Giving back and being an active member in our communities is at the core of BCK's mission.
Below are some of the ways that we support our students and neighbors.
Student Excellence in Environmental Leadership (SEEL) The SEEL recognition is a program for 6th grade students who make an environmental or social impact at their school and in their community. Encinitas Union School District (EUSD), in partnership with BCK Programs, awards SEEL recognition to students who exhibit academic proficiency in environmental issues and demonstrate leadership toward resolving those issues.
Student Internship Opportunities BCK Programs regularly employs aspiring environmental educators as high school and college interns. Since 2017, BCK Programs has hosted interns from California State University, San Marcos, who have helped develop and implement the enhanced waste sorting stations at the Leucadia Farmer's Market. Interns have also assisted BCK Programs with other important projects, such as rebuilding school gardens, providing outreach at local events, and more.
Community Service Opportunities BCK Programs regularly partners with local scout troops, high schools, and other volunteer organizations to help high school students obtain service hour requirements while also supporting their local community.
Leucadia Farmer's Market BCK Programs, in partnership with the City of Encinitas, has and continues to support the Leucadia Farmer's Market in implementing zero waste practices. BCK Programs also supports the Market by providing volunteers who help ensure proper waste diversion.
Food Recovery and Donation to Local Food Banks BCK Programs regularly collects and coordinates the donation of food from school sites to local food pantries in North County San Diego. BCK Programs is currently working to ensure that all leftover food from Encinitas Union School District (EUSD) is donated to a food recovery site on a weekly basis.
Participation and Support of Community Events BCK Programs is a proud supporter of a variety of local events such EcoFest Encinitas, World Water Day Festival at Agua Hedionda, the City of Carlsbad Earth Month Celebration, and more. BCK Programs also regularly supports local organizations by providing waste stations for special events.
Grant Writing BCK Programs is committed to supporting environmental education initiatives through pro-bono grant writing. BCK Programs has helped leverage funding from CalEPA, the Port of San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club, Carton Council, and other organizations. This funding allows BCK Programs to assist schools and school districts with activities such as building gardens and providing curricula and materials for fostering hands-on learning experiences in sustainability and environmental stewardship.
