KAEE 50th Annual Conference

Explore how The Living Arts & Science Center (LASC) brings environmental education to life both inside and outside the building. This session highlights how LASC integrates sustainability and environmental awareness into its exhibit design, educational spaces, and outreach curriculum. Learn how exhibits serve as platforms for immersive learning. We’ll also share how these concepts extend beyond our walls through traveling programs, outdoor classrooms, and garden-based education.

As environmental educators, we are driven by a powerful sense of purpose. But how do you know your work is making a difference? And how do you communicate that funders, community members, and your team?
 
This workshop explores tracking impact, starting with the big question: why? We'll examine how evaluation practices help you stay mission-focused, engage funders, and share your story in a way that resonates. We'll share methods for gathering and synthesizing evidence, taking stock of data you are already collecting. Guided peer conversations and hands-on activities will strengthen your use of tools like logic models and strategic plans. 
 
Participants will leave with:
 

• A stronger understanding of why and how to track mission-driven impact
• Familiarity with multiple methods for measuring and communicating results
• Hands-on experience with strategy and evaluation tools like logic models
• Connections with peers navigating similar challenges

Creating and maintaining a good partnership across organizations is deceptively difficult. Different goals, staff changes, scheduling limitations, budget stresses, organizational policies, poor communication, calendar conflicts, shifting priorities and any number of other factors can lead to partnerships falling flat - or worse. This session will use the ongoing and growing relationship between Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and Living Arts and Science Center as a case study for building a lasting, flexible partnership. The session will walk participants through a framework for establishing and maintaining effective organizational partnerships with examples and non-examples provided.