The Resilience Corps is a paid job training program for young adults in San José who want to build professional skills and contribute to their community. Designed to support key areas of community resilience, the program provides hands-on experience, monthly professional development, and structured support to help participants explore careers in education, technology, and public service.
The program administered by the San José Public Library (SJPL) is made possible through a partnership with the San José Public Library Foundation (SJPLF) and support from the Youth Service Corps (YSC) and other philanthropic partners.
The 2025–2026 program runs from August 2025 to June 2026. During the 2025–2026 academic year, Resilience Corps has two exciting pathways to explore.
Learning Pathway
The Learning Pathway is for young adults interested in working with children, education, or public service. Associates support K–8 students in afterschool and expanded learning programs across San José by providing tutoring, mentorship, and academic support.
Key benefits
- A competitive hourly wage of $25.50 per hour
- Part-time work for 15-20 hours per week
- On-the-job training and daily support from experienced staff
- Monthly professional development workshops, including:
- Financial literacy
- Career development
- Resume and interview prep
- Program/classroom management training
- Opportunities to network with schools, nonprofits, and City departments
- Support to transition into permanent, part-time or full-time jobs in education or public service
Where Resilience Corps Associates (RCAs) will work
RCAs will be placed with a local school or community-based program that supports K–8 students. Site assignments are based on need across San José.
SJ Access Pathway
The SJ Access Pathway is for young adults interested in community digital empowerment services, coding, machine learning education, and Information Technology (IT). Associates help deliver community tech programs through the Library’s SJ Access initiative and receive training in Apple’s Swift programming language, with the opportunity to earn an industry-recognized certification.
Key benefits
- A competitive hourly wage of $25.50 per hour
- Part-time work for 15-20 hours per week,
- Structured technical training in Apple Swift coding
- Hands-on experience in IT work lead by the Library IT Unit
- Support to earn a coding certification, including assignments, exams, and mentoring
- Hands-on experience with digital empowerment initiatives such as:
- Coding and creativity workshops
- AI and machine learning education
- Professional development in leadership, communication, and public speaking
- Mentorship and guidance to build your resume and a personal tech portfolio
- End-of-program showcase to highlight your contributions and skills
Where Resilience Corps Associates (RCAs) will work
RCAs will be based at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library branch of the San José Public Library, with scheduled monthly placements at other library branches located across the city.
Program Placements
- Learning Pathway participants are matched with local schools and youth programs to support K–8 students.
- SJ Access participants are placed at the Library and support technology-based services across the city.
All placements are based on community need and provide real-world experience, mentorship, and exposure to future careers.
Sign up to be notified when future applications open.
Partners
Once hired through the program, participants will be placed at one of several expanded learning partner organizations across the City of San José, based on community need, to help high-needs K-8 students by providing tutoring and extended-day educational support.
These programs support local schools and students in local education agencies in San José (Alpha Public Schools, Alum Rock Union School District, Berryessa School District, Downtown College Prep, Franklin McKinley School District, Mt. Pleasant Elementary School District, Oak Grove School District, etc.).
Thank You For Your Support
This youth workforce development program is funded through the Resilience Corps Initiative at the City of San José and the Youth Service Corps. Resilience Corps Associate positions will be provided and coordinated by the San José Public Library Foundation in partnership with the San José Public Library.
Thank You to Our Donors
Resilience Corps Associates (RCA) of the month!
"I am a Resilience Corps Associate currently placed at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School. I'm a first-year student at De Anza College studying Business Administration, and aim to transfer to a four-year university. Working for the Resilience Corps has allowed me to both develop transferable skills for my professional career and serve my community. Through the program's living wage, I am able to save for higher education and feel more financially secure."
"Working as an RCA opened my eyes towards youth extended learning; I'm really grateful for impacting our youths' lives each day I come to work. RC has helped me hone my skills with the workshops this program provides (financial literacy, résumé building, etc.). The living wage impact of this job helps me to be more sustainable, successful, and confident toward my own financial goals (investments and emergency savings)..."
"I have the chance to learn how to work with children and get a sense of what teaching would be like by working as an RCA. It provides me with the opportunity to learn more about the children, their education, and the various ways that these children think."
"One of my favorite things about being an RCA is the early hands-on experience I am getting with the kids; it makes me see what I am walking into, and I love it! The wage is also amazing; I can help my parents with rent/insurance and my education. SJPLF for the win!"
"As an RCA, I am able to build meaningful relationships with students, parents, as well as other community members. I love that I am able to create such a positive impact on students and their learning experiences. Being able to teach students has taught me many things, but it will also allow me to interact with kids better when I work as an EMT or Firefighter."