The Santa Barbara Education Foundation is pleased to welcome James Ingledew as our new Development Associate. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara, James brings a strong passion for education and a commitment to supporting students and teachers in our community.
James discovered his dedication to education while working for an outdoor education nonprofit in Santa Cruz and volunteering as a teacher’s assistant for adult ESL classes. These experiences opened his eyes to the inequities in resources available to students and educators across communities, inspiring him to work toward a future where every student has access to transformative learning opportunities.
When asked what drew him to SBEF, James said, “After learning about the impactful programs SBEF runs and their positive influence in the Santa Barbara community, I knew that I wanted to work here.”
James is also a firm advocate for the role of public education in shaping communities, sharing, “Public schools play a vital role in shaping our community and our future. It’s so important that public schools provide students with a nurturing learning environment where they can succeed academically, pursue their passions, and make lifelong friendships.”
Outside of work, James enjoys surfing, playing the piano, reading, and spending time outdoors—especially by the ocean.
We’re excited to have James on board and look forward to the energy and ideas he brings to advancing public education in Santa Barbara. Welcome to the team, James!
