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E3 Washington (E3 WA) is the state affiliate of the North American Association of Environmental Education (NAAEE). It is a professional association for educators that supports the three pillars of environment, equity, and economy. We work in partnership with communities across Washington to advocate for and offer professional learning, networking, and other support. This increases the state's capacity for environmental and sustainability education. 

Organizations listed at the end of the document had also signed on in support of these initiatives in 2025. This collection of initiatives is linked by their shared purpose of providing young people with a deep connection to nature and the competencies, skills, and inspiration they need to prosper.

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Youth Education & Outreach Program (Department of Natural Resources)

  • Facilitates outdoor education for K-12 youth on DNR-managed lands statewide and supports natural resources workforce development, including Career and Technical Education. 

  • Funded as a part of DNR’s Workforce Development proviso, which supports Tribal training, adult education and outreach, and the Youth Education and Outreach Program 

    • House budget: funded at $1.83 M (reduction of $400k); section 310, page 273

    • Senate budget: not funded

Point of contact: Clare Sobetski, clare.sobetski@dnr.wa.gov

Outdoor Learning Grant Program (managed by OSPI)

Point of Contact: Greg Barker, WSPEF/OSWA, greg@wspef.org

No Child Left Inside  (WA State Parks grant program, managed by RCO)

  • The Washington State Legislature established the program in 2007 with two primary goals: to improve the overall academic performance, self-esteem, health, community involvement, and connection to nature for youth; and to empower local communities to engage youth in outdoor education and recreation experiences.

  • $4.5 M State Parks Operating Budget

Points of contact: Yelley Taylor, yelley.taylor@parks.wa.gov, Kyle Guzlas, kyle.guzlas@rco.wa.gov

Department of Fish and Wildlife: Biodiversity Proviso 

  • This funding has increased WDFW’s capacity to recover at-risk species and their habitats, develop efforts to evaluate and manage other Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), and engage in crucial public education and outreach efforts. 

  • Beginning in the 23-25 biennium, WDFW received partial funding for biodiversity work ($24 million for the biennium, with $31 million ongoing beginning in the 2025-27 biennium). WDFW continues to work this legislative session to maintain the full, ongoing $31 million.

Point of contact: Margen Carlson, WDFW, margen.carlson@dfw.wa.gov

Climate Science Teacher Training Proviso: ClimeTime (managed by OSPI) 

  • With OSPI managing the network, the grant funding flows through all nine Educational Service Districts (ESDs) in Washington, plus tribal and community-based organizations (CBOs), programs for science teacher training that link the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to climate science. In addition to teacher professional development, the project supports the development of instructional materials, design-related assessment & evaluation strategies and facilitates student events.

    • $6M 25-27 operating budget

  • Eligible Groups: ESDs, Tribal schools and CBOs

Requests for New or Expanded Funding

Outdoor Learning Sites Capital Bill

  • HB1734 for capital needs at outdoor learning centers

    • $? Capital budget

    • Adding a new section to Chapter 79A.25.010 RCW

  • Sponsor: Rep Rule has picked this up. Hearing on 02/13/2025

  • Eligible Groups: Sites providing overnight outdoor educational experiences (outdoor school)

Point of Contact: Greg Barker, WSPEF/OSWA, greg@wspef.org

Youth Engaged in Sustainable Systems (YESS) (managed by OSPI) 

  • Request: Legislature to support SB 5567 to add a new proviso to support the YESS program, OSPI Decision Package

    • $4.634 M 25-27 operating budget

  • Sponsor: Senator Nobles and working with Rep Rule in House

  • Eligible Groups: school districts, State tribal compact schools, & skill centers partnering with CBOs/employers

Point of Contact: Kathryn Kurtz, PEI,  kkurtz@PacificEducationInstitute.org

Outdoor Learning Grant  Program (managed by OSPI)

  • Request: to increase funding for the Outdoor Learning Grant Program OSPI Decision Package:
    Expanding Student Access to Outdoor Education (OSPI DP)

    • Increase $10,033,000 M (26) and  $10,911,000M  (27) operating budget

    • minimally keep the same funding levels, 20M as 23-25

  • Sponsor: Rep. Rule (House) / working on Sen.Hansen

  • Eligible Groups: CBO/Tribes (RCO), Schools/Districts/ESD/Tribal (OSPI), Schools-students (OSWA)

Point of Contact: Greg Barker, WSPEF/OSWA, greg@wspef.org

 

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