Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced today a new Outdoor Education Pilot program in Arkansas. She was joined by First Gentleman Bryan Sanders, who also chairs the Natural State Initiative Advisory Council, Mary Beth Hatch, Chief of Education for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), and Doug Schoenrock, Director of the AGFC.
The pilot program is a collaboration between the Arkansas Department of Education and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Its goal is to prepare students for careers in outdoor fields such as ecology and research. During the first year, 30 schools across the state will take part in the program. After this initial phase, the state will review the program’s success and plan for a wider launch.
Governor Sanders said, “A student’s education should not depend entirely on technology and smart devices. This program highlights why Bryan and I started the Natural State Initiative: to encourage kids to spend less time on screens and more time outdoors. We thank the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for investing in our children’s future and supporting outdoor education.”
First Gentleman Bryan Sanders added, “Getting children outside is one of the best things for their education, health, and overall well-being. This program will help kids appreciate Arkansas’ natural beauty and create a future workforce to support our growing tourism and outdoor economy.”
Mary Beth Hatch, Chief of Education at the AGFC, said, “The Arkansas Outdoor Education initiative aims to integrate conservation and outdoor recreation into every student’s learning experience. We designed the program to align with school standards and to include outdoor activities that promote critical thinking and problem-solving. These experiences will help students improve their mental and physical health, learn new skills, gain confidence, and reduce screen time. We are excited to work with other state agencies to bring this program to all schools in Arkansas.”
Jacob Oliva, Arkansas Secretary of Education, stated, “We are proud to support this outdoor education program. Arkansas’ natural landscapes provide valuable hands-on learning opportunities that spark curiosity and support academic growth. As the Natural State, we can make outdoor learning a key part of every student’s education and build a strong pipeline for careers in outdoor recreation and conservation.”
Doug Schoenrock, Director of the AGFC, emphasized, “Arkansans play a crucial role in preserving our natural environment. This program will connect students to Arkansas’ woods and waters, preparing future outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists. The vision of the Governor and First Gentleman to include outdoor learning in everyday education is truly groundbreaking and shows how deeply natural resources are part of Arkansas’ identity.”
Tourism is Arkansas’ second-largest industry. Since Governor Sanders took office, the state’s outdoor economy has grown from $3.5 billion to $4.5 billion. Last year, Arkansas welcomed over 50 million visitors who spent nearly $10 billion, much of it on outdoor recreation.
Expanding the outdoor economy is a priority for Governor Sanders. She launched the Natural State Initiative, led by First Gentleman Bryan Sanders, to unite public, private, and nonprofit groups. This education pilot program is one of the key goals identified in the Initiative’s 2023 report.
