The 2026 PR Daily Nonprofit Communications Awards honored California Rises with an Award of Distinction in the Corporate/Nonprofit Partnership of the Year category. Launched in the wake of severe Los Angeles wildfires, the initiative coordinates recovery and rebuilding efforts, focusing on restoring essential community resources. Tedros Mengiste, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America, described the program as a demonstration of the company's commitment to supporting neighbors during critical recovery periods.

Simultaneously, the Genesis STEAM program, operated in conjunction with the Child Creativity Lab, secured a win in the 2026 Ragan Communications CSR Awards under the Education or Scholarship Program category. Since 2024, this collaboration has provided hands-on workshops in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics to students in under-resourced areas across eight states, including California, Florida, and Texas. By utilizing upcycled materials to challenge students to design future mobility vehicles, the program integrates automotive innovation with creative problem-solving. Tracey Hill, CEO of Child Creativity Lab, noted that the partnership bridges the gap between corporate resources and community needs, effectively encouraging students to explore future career paths in design and technology.