What are School Trust Lands?

At the time of statehood, the federal government granted millions of acres of land to states to be held in trust. This land is not for general public use like a national park but is a specific endowment for public education.

How do School Trust Lands Generate Revenue?

The states are legally required to manage these lands to generate as much revenue as possible. Revenue comes from various activities, such as timber harvesting, mining, oil and gas leases, agriculture, and commercial real estate.

Where Does the Revenue Go from There?

The money generated from these activities is placed into a permanent fund. The principal of this fund is never spent, but the interest and earnings from the investments are distributed annually to public schools. This ensures a consistent, long-term source of funding.

Why is it Important to Have a Permanent Fund?

Because the permanent fund's principal is kept intact, it is an ever-growing, sustainable source of funding for public education. It is designed to benefit both today's students and all future generations.

How Does a Permanent Fund Help Schools?

This funding supplements other state and local education budgets, directly supporting schools and providing resources for students, like technology and educational programs.

How Does Advocacy Make a Difference

Organizations like Advocates for School Trust Lands (ASTL) play a crucial role in ensuring that these lands are managed effectively and transparently. They work to hold states accountable to their fiduciary responsibility, protecting this valuable resource for the children who are the beneficiaries of the trust.

Securing Education's Financial Future.

School trust lands are a foundational asset for public education. We work to maximize the revenue from these lands and manage the permanent fund as a sustainable resource. Your support helps us ensure a stable financial future for our schools.

Fulfilling the Promise for Every Student

Every student deserves a chance to succeed. The historic promise of school trust lands was made to secure that future for generations of learners. By supporting us, you're directly investing in the potential of every child.

Protecting Our Public Trust

The school trust is a public trust, and we are its stewards. Our mission is to protect this commitment and ensure every acre benefits public education as intended. Help us honor this responsibility and preserve a vital legacy for our communities.