Children deserve more than access to classrooms, they also need access to nature. Outdoor spaces allow them to learn, explore, and engage with inspiring lessons beyond the traditional classroom environment. According to studies, outdoor learning has many benefits. These include reduced stress, improved mood, better concentration, and stronger student engagement in school.
A new funding aims to support hands-on environmental education and experiences for students of Albuquerque Public Schools (APS). The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division Outdoor Equity Fund awarded the district a $40,000 grant. The funding will expand outdoor learning opportunities for students.
The state allocated $1.9 million for outdoor education and recreation programs. The investment seeks to connect more than 22,000 young people across New Mexico with these experiences.
APS will utilize the funding to support about 5,000 sixth-grade students SHIFT (Systems, Humans, and Interconnected Futures Together). The program will engage students in place-based learning that builds environmental literacy through classroom lessons and outdoor field experiences.
Inside SHIFT
Students participating in SHIFT will explore ecosystems firsthand and strengthen their connection to the natural world. The program includes visits to Valles Caldera National Preserve.
“Through this work, students engage in environmental stewardship, systems thinking, and real-world learning outside the classroom,” said Los Padillas Wildlife Sanctuary Resource Teacher Charlie Ciernia.
Additionally, the program promotes wellness and engagement while helping students build stronger connections to the land and their communities. SHIFT will launch as a pilot program next school year. The program aims to expand access to outdoor learning for more APS students in the future.
“We’re excited about the continued growth of outdoor learning across APS and the opportunity to expand access for more students, especially through experiences that support wellness, engagement and connection to place,” Ciernia added.
This investment demonstrates a growing commitment to experiential education that fosters curiosity and prepares students for the future.