NEWS
Keep The Beat Delivers Instruments and Opportunity to Local Students
For one young musician in Santa Barbara, the sound of possibility came in the form of a donated trumpet. For another, it was a violin, perfectly sized for small hands eager to learn. Once sitting unused and forgotten in closets and garages, these instruments have now found a second life in the hands of Santa [...]
William Banning Joins the Santa Barbara Education Foundation Board of Directors
The Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF) is pleased to announce that William “Bill” Banning has joined its Board of Directors as a Santa Barbara Unified School District Representative. With 40 years of experience in public education, Banning has a deep understanding of educational leadership and a lifelong commitment to student success. Before becoming the Goleta [...]
SBEF and 99.9 KTYD Team Up to Strengthen Music in Schools
The Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF), in partnership with 99.9 KTYD, proudly announces the return of the Keep the Beat Instrument Drive. Now in its seventh year, this month-long radio campaign aims to amplify community support for music education in Santa Barbara Unified schools. Since its inception in 2003, the Keep the Beat program has [...]
Santa Barbara Teachers Receive Record-Breaking $203,000 in Grants
The Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF) hosted its annual Teacher Grants awards reception at the Historic Carrillo Ballroom on January 29, 2025. A record-breaking $203,000 in grants was awarded to Santa Barbara Unified School District educators. This year’s program will benefit 96 teachers by funding innovative projects across 21 district schools. Since its inception in [...]
EVENTS
The Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF) will host Wealth of Knowledge, a free financial literacy workshop designed specifically for educators, on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
LATEST ISSUE
Education Matters
As we close out 2025, this issue of Education Matters celebrates the impact made possible by our community.
From a powerful story highlighting the lifelong influence of music education to key insights from Superintendent Dr. Hilda Maldonado’s State of Our Schools address, this newsletter reflects a year of growth and opportunity across Santa Barbara’s public schools.
You’ll also meet SBEF’s newest board member and join us in thanking a longtime leader for his dedicated service.
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