Connecting Youth to Minnesota's Cultural & Outdoor Heritage
Wilderness Inquiry will help foster future stewards of Minnesota's outdoor heritage by:
* Engaging students in high-quality hybrid programs - Wilderness Inquiry will provide cultural and historical content to students through live, interactive virtual programs in addition to hands-on, in-person experiences. By making these hybrid programs accessible for youth from across the state, we reduce barriers to participation, reach a diverse array of participants, and support students with diverse learning styles. Virtual programs strengthen our in-person experiences by allowing us to engage students and families before and after the on-water Canoemobile program, leading to deeper engagement and impact.
* Delivering standards-based and hands-on content - Developed in collaboration with the National Park Service and other partners, program content is tied to Minnesota state standards to seamlessly integrate into school curriculum. In addition, even virtual sessions include a hands-on kit with materials and tools for active participation and experiential engagement.
* Expanding access to the outdoors statewide - According to a recent report by the Outdoor Foundation, only 18% of adults and children get outside at least once per week, and children in the U.S. spend an average of only 4-7 minutes playing outside per day. With this, outdoor experiences have become more important than ever. This program combines opportunities for meaningful outdoor engagement with connection to a community of learners and explorers, reducing social isolation, increasing stewardship in the outdoors, and investing in the academic and social-emotional success of Minnesota youth. Through partnerships with state and federal agencies, Minnesota tribes, school districts, educators, and families, this project will promote equity and inclusion in the outdoors while engaging young learners with Minnesota's history and cultural heritage.
Specific project activities teach Minnesota history and culture while building skills in camping, fishing, canoeing, hiking, fire building, species identification, animal adaptations, and orienteering. By providing virtual instruction as well, WI delivers hands-on educational experiences in the outdoors that tie to classroom learning and enhance the distance-learning experience. For many participants, WI provides a foundation that gives students their first immersive experience in the outdoors. Our youth programs have been shown to increase student confidence, improve persistence and grit, inspire interest in outdoors-related careers, and cultivate a stewardship ethic.
?$388,000 the first year and $388,000 the second year are to Wilderness Inquiry for the Canoemobile program, which provides students with an outdoor educational experience aligned with the Minnesota history graduation standards.
?$388,000 the first year and $388,000 the second year are to Wilderness Inquiry for the Canoemobile program, which provides students with an outdoor educational experience aligned with the Minnesota history graduation standards.
1.) 11,000 youth across the state will connect to Minnesota's outdoor heritage through place-based education. These youth will:
* Show increased motivation to explore, enjoy and support local, state and federal public lands
* Receive educational content and credit that meets Minnesota state history standards
* Have a greater understanding of educational, recreational and career opportunities across the outdoor sector
2.) Expanded partnerships for Minnesota school districts, teachers, and youth serving organizations. Through these partnerships and delivering place-based education we expect positive outcomes in social emotional growth.
The outcomes for our FY20/21 grant were adjusted multiple times due to budget changes and covid-19 restrictions. Our final workplan approved June 2021 stated Wilderness Inquiry would serve 9,000 students, or a per student budget of approximately $80. This is a higher per student price than we had originally planned at the start of FY20 due to increased labor, supply and other covid-19 related costs. Our FY22/23 grant is aiming to serve 11,000 students, or a per student budget of approximately $70 which still accounts for some additional costs but is closer inline with our original goals of FY20/21.