Culturally Responsive and Equitable Evaluation (CREE) Learning Series
Expanding the Bench® (ETB) works to support Evaluators and Funders of Evaluation to ensure that power is distributed equitably to lead change toward justice. Our work lifts up the strengths and careers of racially and ethnically diverse Evaluators who have been historically and/or are presently underrepresented or marginalized in the U.S. In doing so we reach many audiences, and it’s vital that we create a shared understanding around culturally responsive and equitable evaluation (CREE). That’s why, with help from content experts and learning guides, we developed the CREE Learning Series.
About the Series
The CREE Learning Series provides an introductory overview of culturally responsive and equitable evaluation (CREE) for beginner-to-intermediate learners that outlines key principles and theory, importance in evaluation practice, and various aspects of its application. The Series includes self-paced learning through video content and discussion boards on an online platform, further exploration and exercises through a guided workbook, and live discussions with learning guides and peers.
This three-part video teaching tool is broken down into four short videos per part that showcase learnings, offer new ideas, provide perspectives on approaching CREE-focused work, and ground learners in the foundations of CREE.
What You Can Expect to Learn
- Define key CREE principles and frameworks
- Understand how and why culture influences evaluation work and the larger evaluation ecosystem
- Identify and explain how a CREE approach supports equitable outcomes
- Become familiar with the main differences between a CREE evaluation and a non-CREE evaluation
- Identify approaches that align with a CREE practice and strategies for implementing these
- Demonstrate the components of a shared approach to CREE
- Recognize opportunities and challenges related to the application of CREE
- Be positioned to advocate for CREE internally and externally in the larger evaluation ecosystem
How to Participate
Registration is on a rolling basis through October 1, 2025.
The participation fee for the CREE Learning Series is determined based on a sliding scale ranging from $200-$600*. Participation is free for Advancing Culturally-responsive and Equitable (ACE) Evaluation Network Members, community members of the Leaders in Equitable Evaluation and Diversity (LEEAD) Program, students, and direct Funders of ETB.
A limited number of scholarships are available for evaluators who are in need of financial assistance. Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-serve basis upon availability. Applicants must be an evaluator from an independently owned or small/medium evaluation firm. or are learning and evaluation practitioners, which include emerging evaluators, accidental evaluators, nontraditional evaluators, or capacity builders supporting CREE.
*These proceeds financially support the sustainability of our mission and programming efforts and allow us to continue offering programming and opportunities for racially and ethnically diverse evaluators.
Explore the CREE Learning Series
Culturally responsive and equitable evaluation (CREE) is not just one method of evaluation, it is an approach that should be infused into all evaluation methodologies. CREE advances equity by informing strategy, program improvement, decision-making, policy formation, and change.
Part I
Creating a Shared Understanding of CREE
1.1 – Introducing Learners to CREE
1.2 – Exploring How Culture Influences Evaluation
1.3 – Addressing Why Equity in Evaluation Matters
1.4 – Defining CREE Frameworks and Principles in All Phases of Evaluation
Part II
CREE in Practice
2.1 – Bringing to Light Differences Between a CREE Evaluation and a Non-CREE Evaluation
2.2 – Exploring the Different Methodologies Used in CREE Practice
2.3 – Developing a Shared Approach to the Practice of CREE
2.4 – Addressing Challenges and Opportunities Involved in Applying CREE
Part III
Making the Case for CREE
3.1 – CREE: Improving Evaluation and Data Quality
3.2 – CREE Within Evaluation Organizations
3.3 – CREE Within Funder Organizations
3.4 – Building External CREE Support
Here’s How It Works
Videos
This beginner-to-intermediate-focused Series outlines CREE’s importance and delves into various aspects of its use. Upon signing up, participants gain access to several short video teaching tools created by CREE subject matter experts and learning guides through Teach:able. Each video showcases learnings, offers new ideas, and provides fresh perspectives on approaching CREE-focused work.
Workbook
Included with your registration is a comprehensive workbook intended to foster deeper understanding of the material covered in the video content and aid in its application.
Discussions
Before watching the videos, participants are invited to join the Introduction Session to learn how to get started, navigate the Teach:able platform, and understand overall expectations for how to engage in this year’s series.
After watching the videos, participants are invited to join at least one of the CREEcess with the Learning Guides sessions to further broaden their knowledge and offer insights on practice and implementation with fellow peers and learning guides.
Introduction Session | Wednesday, July 16 at 1:00pm – 2:00pm ET
CREEcess with the Learning Guides | Monday, August 4 at 3:00pm – 4:30pm ET
CREEcess with the Learning Guides | Monday, October 6 at 3:00pm – 4:30pm ET
CREEcess with the Learning Guides | Monday, December 15 at 3:00pm – 4:30pm ET
Free Enrollment Tier
Free enrollment is offered for the following roles.
- Students
- ACE Evaluation Network Members
- LEEAD Program Alumni
- LEEAD Program Scholars
- LEEAD Program Mentors
- ETB Pricing Model Subscribers
Click on the following link to complete your registration form to enroll. You will receive access to the content once your submission is approved via email. Submissions will be reviewed within 1-2 business days.
Questions? Contact [email protected]
Scholarship for Evaluators
A limited number of scholarships are available for evaluators who are in need of financial assistance. Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-serve basis upon availability.
Applicants must be an evaluator from an independently owned or small/medium evaluation firm* or are learning and evaluation practitioners, which include emerging evaluators, accidental evaluators, nontraditional evaluators, or capacity builders supporting CREE.
To apply for the scholarship, please apply here.