This bill creates a federal grant program to help schools transform their outdoor spaces into nature-rich learning environments. The Department of Education would award grants to local school districts, educational service agencies, and nonprofit organizations working with schools to redesign schoolyards into what the bill calls "revitalized schoolyards"—outdoor areas with trees, gardens, natural play spaces, and gathering areas that support both learning and student well-being.

The program works in two phases. First, schools receive planning grants to develop detailed designs for their outdoor spaces, including input from students, families, teachers, and community members. These plans must address environmental goals, learning opportunities, health benefits, and accessibility. Second, schools that successfully complete their plans can apply for implementation grants to actually build these revitalized spaces. Schools would need to provide 20 percent of the funding themselves, though this requirement can be waived for schools serving low-income students. The bill prioritizes funding for schools with high percentages of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, as well as schools facing challenges like extreme heat or flooding.

The revitalized schoolyards can include native plants and trees for shade, school gardens, natural playgrounds made from non-petroleum materials, water conservation features, and outdoor areas designed for teaching science, art, and environmental education. The bill also requires schools to have plans for maintaining these spaces after the grant funding ends and encourages the spaces to be open to the public during non-school hours. Additionally, the Department of Education would create a clearinghouse sharing best practices and examples of successful outdoor learning spaces to help schools learn from each other.