding Outdoor Learning Educator

An individual teacher, parent, principal, administrator, or community volunteer who has contributed in significant and meaningful ways to ​the design, development, or use of outdoor learning centers on a school or other educational institution’s campus and has demonstrated professional excellence and commitment to outdoor learning. 

Nominate an Educator

Outstanding Outdoor Learning Program

A school or educational organization that has an active outdoor learning center or program that merits recognition and acclaim. The nominee must have made significant contributions towards an innovative, unique, novel program that connect students to outdoor learning and academic achievement.

Nominate a Program

Selection Process for CoOL Awards

One nominee from each category will be selected for recognition. The selection committee will decide the merits of nominees based on information, recommendations, and accomplishments provided by the nominators. The committee will choose a candidate that offers a significant contribution, exceptional accomplishment, is educational-related, and a positive role model.

CoOL Mini-Grants

Check back for details about upcoming grant rounds.

Grant Criteria

• ​​​Funds are awarded to schools or non-profit, tax-exempt organizations (not individuals)
• Projects should demonstrate best practices in outdoor learning
• Projects should increase capacity to engage ​students in environmental education and/or stewardship
• Proposed activities, materials, and methods should be environmentally sound
• Benefits to both students and the environment must be articulated and measurable
• Impact is considered in terms of authentic need; project size, significance, and/or value;  or ability to reduce disproportionate impact of environmental problems on under-resourced communities
• Sustainability is considered in terms of durability of grant-funded items and continuation of project after grant ends

​Ineligible Expenses

• Transportation
• Clothing
• Meals
• Capital campaigns (construction)

Proposals that include ineligible expenses may request consideration by providing an explanation for why such expenses merit an exception.  

Some Past Recipients

• ​Arnold Mill Nature Center
• Rock Eagle 4-H Center
• Oakhurst Farm Educational Center
• Creek View Elementary School

Thanks to Our CoOL Grant Funders!

The Council of Outdoor Learning has received support from the following:

• Cobb County Water System - Watershed Stewardship Program
• National Park Service - Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area  
• Stone Mountain Memorial Association
• Turner Foundation
• Targeted donations from members

CoOL is typically able to fund 1-2 projects per year. Donations to the Outdoor Learning Fund are gratefully accepted at any time. If you are seeking funds for outdoor learning, check out this grant information from EEinGeorgia.org for other possible sources.

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