PEEC PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The PEEC program’s mission is to foster and empower a professional environmental education network to promote environmental literacy in South Carolina. To achieve this mission, the PEEC course provides challenging and engaging multidisciplinary avenues to strengthen an individual’s skill set as an environmental educator.
The PEEC content blends the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Core Competencies with South Carolina specific topics, examples, and regions.
Program Highlights
- Timeline for Completion: 2 years
- Eligibility: South Carolina K-12 formal and nonformal educators
- Environmental education training and experiences in the different regions of the state
- 120 Hours of Renewal Credit through the S.C. State Department of Education
Required Elements
- Four, two-night and three-day, in-person workshops designed to develop skills for effective environmental education instruction.
- Eight online modules using Google Classroom online learning platform. These modules explore topics such as the foundations and history of the field of environmental education.
- Individualized elective component (90 hours) that encourages exploration of and the different regions of the state and aligns with the personal interests of the participant.
- Capstone project that demonstrates mastery of knowledge and skill and involves the implementation of a new or revised program or product.
Length Certification Valid: 5 years (recertification available)
OVERVIEW OF 2026 – 2028 COURSE AND IMPORTANT DATES
Information Session: April 28, 2026 from 5:30 – 6:15 pm via Zoom (Deadline to register April 24)
PEEC Application Period: May 1 – June 30, 2026
New Cohort Announced: July 31, 2026
PEEC Kick-off Meeting: September 15, 2026 from 5:30 – 6:15 pm
Workshop #1 (Coastal): January 15 – 17, 2027
Workshop #2 (Upstate): August 3 – 5, 2027
Workshop #3 (Midlands): January 14 – 16, 2028
Workshop #4 (Upstate): August 1 – 3, 2028
APPLICATIONS
Applications for PEEC 2026 – 2028 will be accepted between May 1 – June 30, 2026. To apply for the program:
- Be sure that you note the in-person workshop dates above – attendance is required at all four.
- Complete the online application by June 30, 2026. The application will take you approximately 30 minutes to complete.
- Submit one letter of recommendation from a current or former colleague who is familiar with your work by June 30, 2026 to peecprogram@gmail.com.
- All applications will be reviewed by members of the PEEC Advisory Committee. Applicants will be notified regarding acceptance to the upcoming cohort; those not selected will be placed on a waiting list and notified should a space become available.
All applications will be reviewed by members of the PEEC Advisory Committee. Applicants will be notified regarding acceptance to the upcoming cohort; those not selected will be placed on a waiting list and notified should a space become available.
Applications will open soon.
Registration Rates
The PEEC registration rate covers program supplies, workshop lodging and most meals, and course instruction. Those accepted into the next PEEC cohort will be required to provide 50% of the registration fee by August 31, 2026 and the remaining 50% by December 31, 2026. Registration rates are as follows:
$1,000 for applicants who apply between May 1 - May 31, 2026 (early application rate)
$1,200 for applicants who apply between June 1 - June 30, 2026