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CASE STUDIES <br />Several case studies of similar <br />award -winning programs conducted at <br />AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums <br />The model of community -based outreach to deliver science <br />education has been successfully implemented at other <br />zoos around the country, with award -winning results. <br />For example, the Western North Carolina Nature Center <br />received the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) <br />2018 Top Honors in Education Award for their education <br />program targeting low income audiences. <br />The WNC Nature Center developed the Targeted Low <br />Income Outreach Education program in response to <br />growing demand from the community. Low-income <br />schools, Head Start locations, retirement centers, after - <br />school programs, libraries, and others stated admissions <br />fees and travel logistics/costs were too high to make a <br />WNC Nature Center visit possible. <br />"We do outreach as a service to our community. It's a way <br />to share our mission and educational goals with people <br />who can't come to us;' said WNC Nature Center Director <br />Chris Gentile. "Over the last two years, we've learned the <br />number of people who can't visit our site is greater than <br />we originally thought. This year, were looking to reach <br />around 10,000 students, preschools, retirees, and other <br />community members"" <br />18. McDaniel, Polly. (@tober 16,2019) WNC Nature Center's Education Program <br />rxogniwdwithnationalaward.Retrieed IP21-19 from https://w ashevillenrgoy <br />19. AZA News Release (September 18,2019) AsoriationofZoos&Aquariums <br />Announms 2019 Ebnors and Awards Recipients. <br />The Houston Zoo was awarded the AZA's 2019 Top Honors <br />in Education Award forthei r education program connecting <br />the Zoo with Houston area schools. In the Houston Zoo <br />School Partnership Program, the Zoo interacts with each <br />school partner mu Itiple times a year, over many years. This <br />model of allowing multiple touchpoints has been proven <br />effective in helping students feel connected to nature and <br />feel confident and motivated to take action to help reduce <br />threats to wildlife.19 <br />Vancouver Aquarium created the AquaVan, a mobile unit <br />that delivers science programs to schools and community <br />centers, offering up -close experiences with aquatic animals <br />and opportunities to learn about the natural environment. <br />The AquaVan 150: Connecting Communities to Coastlines <br />project received the AZA 2018 Innovation in Education <br />Award, demonstrating that a 32-foot truck housing marine <br />invertebrates and stopping at 150+ schools, camps, and <br />community events each year can help students gai n a better <br />understanding of ecosystems, regional environmental <br />issues, and STEM concepts. <br />19C-27 <br />