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

This bill authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants. The purpose of these grants is 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 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, but 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 combined maximum of $1,000,000 for both planning and implementation grants. Both planning and implementation grants have a duration of no more than two years. The Secretary may reallocate planning grant funds to support implementation activities, within certain limits. If funds remain after initial awards, the Secretary may make additional grants to applicants from the same cycle who meet minimum criteria and scored highly. The Secretary prioritizes applicants who scored highly but were not initially funded due to funding limitations.

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 percentages of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. The concept plans must incorporate ecological, climate, biodiversity, learning, health, and accessibility goals, adhering to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Eligible entities may use up to 10% of planning grant funds to hire grant writers. Implementation grants are awarded to entities that received planning grants and developed a concept plan. Implementation grants fund the actual revitalization of schoolyards based on the approved concept plan. Up to 25% of implementation grant funds can be used for professional development related to outdoor teaching. Eligible entities generally must provide a 20% match from non-Federal sources for implementation grants, but this may be waived for schools with a high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch or schools described in section 3(a).

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

This section establishes a priority for eligible entities when grants are awarded under this Act. Priority is given to entities serving students where at least 75% are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. The calculation for this percentage may use data from feeder schools in the case of high schools. Priority is also given to entities proposing revitalized schoolyards at schools meeting the 75% free or reduced-price lunch eligibility threshold.

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

This section establishes a clearinghouse of information related to outdoor learning spaces. The Secretary is responsible for maintaining this clearinghouse. The clearinghouse will provide examples of successful outdoor learning 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, including nature play and green infrastructure. The clearinghouse will include resources such as lesson plans and planning tools. 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 for carrying out the Act. The authorized appropriations cover fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

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Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act of 2026

Last updated: 3/26/2026 · Introduced: 3/26/2026

Author: Martin Heinrich (D-NM)

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, creating park-like outdoor learning environments.
Grants are structured in two-year cohorts, with a planning grant phase followed by an implementation grant phase, contingent on demonstrating project viability.
Priority is given to schools with a high percentage (75%) of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, ensuring resources reach underserved communities.
Planning grants support the development of concept plans that incorporate ecological, climate, and accessibility goals, while implementation grants fund the actual revitalization projects.
The bill establishes a clearinghouse to provide resources and best practices related to outdoor learning spaces, including lesson plans and design information.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 8303(In Committee)Official page

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

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