LD895 & Youth on the Allagash
New outdoor education law could propel expansion of YOTA program
A new state law signed by Governor Janet Mills on May 23 will provide immersive outdoor education opportunities for Maine students in grades 4-8. LD 895, “The Outdoor School for All Maine Students Program,” a bipartisan effort spearheaded by Senator Rick Bennett (R-Oxford), positions Maine as a national leader in the outdoor educational field.
As AWWF Executive Director Dan Dinsmore explains, “Maine’s commitment to outdoor education through LD 895 is a huge step forward. It directly mirrors our belief that hands-on experiences in nature are vital for student development, and it significantly boosts our efforts to expand YOTA in the St. John Valley.”
This new law emphasizes experiential learning, Maine’s natural heritage, science, sustainability, teamwork, and leadership – core tenets of YOTA. Our goal to bring all Valley Unified 8th-graders to the Allagash in June 2026 gets a major boost through:
- Funding Pathways: LD 895 opens doors for schools to access grants to offset program costs, creating long-term sustainability beyond AWWF’s pilot funding for the 2026 YOTA program. The push for $3M to serve 7,000 students statewide directly benefits our expansion goals.
- Increased Awareness & Demand: A statewide focus on outdoor education will naturally elevate awareness and demand for quality programs like YOTA, driving greater support in northern Aroostook County.
- Strengthening the Network: YOTA, with our strong partnership with Chewonki — a certified outdoor education provider — is poised to be a key contributor to Maine’s expanded outdoor school network. Nancy Kennedy, President of Chewonki Foundation, highlights that this is “more than a campfire and a hike, t’s a very specific way to introduce students to an outdoor education curriculum.”
By combining AWWF’s dedication to the Allagash with Chewonki’s expertise, we ensure a safe, enriching, and transformative experience. LD 895 empowers us to ensure every eighth-grade student in the St. John Valley has the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable Youth on the Allagash expedition, connecting with their natural heritage and unlocking their full potential.