Fort Collins Company Offers $25,000 Outdoor Classroom Contest to Schools Nationwide

Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds, a Fort Collins-based company, has launched its annual OutClass Outdoor Classroom Giveaway Contest, inviting schools and child care centers across the United States to compete for a $25,000 outdoor learning space designed to connect children with nature-based education.

The contest, which opened September 19 and runs through May 11, 2026, targets the growing demand for educational spaces that extend learning beyond traditional indoor classrooms. Since the program's inception, more than 25,000 entries have been submitted nationwide, according to the company.

"We've seen firsthand the benefits of learning in nature," said John El-Raheb, CEO of Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds. "Nature brings a change of perspective: learning becomes stickier because multiple senses are engaged, students are more focused, and teachers see the effects carried back indoors. All it takes is 60 minutes outside."

The initiative comes as outdoor education gains recognition in Colorado, where the state has developed an official Environmental Education Plan that encourages districts to integrate nature-based learning with academic standards. According to the Colorado Department of Education, outdoor learning experiences improve student engagement, retention of material, and test scores while providing health benefits including improved motor coordination and reduced stress levels.

Local school districts in Larimer and Weld counties already support various outdoor education initiatives, though dedicated outdoor classroom infrastructure typically relies on external grants rather than regular operating budgets. The Poudre School District has supported student-driven outdoor learning projects through local foundation grants, while Weld County communities recently shared over $1.2 million in grants from Great Outdoors Colorado for parks and recreation projects that include outdoor learning facilities.

In Northern Colorado, over 160 public schools across both counties would be eligible for the contest, along with dozens of licensed child care centers and preschools. This includes major districts such as Poudre School District with more than 50 schools and 29,000 students, Thompson School District with approximately 16,000 students, and Greeley-Evans School District serving over 23,000 students.

The contest prize of $25,000 represents a mid-range investment for comprehensive outdoor classroom installations. In Northern Colorado's variable climate, outdoor learning spaces typically require weatherproof materials, shade structures, and seasonal adaptability features to handle hot summers, cold winters, and strong winds. Construction costs for nature-based outdoor classrooms generally range from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on features and site preparation.

Colorado became the second state in 2024 to approve licensing for outdoor nature-based preschools, allowing these programs to participate in Universal Preschool and expanding access for low-income families. The new regulations require specific safety protocols and emergency shelter provisions for year-round outdoor learning.

Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds has completed over 4,500 projects globally and maintains safety certifications through the International Playground Safety Institute. The company designs facilities to meet ASTM International safety standards and Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines, with several installations already completed at Colorado schools and early childhood centers.

Educators, parents, and community members can nominate their school or child care center by visiting outdoorclassrooms.com. The company describes the contest as part of a growing movement that recognizes outdoor learning as essential rather than optional for child development.

PVREA's Empower Grant Program annually awards $25,000 total to K-12 classroom projects in Larimer and Weld counties, with individual teachers eligible for up to $2,000 per year for STEAM and outdoor learning infrastructure, providing additional funding opportunities for local schools pursuing nature-based education initiatives.