Since 2016, the SWITCHFOOT BRO-AM Foundation has supported Save the Music Foundation (STM) in their efforts to restore and sustain music education in public schools all across America. Since 2016, YOU have helped restore music education in 4 different elementary schools in Chula Vista, CA, and supported the nationwide push for access to music through the difficulties that 2020 has brought.
Faced with the difficulties of a virtual learning environment, limited access to resources, and a need to ensure the safety of students and teachers alike, STM has been working with urgency to accelerate their efforts to provide students with access to music education at home, when they return to school and beyond.
Within days of school closures back in March, STM created an online Music Education Resource Guide consisting of 80+ curated tools, webinars and resources that are updated daily to meet the needs of nationwide distance learning. Beyond providing resources for students, STM has also been hosting virtual meet-ups for educators and administrators nationwide to experience peer-to-peer support and professional development impacting over 130 educators and 31 school districts. On top of creating digital resources, STM has continued its daily efforts to partner with school districts in major rebuild communities to deliver full music education grants to help as schools re-open.
One example of the amazing impact you are helping create started in 2017 and came full circle this year through a STM funded school, Casillas Elementary, and their music educator Jonathan Seligman
Back in 2017, Casillas Elementary performed on stage at BRO-AM alongside SWITCHFOOT, now 3 years later, the Casillas alumni came together for a virtual performance of Float, the very same song they performed on stage in 2017!
You playing your part has shown kids that you care, that their stories matter and that access to music is not only fun but life-changing. This year you helped reduce the impact of incredibly difficult changes through access to online resources. This year, kids have access to find more joy through music.
Your support of BRO-AM gives opportunities to kids they may never have otherwise. Your support changes lives and creates a brighter future for every kid.