An Educator Grant Helps Students Become Published Authors and Artists

When Mike Mowers envisioned a way for his students in Santa Barbara Unified’s Alternative Education programs to share their voices and talents, an SBEF Educator Grant helped make that vision a reality.

Students from Alta Vista High School and La Cuesta Continuation School collaborated to create a professionally published anthology featuring their original writing and artwork. The project engaged approximately 180 students, providing opportunities to develop literacy skills, explore creative expression, and see their work published.

The completed anthology was shared with families and the community, celebrating student achievement while highlighting the creativity, resilience, and unique perspectives of Alternative Education students.

The Impact of an Educator Grant

• Empowered an educator to bring an innovative idea to life
• Engaged approximately 180 students in meaningful literacy and arts experiences
• Increased student confidence, creativity, and self-expression
• Strengthened connections between schools, families, and the community
• Created a lasting publication celebrating student voices

By turning students’ creativity into published work, this grant helped students see themselves as writers, artists, and contributors to their community.