Arkansas · State Grant

Outdoor Classroom Garden Mini-Grant Program

Funding

Mini-grant (amount varies)

Grade Focus

K-12

Application Due

Annual — check your local AR Cooperative Extension

Level of Gov't

State — University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service

Eligibility

Arkansas K-12 schools with school garden programs or planning to start one. Applications through your county Cooperative Extension office.

Program Goals

The Outdoor Classroom Garden Mini-Grant supports school garden programs that connect students to food, environment, and hands-on science. Programs combining sensor technology and data collection with garden learning are a strong fit.

Read the Grant

Application and Distribution

Applications through your local AR county Cooperative Extension office. Contact your county extension agent for the current cycle and application form.

Cycle Notes

Annual cycle. Timing varies by county. Contact your local Cooperative Extension office for current deadlines.

Grant Award Amount

Mini-grant amounts vary by county and available funding. Typically used for garden materials, tools, and outdoor learning equipment.

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

How do I find my local AR Cooperative Extension office?

Visit uaex.uada.edu and search by county, or contact the statewide office for your local agent.

What can the garden mini-grant fund?

Garden materials, seeds, tools, raised beds, and outdoor learning equipment. Environmental monitoring tools that connect to garden science are eligible.

Does my school already need a garden?

No — schools starting new garden programs can apply.

When is the deadline?

Varies by county — contact your local AR Cooperative Extension office.

How can Forward Education help?

Our Climate Action Kit with micro:bit sensors can add a technology and data-collection dimension to school garden programs, strengthening the grant application.

Grant Support