CORVALLIS, Ore. — The Oregon State University Extension Outdoor School Program has received the 2024 Western Extension Directors Association Award of Excellence for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for its work advancing equitable and accessible outdoor school experiences.
“These types of awards are important to highlight the work we have done in the past but also inspire us to pursue this work in the future. We are a strong team with a strong mission and a commitment to inclusion.”
The Outdoor School program has prioritized equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusion since it launched in 2017, and these values remain foundational to its work, said Outdoor School director Spirit Brooks.
“These types of awards are important to highlight the work we have done in the past but also inspire us to pursue this work in the future,” Brooks said. “We are a strong team with a strong mission and a commitment to inclusion.”
The Award of Excellence recognizes Extension professionals in the Western United States who demonstrate outstanding service to diverse and minoritized populations. As directed by Oregon law and guided by community input, OSU Extension provides fiscal, programmatic and administrative responsibility for Outdoor School, which serves Oregon fifth and sixth grade students.
Working with school districts, partners and communities, Extension supports and grows the statewide program — building on a legacy that began in 1966. Since 2017, more than 92,000 fifth and sixth graders have attended Outdoor School.
Outdoor School provides immersive, place-based learning that strengthens environmental literacy and positive learning behaviors. Historically, students from marginalized communities faced barriers to attending. To address inequities, the Outdoor School team expanded inclusive curriculum resources and professional development focused on equity, accessibility and culturally responsive practice.
Grants improve site access and programming
In 2020, the program awarded 13 grants for site accessibility improvements and facility upgrades. Another 11 grants supported outdoor school providers in expanding equity-focused programming. Combined, these improvements totaled $5.174 million.
At Camp Fire Wilani in Lane County, grant funding helped update a 1960s facility to improve wheelchair access, opening outdoor school opportunities to students with varied mobility needs.
The program also created self-evaluation tools to help providers assess and strengthen equity, access and inclusion efforts. Hundreds of educators and program leaders have been trained to use these tools, resulting in broadened participation among historically underrepresented students.
Centering Indigenous Studies and educator training
Another major focus is professional development for educators. The Outdoor School program offers in-person workshops and self-paced courses emphasizing equity, inclusion and integration of Indigenous Studies concepts into outdoor education.
“We are rethinking traditional Outdoor School and helping programs understand outdoor education through an Indigenous lens,” Brooks said.
The land-based education workshop guides providers in being culturally responsive and respectful of Indigenous identities. To broaden impact, Outdoor School created Critical Orientations: Indigenous Studies and Outdoor Education, a free online course completed by hundreds of learners inside and outside the outdoor school community.
"The Outdoor School program’s mission is rooted in equity, diversity, access and inclusion, and we never feel like the work is done,” Brooks said.
Previously titled Western Extension directors recognize OSU Outdoor School for equity work
