Student Grant Transforms Campus Through Student Art

When San Marcos High School student Melanie Starks saw an opportunity to brighten her campus, she turned her idea into action with support from an SBEF Student Grant.

Through the Trash Can Beautification Project, students transformed ordinary campus trash cans into colorful works of art that reflect school pride, creativity, and student voice. What began as a student-led idea quickly became a collaborative effort, with more than 150 students participating.

Today, these student-designed functional art pieces can be seen throughout the San Marcos High School campus, creating a more welcoming and vibrant environment for the nearly 2,000 students who attend.

The Impact of a Student Grant

• Empowered a student to bring a creative vision to life
• Engaged more than 150 student artists in a collaborative project
• Enhanced the campus experience for approximately 2,000 students
• Fostered school pride, creativity, and student leadership
• Created a lasting improvement that benefits the entire school community

When students are empowered to lead, entire school communities benefit. Student Grants help make these opportunities possible.