The best programs learn from their successes and failures. Consequently, each iteration of the Science Collaborative has incorporated mechanisms for learning and improvement into its operations. These efforts assess the program's performance in meeting Reserve System needs and program goals, and enable the Science Collaborative to manage the program adaptively.
We have built a variety of evaluation and adaptation tools into our program activities. The evaluation tools offer snapshots of the program's impact on participant groups at various points in time and have been used to modify program activities such as request for proposal (RFP) and review processes, and project management.