The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) issued the following statement today, regarding the House Labor, HHS, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee funding proposal:

NAAEE applauds the House Labor, HHS, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee for its proposed funding level of $1B for Title IV, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act. While this amount falls below the $1.65B authorized by Congress, it reflects a strong show of support for district efforts to provide students with a well-rounded education, as intended by the law. With robust funding for this new block grant program, school districts will have the flexibility for the first time to offer a wide range of enrichment activities, including environmental education and hands-on, field-based, and service learning activities in science, technology, engineering and math subjects. The natural environment is a rich and engaging context for achieving STEM and other learning goals.