OLYMPIA, Wash.-The Washington State Department of Natural Resources released its strategic plan and website for its Youth Education and Outreach Program on Feb. 13.
The DNR’s Youth Education and Outreach Program started in 2023 to provide outdoor learning opportunities and promote careers in the natural resource sector.
According to the DNR, since its inception, the YEOP program has connected more than 2,000 K-12 students with subject matter experts in the areas of climate, recreation, wildfires and sustainable stewardship.
“The immediate impact and rapid growth of our Youth Education and Outreach Program shows how much of a need there is to connect Washington youth with the best experts and learning experiences possible,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz.
The YEOP has produced over 4,500 hours of programming, including classroom activities, field-based learning, career fairs, internships, and professional learning opportunities for teachers, according to the DNR.
An online portal of educational activities for students is also available.
The DNR has requested funding from the Washington Legislature to continue growing the YEOP. According to the DNR, additional funding would allow for the creation of a gear library and the hiring of more positions.