Maine Revised Statutes Title 12. Conservation § 5305. Report; evaluation

Except as otherwise provided in section 5304, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service, in consultation with the advisory committee under section 5306, shall develop an evaluation and longitudinal study on current and future demographics of students participating in the program for the purpose of ensuring equitable access and to understand the effects of outdoor education on emotional, educational and career trajectories of students who have participated in the program. Beginning March 1, 2026 and annually thereafter, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service shall submit a report regarding the study to the joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters, inland fisheries and wildlife matters and agriculture, conservation and forestry matters. The report must include an emphasis on information regarding the accessibility of the program from a geographic, economic, ethnic and disability perspective and the program's effect on state workforce goals.