BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — McKinley Elementary and the Bakersfield City School District were recognized on the 50th Earth Day for efforts to provide people with a clean and healthy environment.

The McKinley Agriculture Academy was recognized by the California Department of Education as a California Green Ribbon Schools award recipient. The award is part of a larger U.S. Department of Education effort to identify and communicate practices that result in improved student engagement, academic achievement, graduation rates, and workforce preparedness, while focusing on efforts to increase energy independence and economic security.

McKinley is the the first school in Kern County to receive the prestigious award.

The McKinley Agriculture Academy launched in September 2018. At the McKinley farm, students enjoy a farm-to-table experience as they grow, prepare and later cook their produce. Students also have access to Kern County Edible Schoolyard curriculum, thanks to a partnership with the Grimm Educational Foundation.