THE CHALLENGE -- In spite of serving over 60,000 San Diego youth each year through on-site & outreach education, the Birch Aquarium failed to reach thousands more of San Diego youth who, because of distance or financial constraints, were unable to visit the Aquarium. The Aquarium had long desired an outreach vehicle, but lacked the funds to secure one.

THE OPPORTUNITY -- San Diego companies placed increasing priority on reaching students & schools. Many of these companies had also prioritized environmental issues as a community cause to support. A number of other markets had embraced the concept of environmental education outreach.

THE SOLUTION -- Catalyst researched a number of markets & outreach programs & assigned some initial goals & options for the program. Catalyst then met with a limited number of San Diego's most prominent & environmentally conscious companies, in order to gauge their interest in aligning with the Aquarium & supporting an environmental outreach program.

THE PARTNERSHIP -- Following three strategy meetings with SDG&E, Catalyst worked with Scripps to package the "Planet Earth Express" including support for the vehicle, staff, educational materials & graphics. The proposal was presented to SDG&E & received overwhelming support for funding.

ANALYSIS OF THE RESULT -- Over the past four years, SDG&E has invested over $400,000 in this on-going program, which is promoted by KNSD Channel 7/39 & Chancellor Media's "The Planet" radio station.