YOUNG Act Proposes $1M Annual Grants for Youth Nature Projects Using Drones & DNA Tech, Kicking Off 2026

The Youth Outdoors Using Natures Genetics Act of 2025, or YOUNG Act, aims to get young people hands-on with nature and cutting-edge science. This bill, if passed, would establish a new grant program managed by the Secretary of Commerce. The core idea is to fund projects where students learn about biodiversity by using advanced technologies, essentially turning outdoor exploration into a high-tech learning experience. The program is authorized for $1,000,000 per year from fiscal year 2026 through 2032.

Cash for Critter Counting: What's the YOUNG Act All About?

So, who can get these grants and what for? The bill outlines that "covered entities" can apply. This isn't just for schools; it includes nonprofits, K-12 schools (as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, which sets standards for elementary and secondary education), higher education institutions (defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which outlines criteria for colleges and universities), and even state, local, or Tribal governments. According to Section 2, the money can be used for a variety of project needs: think supplies for experiments, transportation to get students to monitoring sites, outreach to get more kids involved, and even covering the costs of scientific collection licenses and permits. The Secretary of Commerce also has the discretion to approve other project-related expenses.

From Drones to DNA: Getting Young People Plugged into Nature Tech

A key goal here, as stated in Section 2, is to educate students about "advanced technologies." We're not just talking about binoculars and notebooks. The bill defines these as tools like environmental DNA (eDNA) collection and analysis – that’s like finding animal footprints at a genetic level – plus remote sensing, drones, camera traps, acoustic monitoring, advanced sensors, AI, machine learning, and sophisticated modeling. Imagine a high school science club using a grant to deploy camera traps in a local park and then using AI to help identify the wildlife captured. Or picture students learning to analyze eDNA samples from a river to see what fish species are present without ever having to catch them. The bill gives priority to projects focused on underserved communities, aiming to broaden access to these kinds of STEM opportunities.

Keeping Tabs: Funding and Accountability

The financial backbone for this initiative is an authorized appropriation of $1,000,000 annually for seven fiscal years, from 2026 through 2032, as specified in Section 2. To ensure transparency and track the program's impact, the Secretary of Commerce is required to submit a report to Congress within two years of the bill's enactment. This report will detail who received grants, the amounts awarded, how the funds were utilized, and, importantly, the number of young people who participated in these biodiversity monitoring projects. This reporting mechanism aims to provide oversight and measure the effectiveness of the program in achieving its educational and environmental goals.