Brooks Institute and Brooks Extension appreciate the support of the local community and work to give back through various programs.  Through the Extension program, the school plans to become more involved with regional high schools, non-profits, museums, and galleries.

On-going and future goals for Brooks Extension include:

  • Establish education programs or workshops with regional high schools that promote photography, film & video, and design and create a partnership between the community and Brooks Institute.  Brooks began this effort in 2011 by partnering with Santa Barbara High School’s MAD Academy to teach photography classes.
  • Involve local non-profits with the Brooks community in ways that support the nonprofit’s goals and deepen Brooks’ connection with the community.  One of Brooks’ faculty members, Russ McConnell, collaborated with The Heart Gallery of Santa Barbara County to promote adoption with Santa Barbara Child Welfare Services.  For the past two years, Brooks has invited youth from Girl’s Inc. to campus to learn about photography and design careers.
  • Identify galleries and museums that Brooks Institute can collaborate with in areas of education and exhibition. Jesse Groves, Brooks’ Gallery Director, works with the Ventura Beach Marriott to host exhibits in their Visions Gallery as well as exhibits with the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.