On September 30, 2009, KIDS for the BAY received California’s highest and most prestigious environmental honor: the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) in the Children’s Environmental Education category. The GEELA recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership for voluntary achievements in conserving California’s resources, protecting and enhancing the environment, and building public-private partnerships. Executive Director Mandi Billinge had the exciting opportunity to travel to Los Angeles to attend the reception, held at the Governor’s Global Climate Summit 2, and receive the award from California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. KIDS for the BAY is honored to receive state-wide recognition for our important work in delivering quality environmental and science education to our under-funded, under-resourced public elementary schools.

In the 2008-09 school year, thanks to our generous funders and supporters, we provided academic enrichment and engaging hands-on learning opportunities to 2,980 students. We delivered quality professional development in environmental science education for 152 teachers, and provided opportunities for hundreds of students’ parents to actively participate in their children’s education. Our classes of students and teachers became stewards of their environment and worked to protect, beautify, and restore natural habitats within the San Francisco Bay Area.