AUGUSTA - On Monday, the Maine Legislature gave final approval to LD 1682, An Act to Create the Maine Experiential Education Program, sponsored by Rep. Kathy Shaw, D-Auburn.
As amended, LD 1682 would establish the Maine Experiential Education Program Fund within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and would support grants to facilitate new staff positions at participating public schools. The grants would be used to provide hands-on, experiential learning opportunities related to gardens, food and agriculture. The fund would improve healthy academic, physical and emotional development for students.
"Experiential learning is an impactful way to engage students who might otherwise have a difficult time in the classroom," said Shaw. "Giving schools an opportunity to provide hands-on learning experiences for students without mandating a curriculum change opens up new potential for deepening connections to the land while also equipping the next generation of Mainers with the fundamental skills needed to feed and fend for themselves."
The bill faces additional votes.
Shaw is serving her first term in the Maine House, representing part of Auburn. A lifelong farmer and president of the Cumberland and Falmouth farmers markets, Shaw serves on the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Shaw], c. 305-965-2744