Kansas · State Grant

Outdoor Wildlife Learning Sites (OWLS) Grants

Funding

$2,000

Grade Focus

K-12

Application Due

Rolling

Level of Gov't

State — Kansas Dept of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP)

Eligibility

Kansas K-12 schools creating or enhancing outdoor wildlife learning sites. Schools must commit to establishing a site that teaches students about Kansas wildlife, ecology, and conservation. Urban, suburban, and rural schools are eligible.

Program Goals

The OWLS program funds outdoor classrooms and wildlife learning sites at Kansas schools. Environmental science, habitat stewardship, wildlife monitoring, and sustainability programs are the core focus. Sensor-based environmental monitoring tools that connect outdoor learning to data science are a strong fit.

Read the Grant

Application and Distribution

Rolling applications through KDWP Education programs. Contact KDWP for the current application form and guidance. Applications accepted throughout the year — no fixed deadline.

Cycle Notes

Rolling cycle — no fixed deadline. Applications accepted and reviewed year-round. Contact KDWP Education (ksoutdoors.com) for the current process.

Grant Award Amount

$2,000 per award. Funds can be used for outdoor learning materials, equipment, habitat improvements, and environmental monitoring tools.

Allowable Purchases

Forward Education Products for This Grant

These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.

Climate Action Kit — a beginner-friendly STEM kit combining micro:bit sensors to code solutions for climate change and sustainability
Smart Solar Energy Kit — build and program a working solar panel to measure real-time power generation and explore renewable energy
Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my school need outdoor space?

Yes — the program funds physical outdoor wildlife learning sites. Schools must have or be creating an outdoor area dedicated to wildlife and ecology learning.

Can the $2,000 buy science equipment?

Yes — environmental monitoring equipment, sensors, and technology tools that support outdoor science learning are eligible.

Is the application competitive?

Rolling applications — reviewed as received, not in a competitive annual cycle. Apply as soon as your outdoor learning plan is ready.

Does KDWP provide support beyond the grant?

Yes — KDWP Education provides curriculum resources and site development guidance alongside the grant.

How can Forward Education help?

Our Climate Action Kit with micro:bit sensors supports the hands-on environmental monitoring and data collection that makes OWLS outdoor sites more impactful.

Grant Support