Impact Evaluation Exchange

The Initiative

Initiative Details

The CASC Research Task Force was established in 2025 to evaluate and highlight the social and economic contributions of the informal STEM learning (ISL) sector. Its overarching goal is to leverage collective impact to strengthen the ISL ecosystem and build a more compelling case for funding and long-term resiliency. Collective impact is an approach where organizations commit to a common agenda, shared measurements, and mutually beneficial activities, all with the support of a backbone organization that facilitates continuous communication. 

As a National Association, CASC  can serve as a backbone support and facilitator. Central to this work is a shift away from a scarcity mindset, which often focuses on competing for limited resources, towards an abundance mindset that emphasizes shared access, stability, and network strength. Through sector-wide participation and knowledge sharing, this collaboration aims to shape the future of the ISL sector in Canada and reinforce its value in Canadian society.

Not all methods are created equal, and not all are feasible at the organizational scale of most Canadian science centres. By creating a practical guide of effective, evidence-based and empirically informed evaluation and research for all CASC members, it would be a valuable contribution to the association’s goal of assessing our collective impact.

The taskforce is focused on identifying evaluation metrics that capture the learning and science identity impact of science centres through a literature review, and building on the initial report by engaging CASC members in discussions regarding data verification and insights into the reasons some organizations didn’t publicly report their KPIs as well as the rationale for  KPIs chosen. These steps aim to position the sector for greater impact and sustainability.