What does Preamble of Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act of 2026 do?

This bill authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants. The grants are intended to revitalize schoolyards.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Revitalizing America's Schoolyards Act of 2026.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act of 2026 do?

This section defines key terms used within the Act. An 'eligible entity' can be a local educational agency, an educational service agency, or a nonprofit organization with expertise in outdoor learning partnering with a local educational agency. Terms like 'educational service agency,' 'elementary school,' 'local educational agency,' and 'secondary school' are defined by reference to section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. A 'revitalized schoolyard' is defined as a park-like outdoor environment at an elementary or secondary school designed to strengthen ecological systems, provide learning resources, and foster nature play and well-being. A revitalized schoolyard may include elements like trees, gardens, and outdoor meeting areas, and may serve as a facility for shared public use. The 'Secretary' refers to the Secretary of Education. ‘Shared public use’ means a public facility open and accessible to the public outside of school hours, during daylight hours.

What does GRANT COHORT STRUCTURE, DURATION, AND AMOUNT. of Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes the structure, duration, and amount of grants awarded under this Act. Five percent of the appropriated amount is reserved for the Secretary of the Interior to support schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Education or Indian Tribes. Grants are awarded in two-year cohorts, with eligibility for a planning grant in the first year and an implementation grant in the second year, contingent on demonstrating project viability. The Secretary will establish criteria for determining project viability, potentially including the adequacy of a concept plan. Thirty percent of the remaining funds are allocated to planning grants, and seventy percent to implementation grants. Eligible entities may receive a maximum of $1,000,000 in combined planning and implementation grant awards. Both planning and implementation grants have a maximum duration of two years. The Secretary may reallocate planning grant funds to support implementation activities, up to the established award cap. If funds remain after initial awards, the Secretary may make additional grants to applicants from the same cycle who meet minimum criteria and prioritize those who scored highly but were initially unfunded.

What does PLANNING GRANTS AND IMPLEMENTATION GRANTS. of Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes planning grants and implementation grants to revitalize schoolyards at public elementary and secondary schools. Planning grants enable eligible entities to develop concept plans for revitalized schoolyards, including design and construction documents. Concept plans must be developed with school and public input, prioritize longevity and resilience, and maximize investment in schools with low tree canopy or high free/reduced-price lunch eligibility. The concept plan must include goals related to ecology, climate, health, accessibility, and student learning. Implementation grants are awarded to entities that received planning grants and developed a concept plan. Funds from implementation grants can be used for professional development related to outdoor teaching and to support staff who maintain the revitalized schoolyard. Eligible entities receiving implementation grants must provide a 20% match from non-Federal sources, unless the Secretary waives it based on student eligibility for free/reduced-price lunch or school location. Eligible entities may use up to 10% of planning grant funds to hire a grant writer.

What does PRIORITY. of Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a competitive priority for grant recipients under the Act. Priority is given to entities serving students where at least 75% are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. For high schools, data from feeder schools may be used to calculate lunch program eligibility. Priority is also given to entities serving a school where a revitalized schoolyard will be developed and at least 75% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.

What does CLEARINGHOUSE. of Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a clearinghouse of information maintained by the Secretary. The clearinghouse will provide examples of outdoor learning spaces, including successful models. Input will be gathered from nonprofit organizations, professionals, and community members. The clearinghouse will offer links and information about State and local entities with expertise. It will reflect best practices on designs for outdoor spaces, covering topics like nature play and green infrastructure. The clearinghouse will be housed within the National Center on School Infrastructure, or another appropriate clearinghouse.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act of 2026 do?

This section authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act. Funding is authorized for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

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Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/15/2026 · Introduced: 4/15/2026

Author: Summer Lee (D-PA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible entities for revitalizing schoolyards at public elementary and secondary schools.
Grants are structured in two-year cohorts, with a planning grant phase followed by an implementation grant phase, contingent on project viability.
Planning grants support the development of concept plans that prioritize longevity, resilience, and schools with limited tree canopy or high free/reduced-price lunch eligibility.
Implementation grants provide funding for revitalization projects, professional development for outdoor teaching, and maintenance, requiring a 20% non-Federal match unless waived.
Priority for grant funding is given to schools serving students with high rates of free or reduced-price lunch eligibility.

119th Congressin committeeS. 4258(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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