ee360+ Training Partners include 11 organizations and universities. They will be responsible for delivery of professional development and related activities. Individual implementation plans specify what each partner will do, audiences and number of educators they will reach, measurable outcomes and outputs, performance indicators, and plans for data collection for evaluation purposes.
The Training Partners include the following:
Antioch University New England (AUNE):
AUNE is one of the largest and oldest EE graduate programs in the country. Known for its work in promoting sustainability and innovative educational strategies, AUNE is a dynamic and leading-edge institution offering scholarly, practice-oriented graduate studies that focus on socially engaged citizenship, and experiential, transformational learning.
The Center for Diversity and the Environment (CDE):
CDE harnesses the power of racial and ethnic diversity to transform the U.S. environmental movement by developing leaders, catalyzing change within institutions, and building alliances. CDE was founded in 2008 to address the movement's lack of progress on equity and inclusion. CDE’s unique and innovative approach combines leadership with practical solutions and services for organizations to succeed.
Cornell University, Civic Ecology Lab (Cornell):
Cornell is widely recognized as a major research university, but it has also been at the forefront of EE with its focus on citizen science, online learning, outreach, and education programs that certify teachers of agriculture, biology, earth sciences, chemistry, and physics. From 2011 to 2016, Cornell's Civic Ecology Lab served as the managing partner of the U.S. EPA’s National Environmental Education and Training Program, known as EECapacity, and developed and offered several online EE courses.
Earth Force (EF):
EF engages young people as active citizens who improve the environment and their communities now and in the future. EF believes that a civic experience is an essential element of education about the environment. For more than 20 years, EF has been committed to training and supporting educators to combine the best of environmental, civic, and STEM education to ensure that young people have the skills, knowledge, and motivation to be active citizens protecting local environments.
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU):
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is a public historically black land-grant university in Tallahassee, Florida. Founded in 1887, it is the third largest historically black university in the United States by enrollment and the only publicly historically black university in Florida.
NAAEE Affiliate Network:
NAAEE’s Affiliate Network stretches across North America, with 56 state, regional, and provincial Affiliates. It represents more than 25,000 members and includes 38 full-time staff and more than 700 board members, 400 organizational partners, and, collectively, 300,000 programs, providers, and supporters. The Affiliate Network provides leadership to advance EE efforts on all levels and provides professional development and support for on-the-ground educators in formal and nonformal settings.
Project WET (WET):
Since 1984, WET has been dedicated to solving critical environmental challenges by teaching the world about water. WET’s mission is to advance water education by providing objective, hands-on, science-based water education resources to formal and nonformal educators around the world. Through a network of more than 150 local partner organizations, WET impacts people in all 50 U.S. states and 70 countries worldwide.
Project Learning Tree (PLT):
PLT develops and publishes award-winning EE curriculum materials for use from early childhood through high school. PLT offers professional development in 50 states and DC, and publishes a quarterly newsletter reaching 30,000 educators. Over the past 40 years, PLT has trained approximately 20,000 educators each year reaching 500,000 students.
Project WILD (WILD):
WILD's mission is to provide wildlife-based conservation and EE that fosters responsible actions toward wildlife and natural resources. All curriculum materials are backed by sound educational practices and theory and represent the work of education and natural resource management professionals across the country. Since 1983, more than 1.5 million educators in the U.S. have participated in WILD and Aquatic WILD workshops. Those educators, in turn, have reached more than 100 million youth since the program was first introduced.
University of Florida (UF):
UF is one of the largest universities in the nation with over 50,000 students in 100 undergraduate majors and 200 graduate programs. EE courses and research are based at the School of Forest Resources and Conservation in the College of Life Science and Agriculture. The school also works closely with county Extension agents to develop and deliver valuable programs for youth and community leaders and coordinates the state's PLT and WET workshops for educators.
University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UWSP):
Since first offering a degree in conservation education in 1946, UWSP has been a leader in the field. UWSP offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in EE, professional development for teachers, and educational programs for preK–12 students. Through the Teacher Educator Network for Environmental Education, UWSP has created a network of over 200 higher education faculty members in the state, providing resources and support to increase EE in the state’s teacher education programs and reaching more than 50,000 undergraduates.
