The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR) has awarded more than $735,000 in grants to support youth-focused outdoor recreation and education programs across the state, benefiting more than 21,500 young people and contributing to over $4.4 million in total project value.
The funding supports 57 projects statewide through two programs, the Utah Children’s Outdoor Recreation and Education (UCORE) Grant and the Outdoor Classroom Grant. Both initiatives aim to remove barriers to outdoor access while fostering environmental stewardship, hands-on learning, and long-term connections to Utah’s natural landscapes.
“These projects represent the creativity, heart, and community impact that happen when we invest in our future through outdoor learning,” said Caroline Weiler, DOR’s youth engagement program manager. “Through both our long-standing UCORE program and the new Outdoor Classroom grant, we’re helping more kids experience the joy and growth that comes from learning outside.”
Several funded projects directly impact Southern Utah. In Washington County, Zion Youth Stewards received $15,000 to support hands-on conservation learning for local tribal youth in partnership with Zion National Park. The program focuses on connecting young people to cultural heritage and land stewardship through immersive outdoor experiences.
Other UCORE-funded projects across the state include adaptive skiing and snowboarding programs for youth with disabilities, trauma-informed outdoor experiences for children impacted by domestic violence, and outdoor leadership and science-based learning initiatives in rural communities. Together, the projects span a wide range of activities, including avalanche awareness, mountain biking, archery, gardening, STEAM-based outdoor camps, and tribal heritage exploration.
The Outdoor Classroom Grant supports schools and organizations creating permanent outdoor learning spaces. Funded projects include new outdoor classrooms, tracks, and heritage gardens designed to enhance physical education, community use, and place-based learning.
“This investment is about building lifelong connections to Utah’s natural spaces,” Weiler said. “These grants are helping to break down barriers and build up the next generation of outdoor leaders, stewards, and explorers.”
Organizations interested in future funding opportunities are encouraged to apply for upcoming 2026 grant cycles, including the Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant (UORG) and the Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Grant (OHVR). Combined, the programs will offer more than $20 million to support outdoor access and infrastructure statewide.
More information and a full list of funded projects are available at recreation.utah.gov/grants.
