In its 19^th year, Minnesota Trout in the Classroom has 86 tanks in 74 schools and 2 nature centers throughout the state ready to be filled, cycled, and prepared to welcome 300 tiny, neon orange trout eggs this winter. Check out this map color coded by MNTU chapter to see where schools are located in the 2025-2026 school year. Trout in the Classroom grew slowly in Minnesota from its start in a Bemidji elementary school in 2007, with only a few tanks purchased and supported by Headwaters and Hiawatha chapter members. With the first large LCCMR grant received in 2015, TIC grew more quickly as it provided funds for a paid education supervisor that could more thoroughly support teachers and expand the program throughout the state. These larger education grants have become more difficult to obtain over the last few years, but through donations from MNTU, its chapters, and partner organizations, the program has continued to be grow, providing support for teachers as they navigate the school year.

In 2025-26 school year we are lucky to have support from two sources; Hennepin County and the Jeffers Foundation. MNTU has a longtime partnership with the Jeffers Foundation whose consistent donations over the last few years have allowed us to continue running Trout in the Classroom in Minnesota. Their mission is to foster environmental stewardship through education, preserving nature, and establishing productive partnerships with like-minded organizations. The $95,000 they have donated over the last few years has provided busing reimbursements for schools, funds for our team to implement activities with TIC students, equipment and supplies, and more! The foundation not only provides donations and grants to organizations like MNTU, they also conduct incredible workshops for educators throughout the state. These workshops are provided free to participants, with opportunities for discounted graduate credits, supplies, notebooks, and the resulting confidence to take their students outdoors for learning experiences. 

This is the first year we’ve received a Hennepin County Greenpartners grant for Youth Environmental Education. Funding is supporting our work with schools in Hennepin County and grateful for their support.

Looking for a way to support youth education? We are always looking for volunteers to assist with programs and egg delivery! Contact Amber, mntu.education@gmail.com with questions about volunteering with youth education.