Get Outside Bus Awarded Dr. Nina Roberts Social Justice Micro-Grant from the Association for Experiential Education
A $300 micro-grant from the Association for Experiential Education supports free access to the Outdoor Inclusive Leadership Certification.
MILWAUKEE, WI - September 29, 2026
Get Outside Bus has been awarded a $300 Dr. Nina Roberts Social Justice Micro-Grant from the Association for Experiential Education (AEE). The micro-grant, funded by an endowment established in Dr. Roberts' name, supports individuals and organizations doing social justice work in outdoor and experiential education.
Dr. Nina Roberts was a longtime advocate for a more just, compassionate, and equitable outdoor field, and helped found AEE's Social Justice Task Force in 2017. Micah Leinbach, Executive Director of Get Outside Bus, served on that original task force alongside her.
“Continuing Nina's legacy through this work feels personal,” said Leinbach. “This grant helps make sure the people already doing this work in their own communities don't have to choose between covering rent and building the skills to lead outside. Nina and I served on the original AEE Social Justice Task Force, and it is a great honor to carry her legacy forward in this way.”
The grant supports Get Outside Bus's Outdoor Inclusive Leadership Certification, which opens its doors to educators, youth workers, and community leaders from grassroots and justice-oriented organizations.
“Many people entering our industry quickly learn that our required certifications are expensive,” says Leinbach. “That's why this is free.” Leinbach explains that the certification allows those who may not have had the financial freedom to take low-wage labor to enter into the experiential learning workforce to get verification that they have the skills necessary to work in the space.
The certification pairs field-based outdoor skills training, including trip planning, cooking, and navigation, with a curriculum centered on cultural humility, power, and belonging in outdoor spaces. Funds from the micro-grant went toward curriculum development, stipends for guest facilitators and mentors, and shared gear and food resources used to model equitable program design during the training.
Over 25 attendees from over eight different organizations that do equity work in outdoor and experiential spaces attended, with the final attendee list spanning age, geography, and profession.
Asked about the certification, one attendee said:
“This program is so thoughtfully designed, from the topics presented to the interactive and inclusive ways they were taught. [The Get Outside Bus] team brings incredible perspective and expertise and truly goes above and beyond to make sure every participant feels welcomed and included.”
Another said:
“I would recommend to anyone who is on the fence about starting a career in this field. Any program can teach you packing techniques and tent setup. This program has a heart and soul to it. It provides tools for community building, creating an inclusive and safe environment allowing the people we are guiding to freely and respectfully be themselves.”
About Get Outside Bus
Get Outside Bus (formerly Bus for Outdoor Access & Teaching, or BOAT) partners with community organizations across the country to expand access to meaningful experiences. Rather than leading programs directly, Get Outside Bus provides coaching and resources to trusted Community Leaders. Leaders design and run programs for the community they already know and serve. Learn more at getoutsidebus.com.
“This grant helps make sure the people already doing this work in their own communities don't have to choose between covering rent and building the skills to lead outside.”
— Micah Leinbach, Executive Director
Media Contact
Micah Leinbach, Executive Director
micah@theboatbus.com
(414) 803-7080