South Valley Prep

South Valley Prep’s Green Grounds Initiative is an 18-month outdoor learning and stewardship program designed to expand equitable access to nature-based education, strengthen student well-being, and build environmental literacy for all 6th–8th grade students. The program centers on high-impact outdoor programming, community partnerships, educator capacity-building, and family engagement, ensuring outdoor learning is embedded into the regular school day rather than offered as an optional experience. The primary goal of the program is to provide consistent, structured outdoor learning experiences that support students’ social-emotional development, academic engagement, and connection to the environment. Key objectives include increasing student access to outdoor learning, building environmental stewardship and leadership skills, supporting emotional regulation and belonging, and equipping teachers with the tools to integrate outdoor instruction into core content areas. The program will serve all 6th–8th grade students at South Valley Prep, ensuring universal access regardless of background or prior exposure to outdoor education. The initiative is particularly impactful for students who have limited access to safe, structured outdoor learning opportunities outside of school. Teachers and families will also benefit through professional learning, increased collaboration, and meaningful engagement opportunities. Students will participate in weekly, structured outdoor learning experiences facilitated by teachers and community partners using existing outdoor spaces on campus such as: Nature journaling/ reflective writing Environmental observation and data collection Stewardship activities such as soil care, native plant care, and compost education Creative expression through art, poetry, and storytelling connected to place Lessons exploring ecosystems, food systems, climate, and environmental justice These experiences reinforce the idea that nature is an accessible learning space. Community Partnerships and Youth Leadership South Valley Prep will partner with Nature Niños, Los Jardines Institute, and other local organizations to deliver culturally responsive, place-based programming. Partners will lead student workshops, facilitate youth-led environmental activities, and support students in exploring environmental identity and leadership. Students will take on leadership roles by helping plan activities, supporting peers, and sharing learning during family and community showcase events. Outdoor Curriculum Integration and Teacher Support OEF funds will support professional development for teachers focused on SEL-aligned, trauma-informed outdoor instruction and culturally relevant, place-based learning. Teachers will collaborate to develop shared lesson plans and routines that integrate outdoor learning into science, literacy, and wellness instruction, ensuring sustainability beyond the grant period. The program will take place over 18 months during the regular school day using existing outdoor spaces on the South Valley Prep campus. Months 1–6: Teacher training, partner onboarding, and launch of weekly outdoor routines Months 7–12: Expanded student projects, partner-led workshops, and increased youth leadership Months 13–18: Student-led initiatives, family showcases, reflection, and sustainability planning Impact and Results The Green Grounds Initiative aims to increase student engagement, focus, self-regulation, and sense of belonging; strengthen environmental literacy and stewardship; elevate student voice and leadership; and build educator capacity for outdoor instruction. By investing in programming, partnerships, and people, South Valley Prep is embedding equity into daily practice and ensuring outdoor learning is accessible, inclusive, and woven into students’ everyday educational experience.