Santa Barbara Partners in Education is the first recipient in Santa Barbara of a Cox Charities Impact Grant, a new program this year. The $10,000 award will support Partners’ Job Readiness and Internship Program, which hosts workshops and provides career coaching for local high school students ages 15-18.

Upon completion of the eight-week training and career coaching program, students earn a stipend and are eligible for a paid internship with a local employer.

The Impact Grant program supports nonprofit organizations in Cox service areas that are focused on creating meaningful effect for K-12 students through STEM-based activities.

“To say we were thrilled that we were selected for the Cox Charities Impact Grant award is a huge understatement,” said Chelsea Duffy executive director for Santa Barbara Partners in Education.

“This generous grant supports the recent expansion of our program and will allow us to connect more students across the county with training, mentorship, internships and a source of income, with a special focus on STEM and other growing career pathways,” she said.

“We are committed to digital equity in our communities,” said Kirsten McLaughlin, market vice president for Cox Communications in Santa Barbara. “Programs like this one at Santa Barbara Partners in Education give students the tools they need to be set up for success in their future careers and provide the opportunity to make learning about science and technology fun and engaging.

“This will continue the innovation required to pave the future in our local economy and we are thrilled to see what’s in store for our collaboration with the Partners in Education team, and for the students they support.”

A philanthropic foundation, Cox Charities is funded by employee donations that are matched by Cox Communications to support its employees’ efforts to make an impact in their community. Employers interested in hosting an intern this summer can learn more and reach Partners in Education staff at partners.sbceo.org.