Discover more about the Learning Environments for the All to Flourish Initiative though our LEAF website.
Summary and NCT Lab Contributions
Launched in 2024 via a 5-year UNL Grand Challenges Catalyst Award, the LEAF Initiative takes a community-based approach, merging research, design, engagement and education to transform early childhood programs across Nebraska. It focuses on increasing children's experiences in green space to support their mental, emotional, and physical well-being while providing early childhood educators with tools and resources to develop and sustain healthy learning environments. The NCT Lab is contributing to the research arm of the LEAF Initiative. This arm seeks to implement green space interventions in early childhood programs and, for the first time ever, use cutting-edge brain imaging to quantify the benefits of enriching outdoor environments for the developing brain and mind.