LEARNEchoes of Santa Monica
Echoes of Santa Monica is an initiative that introduces high school students to the technical and creative foundations of audio production—a key entry point into STEM fields like media technology, sound engineering, and digital archiving. By learning how to record, edit, and preserve oral histories, students gain hands-on experience with tools used in modern storytelling and archival science. This project expands access to real-world STEM applications while fostering historical awareness, community engagement, and intergenerational exchange.
What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?
K-12 STEAM education
In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?
West LA
In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?
Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)
What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?
Many young people in Santa Monica lack access to hands-on, culturally relevant learning experiences that build technical skills and connect them to career pathways and elders. At the same time, many elders—especially those from marginalized communities—experience social isolation and see their stories excluded from mainstream historical narratives. Echoes of Santa Monica addresses both issues by bringing youth and elders together in a collaborative oral history project. Students gain valuable audio production and storytelling skills, while elders find connection and purpose through the sharing of their lived experiences. Together, they help build a more inclusive and accessible historical record for Santa Monica, enriching both personal and public memory.
Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.
Echoes of Santa Monica is an intergenerational oral history and audio storytelling project that bridges youth and elders to address the dual issues of limited career-connected learning opportunities for young people and social isolation among older adults. This grant will support the development and implementation of a program where high school students are trained in the basics of audio production, interviewing, and digital archiving. Partnering with local elders—particularly from historically underrepresented communities—students will record and preserve personal stories that reflect Santa Monica’s diverse history. These oral histories will be professionally archived and shared through the Santa Monica History Museum’s website and public programs, expanding public access to local heritage. In the process, youth gain tangible skills and mentorship opportunities that prepare them for creative and tech-based careers, while elders experience meaningful connection and recognition. Together, they contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant historical record of Santa Monica.
Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.
Echoes of Santa Monica will foster deeper intergenerational understanding, reduce elder isolation, and equip youth with in-demand audio and storytelling skills. Our vision is a more inclusive Los Angeles County where community histories—especially from underrepresented voices—are preserved and valued. The project will build bridges between generations, strengthen civic pride, and create pathways for youth in media and cultural careers.
Long-term, we envision transforming the recorded stories into a publicly accessible podcast series, amplifying local voices to national and global audiences, and positioning Los Angeles as a leader in community-driven historical preservation.
Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?
Direct Impact: 60
Indirect Impact: 3,000