Outdoor Learning Network Initiative (OLNI)

The Outdoor Learning Network Initiative (OLNI) is a capacity building opportunity designed to advance environmental literacy by establishing local networks of school districts and organizations who are committed to partnering and working collectively to embed environmental education into the school system long-term. An essential component of OLNI is the Network Leadership Course (Course). The Course engages environmental education providers, through a year-long community, to increase their ability to develop deep and mutually beneficial partnerships with school district leaders and other local organizations that lead to creating systemic, equitable, and sustainable environmental literacy programs.

Through the Course, participants will expand their knowledge and understanding of:

1. Models of collaboration that advance systemic, equitable, and sustainable environmental literacy programs,
2. How a network approach can help organizations evolve from a provider to a thought partner with school systems,
3. How environmental literacy programming can be integrated into curriculum in school districts, and
4. Strategies to achieve financial and programmatic sustainability through new models of collaboration with school districts.

OLNI is supported by the Trust, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Chesapeake Bay Foundation (the ONLI Support Team) working closely with the Chesapeake Bay Program Education Workgroup.

What this funds: Organizations interested in participating in the Network Leadership Course can request up to $10,000 for staff time and travel expenses related to participation in the Course. For more information about the Course, review the Request for Proposals (linked to the right).

Who can apply: Non-profit organizations providing environmental education to local school districts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Grant Application Process: The Chesapeake Bay Trust’s applications are all submitted through our online system (linked to the right).