Nevada Assembly reviews funding for outdoor education grant supporting thousands of youth
May 31, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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Nevada's youth will soon have even greater access to outdoor education and recreation, thanks to the Senate Committee on Finance's recent discussions surrounding Assembly Bill 108. This bill proposes a $500,000 appropriation to the Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program (NOWER) over the next two years, maintaining the funding level established in the previous biennium.
The NOWER program, which has been operational since its establishment in 2019, aims to provide underserved youth with high-quality outdoor experiences that promote education, health, and a deep appreciation for Nevada's natural landscapes. During the 2023 legislative session, the program received state funding for the first time, allowing it to reach nearly 11,000 children and facilitate over 26,000 hours of outdoor activities in 2024 alone.
Christy Cabrera Georgeson, Deputy Director of the Nevada Conservation League, highlighted the program's success, noting that it has funded 44 projects across every county in Nevada. These initiatives have included outdoor education camps for underserved girls in STEM, field trips to iconic locations like Red Rock Canyon for Title 1 school students, and equine therapy for children in foster care and those with disabilities. Each of these programs has made a significant impact on the lives of the students involved, fostering personal growth and a connection to the environment.
Support for AB 108 is strong, with endorsements from 35 organizations and businesses statewide, emphasizing the importance of outdoor education in shaping the lives of Nevada's youth. Advocates argue that experiences in nature not only enhance academic achievement but also contribute positively to mental health and social behavior.
As the committee moves forward, the approval of AB 108 would ensure that more children in Nevada can enjoy the benefits of outdoor learning, creating lasting memories and instilling a sense of responsibility towards the state's natural resources. The committee's decision will be pivotal in continuing to support these valuable programs that enrich the lives of Nevada's youth.
The NOWER program, which has been operational since its establishment in 2019, aims to provide underserved youth with high-quality outdoor experiences that promote education, health, and a deep appreciation for Nevada's natural landscapes. During the 2023 legislative session, the program received state funding for the first time, allowing it to reach nearly 11,000 children and facilitate over 26,000 hours of outdoor activities in 2024 alone.
Christy Cabrera Georgeson, Deputy Director of the Nevada Conservation League, highlighted the program's success, noting that it has funded 44 projects across every county in Nevada. These initiatives have included outdoor education camps for underserved girls in STEM, field trips to iconic locations like Red Rock Canyon for Title 1 school students, and equine therapy for children in foster care and those with disabilities. Each of these programs has made a significant impact on the lives of the students involved, fostering personal growth and a connection to the environment.
Support for AB 108 is strong, with endorsements from 35 organizations and businesses statewide, emphasizing the importance of outdoor education in shaping the lives of Nevada's youth. Advocates argue that experiences in nature not only enhance academic achievement but also contribute positively to mental health and social behavior.
As the committee moves forward, the approval of AB 108 would ensure that more children in Nevada can enjoy the benefits of outdoor learning, creating lasting memories and instilling a sense of responsibility towards the state's natural resources. The committee's decision will be pivotal in continuing to support these valuable programs that enrich the lives of Nevada's youth.
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