The Kentucky Association for Environmental Education's Excellence in Environmental Education Awards are presented by KAEE to recognize those best exemplifying dedication, commitment, and influence in the field of environmental education (EE).

Nominations may be made in the following categories:
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Individual Awards
Rising Star in EE
M.K. Dickerson Outstanding Educator
Lifetime Achievement in EE

Group Awards
Community Partner/Government Agency
Business
PreK-12 School
The nominee should be known for one or more of the following:
  • Dedicated current and long-term service in the field of EE (e.g., developed curriculum, research, innovations, publications, programs, legislation, etc.)
  • Creating a work environment that incorporates EE (e.g., volunteerism by employees, using recycled and environmentally-friendly products, collaboration and/or funding of EE initiatives outside the organization)
  • Outstanding action, contribution, and leadership in supporting EE
  • See alternative/additional criteria below for the EE Rising Star and Lifetime Achievement in EE Awards​​
To make a nomination for this award in any of the categories, submit the Nomination Form including a narrative of 300 words or less. Two additional pages of supporting documentation may be uploaded within the nomination form if desired.

​Please include all information necessary to enable the Awards Committee to evaluate this nomination such as the following:
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  • Contributions the nominee has made to the field of EE in Kentucky
  • The nominee’s long-term service in the field of environmental education through their organization and community involvement
  • How the nominee has created a work environment that incorporates environmental education​
  • Any additional information you would like to include that supports your nomination within the required page limitation

learn more: the rising star award

This award recognizes individuals who are new to the environmental education field in Kentucky, but are already making an impact.  The nominee must have a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years of experience in the EE field in Kentucky.

The nominee should be known for one or more of the following:
  • Developed and/or implemented at least one ongoing EE program in Kentucky
  • Innovative and enthusiastic application of EE tools or best practices
  • Shares ideas and techniques with colleagues
  • Collaborates with the greater EE community
  • Outstanding action, contribution, and leadership in supporting EE

To nominate a person for this award, please complete the Nomination Form which should include a narrative of no more than 300 words. Within the form you may optionally upload up to two pages of supporting documentation that can include the following information:
  • A description of the program the nominee has developed or implemented
  • How the nominee exhibits innovation and enthusiastic application of EE tools or best practices
  • How the nominee shares ideas and techniques with colleagues and collaborates with the greater EE community
  • How the nominee’s contributions have impacted his/her colleagues, workplace, and other groups and organizations
  • Any additional information you would like to include that supports your nomination within the required page limitation

LEARN MORE: lifetime achievement AWARD

This award recognizes the lifetime achievements of the recipient in the field of conservation and environmental education. The nominee must have a minimum of ten years' involvement in the field of EE in general and, if appropriate, involvement with KAEE as well. The nominee must also have made and continue to make a significant contribution to EE in Kentucky. 

The nominee should be known for one or more of the following:
  • Dedicated current and long-term service in the field of EE in general and/or as a KAEE member (e.g., developed curriculum, research, innovations, publications, programs, legislation, etc.)
  • Outstanding action, contribution, and leadership in supporting EE

To nominate a person for this award, please complete the Nomination Form which should include a narrative of no more than 300 words. Within the form you may optionally upload up to two pages of supporting documentation that can include the following information:
  • Contributions the nominee has made to the field of EE in Kentucky and, if appropriate, to KAEE
  • The nominee’s long-term (at least ten years) service in the field of environmental education through their profession/organization and community involvement
  • How the nominee’s contributions have impacted their colleagues, workplace, and other groups and organizations

Excellence in ee awards

award history
Kentucky Association for Environmental Education