Partners in Education's mission is to connect businesses and individuals with schools and the organizations that serve them in order to help improve public education in ways that support a more vibrant economy, the health of our community and the well-being of local children and their families.

First formed in 1977 by leaders in the business and education communities, Partners has grown and evolved into a vibrant non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Partners engages in a number of programs and initiatives to further its mission of supporting schools, local businesses and the broader community through partnership, collaboration, and volunteerism. Core Partners programs include:

The award winning model program, Computers for Families, serves more than 600 low-income students and families each year with a comprehensive approach to bridging the digital divide.

With major support from the Santa Barbara Foundation, Partners administers a major Volunteer Recruitment and Coordination program for local schools which places businesses and volunteers into activities and initiatives which directly meet pressing school needs. Partners supports Career Education and Workforce Development efforts by linking the business community with local teachers and schools to implement initiatives such as career day, mock interviews, job shadows, student internships and guest speakers.

Our Paid Job Training and Student Internship program provides six weeks of job readiness classes and eight weeks of paid work experience to 60 high school students each year.