Dissemination Partners have agreed to work with ee360+ to increase access to high-quality resources and networks and reduce duplication of effort through increased coordination and collaboration. The work of Dissemination Partners is described in more detail in Goal 3, Output C.
The Dissemination Partners include the following:
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE):
AASHE is the leading association for the advancement of sustainability in higher education. AASHE sees sustainability as inclusive and encompasses human and ecological health, social justice, secure livelihoods, and a better world for all generations. Since 2005, AASHE has supported higher education through professional development and resources to ensure that our world’s future leaders are motivated and equipped to solve sustainability challenges.
Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals (ANREP):
ANREP is a community of Extension professionals across the country engaged in educating and empowering individuals and communities to be good stewards of our nation’s land, air, and water. Working in cooperation with states and regions, agencies, associations, and businesses, ANREP provides a forum for members to network, innovate and collaborate while advancing the professional status and recognition of their unique role as educators in the field of natural resources.
Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC):
Founded in 1973, ASTC is a network of more than 600 science and technology centers and museums, and allied organizations, engaging more than 110 million people annually across North America and in almost 50 countries. With its members and partners, ASTC works towards a vision of increased understanding of and engagement with science and technology among all people.
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA):
AZA is dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Representing more than 235 facilities in the US and overseas, AZA helps these institutions provide the public with essential connections to the natural world. More than 400,000 teachers have benefited from award-winning and proven science curricula created by AZA-accredited institutions.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM):
Since 1946 the BLM’s mission has been to sustain public lands' health, diversity, and productivity for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. This has been accomplished through community-based conservation, citizen-centered stewardship, and partnerships through consultation, cooperation, and communication.
BSCS- Science Learning (BSCS):
BSCS Science Learning is an independent nonprofit dedicated to transforming science education through research-driven innovation. An innovator in science education since 1958, BSCS has brought inquiry learning experiences to millions of students and teachers around the world. Today, BSCS conducts research on science teaching and learning and develops instructional materials, teacher-professional learning programs, and leadership development programs, all based on research and extensive testing.
Global Council for Science and the Environment (GCSE):
GCSE is a nongovernmental organization that focuses on the advancement and use of science to inform environmental decision-making. Established in 1990, GCSE engages scientists, educators, policymakers, business leaders, and officials at all levels of government to harness local action for global impact. GCSE was formerly known as NCSE.
National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS):
The NCSS represents K–12 classroom teachers, college and university faculty members, curriculum designers and specialists, social studies supervisors, and leaders in the various disciplines that constitute social studies. It is the largest professional association in the country devoted to social studies education. NCSS engages and supports educators in strengthening and advocating social studies by providing leadership, services, and support to educators.
Jane Goodall Institute (Roots & Shoots):
The mission of Roots & Shoots is to foster respect and compassion for all living things, to promote understanding of all cultures and beliefs and to inspire each individual to take action to make the world a better place for people, animals and the environment.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):
NOAA was created in 1970 to advance our ability to predict and respond to changes in climate and other environmental challenges that imperil Earth’s natural resources, human life, and economic vitality. NOAA works closely with other nations to advance science, service, and stewardship in support of this mission.
U.S. National Park Service (NPS):
NPS has been entrusted with caring for natural and cultural resources for this and future generations' enjoyment, education, and inspiration. Their work involves preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close-to-home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun. NPS collaborates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
National Wildlife Federation (NWF):
NWF strives to Protect, Restore, and Connect Wildlife Habitat through restoration and reconnection of fragmented and degraded habitat across protected lands, working lands, waterways, coasts, and communities. Their goal of inspiring future environmental stewards is achieved by creating programs, curriculum, and scientific reports to broaden the stewardship ethic and give wildlife a voice.
SEI: Building Leaders for a Resilient World:
For 25 years, SEI has partnered with schools, communities, and businesses to develop sustainability leadership pathways from elementary school to early career. SEI has provides over 50,000 K–12 students with environmental and sustainability education each year which helps fulfill their mission of building leaders to drive sustainability solutions.
U.S. Forest Service (USFS):
For more than 100 years, USFS has worked to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. Their work is grounded in science and technology and rooted in communities affirming their motto of caring for the land and serving people.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife:
USFWS is known for its scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. As the world’s first and oldest conservation agency UFWS works to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.