#SBHSStrong

#SBHSStrong helps cover basic needs of individual students and their families to keep our most vulnerable students in school and on track.

In spring 2020, the Foundation began working with SBHS school administrators and counselors to identify the needs of families during the COVID-19 pandemic, and address gaps in services. 

Parents, alumni, and community members joined the Foundation in raising $76,000 for SBHS families impacted by COVID-19. Thanks to all of you who donated to help our SBHS community.

If your family needs helps during the summer, please contact your student’s academic counselor to discuss your situation, or contact Principal Simmons. The Foundation will provide funds at the request of school personnel on a case-by-case basis. 

#SBHSStrong began in response to the unprecedented need caused by the Thomas Fire and Montecito debris flow.  Thanks to the generous support of our Dons families and a substantial grant from Direct Relief, the Foundation was able to support all current families who were identified as having suffered loss of personal property and/or reduced income due to evacuation orders and the inability to work because of business and road closures. In total, $107,850 was allocated to 115 students in 2018.

Expressions of Thanks

Credit artwork by Miguel Moreno/SBHS VADA.

“I wanted to say how incredibly grateful and humbled my family and I are for this outstandingly generous gift. I lost my job of 16 years after the fire and mudflows in Montecito. I could never have the proper words to thank you.”

“Our deep thanks to the hard-working and caring members of the Foundation for the very generous gift and beautiful olive tree. It will be planted in our yard as soon as we can be back in our home.”

“The team at Direct Relief is so thankful to have joined with the Santa Barbara High Foundation to assist families affected by the January tragedy” - Thomas Tighe, CEO, Direct Relief”

““I told my husband, we need to have faith and something will happen and then #SBHSStrong happened.””

“It’s the true essence of community”