The Slick Rock Student Film Festival was launched in 2004 by Visalia Unified School District. The Festival was initially created to improve student writing. In 2003, a federal grant facilitated by Congressman Devin Nunes was awarded to the district to address poor test scores in writing. Part of the money was applied to helping students write scripts and learn the language of film to tell interesting well-written stories. Although the federal funding ended in 2005, the Festival had gained support from many community and technology partners allowing it to continue and expand from Tulare County to the entire Central Valley. Since 2013, the Tulare County Office of Education has proudly carried on the tradition, administering the festival under the direction of the CHARACTER COUNTS! Program.

The Slick Rock Student Film Festival engages students in a positive and rewarding activity. By fostering their creativity, Slick Rock produces the skills students will need to compete in a global economy. The project-based competition requires students to produce a video in a variety of genres for real-world audiences, leading them to interact with the local community.