Arkansas Environmental Education Association

AEEA champions access to environmental education, builds community among professionals, provides support to educators, and drives excellence in the field of environmental and outdoor education in Arkansas.

The Arkansas Environmental Education Association works to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to provide high quality environmental education programs to learners of all ages, fosters collaboration and resource sharing to increase impact, and advocates for environmental education. For over 25 years AEEA has been committed to providing resources, support, and opportunities for collaboration and networking to classroom teachers and non-formal environmental educators across the many diverse regions of the state of Arkansas. We provide professional development through a statewide conference, in-person workshops, and online courses. Our community programs include an environmental education mini-grant program, and a Green Careers Expo for high school students, highlighting the many professional opportunities in sustainability within Arkansas.

Research has shown that students who are engaged in environmental and outdoor education programs have greater engagement in the classroom and increased problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Additionally, if the learning occurs outdoors that are positive physical and emotional benefits as well as reduced stress levels for both teachers and students. The more individuals around the state who have ongoing opportunities to participate in EE programs, the greater our collective ability will be to ensure healthy, thriving communities as we face issues such as climate change and availability of food and water.

AEEA advocates and encourages for environmental and outdoor education to be an integrated and essential part of K-12 learning and beyond, sharing the academic, mental, and emotional benefits of time spent in the outdoors. AEEA is the Arkansas Host Institution for Project WET and the Arkansas affiliate of the North America Association for Environmental Education.

Testimonials

Quotes from attendees at our conference earlier this year:

"I knew it would be worthwhile to attend the conference, but my expectations were blown out of the water. The conference was incredibly useful for gaining new ground and knowledge in my field, but also equally as important for networking and making connections. Thank you for your support and to AEEA for facilitating my attendance at an event that very well could change the trajectory of my career." ~ conference attendee and scholarship recipient

"I was most struck by the amazing energy levels of those in attendance. It made for a notable uptick in my optimism meter." ~ conference attendee

" I can't express enough how inspirational the event was and how much I appreciated getting to meet so many dynamic organizations and people." ~ conference attendee