Students Rebuild is entering a new chapter! After 14 years of creativity and impact, we’re thrilled to announce that Students Rebuild will have a new home with Creative Visions.
Creative Visions shares our passion for empowering young creatives and driving change through art. Their mission aligns perfectly with ours, so we can continue to grow alongside our participants.
Let’s continue to create, inspire, and make a difference!
Learn more about Creative Visions in this feature and read details in the press release below. Our next Challenge will be announced later this summer; look for an email in your inbox in the coming weeks with more information on what’s in store for this fall.
Bezos Family Foundation Announces Expansion of Students Rebuild to New Organization, Creative Visions
The Bezos Family Foundation is pleased to announce the transition of its art-for-action program, Students Rebuild, to a new operating organization, Creative Visions. This move marks the beginning of a bold new chapter for Students Rebuild, aimed at expanding its impact, engaging more young people through multidisciplinary art-making, and fostering innovative collaborations.
Over the past 14 years, Students Rebuild has harnessed the creativity and dedication of thousands of young people and educators worldwide. What began as a response to the 2010 earthquake in Haiti has evolved into a powerful global movement, bringing together nonprofits and NGOs and empowering youth to address critical global issues through art. Participants have created over 7 million pieces of art, generating more than $15.6 million to support humanitarian causes, from rebuilding schools to addressing climate change.
To achieve its ambitious growth goals, the Bezos Family Foundation will transfer the operation of Students Rebuild to Malibu-based Creative Visions, a global leader in developing innovative education programs that empower youth through the arts. Creative Visions’ mission is to empower creative changemakers to drive positive change through impactful storytelling and this transition promises to introduce fresh ideas and partnerships that will invigorate and scale the program for years to come.
“We are proud of what Students Rebuild has become and excited about its future with Creative Visions,” said Chris Plutte, managing director of adolescence at the Bezos Family Foundation. “This transition will provide more pathways for young people and educators to participate and help ensure that Students Rebuild continues to grow and thrive.”
“We are honored to take on the stewardship of Students Rebuild. We share a common mission to empower youth and leverage the arts as a powerful tool for good,” said Pat Chandler, CEO of Creative Visions. “Together, we’ll build on the incredible foundation laid by the Bezos Family Foundation and take Students Rebuild to new heights.”
Creative Visions emerged as the new operating organization after a thorough selection process that included valuable insights from educators deeply invested in Students Rebuild. The organization has a proven track record of developing and managing innovative arts and media-centered education programs that resonate with young changemakers. Their expertise aligns perfectly with the program’s goals. Founded on empowering creative activists, Creative Visions brings a wealth of experience in fostering impactful initiatives. Unsurprisingly, educators expressed enthusiasm for this synergy and the potential to significantly amplify Students Rebuild’s reach and impact.
Creative Visions is eager to connect with both past participants and anyone new who shares their passion. This summer, they’ll be actively seeking feedback to shape the theme of the upcoming challenge, launching in the 2024-2025 school year. Committed to continuous improvement, they’ll keep expanding the toolkit of resources offered alongside each challenge. They also plan to encourage submissions in exciting new formats, including video, poetry, multimedia, and beyond!
