SJ Learns

The San José Learns initiative (“SJ Learns”) aims to bolster academic achievement by funding promising and innovative expanded learning programs for San José students in transitional kindergarten through third grade.

SJ Learns was created in response to low academic performance among students in low-income communities in San José, where approximately half of third-graders are not proficient in English Language Arts (ELA), Reading, and Mathematics, and nearly 5,000 at-risk transitional kindergarten-3rd grade students lack access to free, quality, school-based after school programs.

High-quality expanded learning programs provide crucial academic support for students who are struggling in the classroom and are especially important for students from families who cannot afford fee-based alternatives.

Grants Program

Since 2018, $6.1 million in grants have been awarded through SJ Learns to Local Education Agencies (“LEAs”) serving San José students. Grants are administered by the Library Foundation, with the San José Public Library’s Education Team providing leadership for administrative, programmatic, and evaluation activities. Each grant period begins in the summer and continues through the academic year.

Historically, SJ Learns has awarded between $33,000 and $700,000 per year to grantees to support summer and academic year expanded learning programs. Beginning in 2019-2020, LEAs were given the option to apply for two-year grants.

Summer 2023 and AY 2023-2024 Grantees

  • Alum Rock Union School District in partnership with Think Together
  • Campbell Union School District
  • Franklin McKinley School District in partnership with Catholic Charities
  • Luther Burbank School District

Summer 2022 and AY 2022-2023 Grantees

  • Alum Rock Union School District with Think Together 
  • Campbell Union School District 
  • Franklin-McKinley School District in partnership with Catholic Charities
  • Luther Burbank School District 
  • Evergreen Elementary School District in partnership with YMCA 
  • Rocketship Public School District in partnership with YMCA 
  • Santa Clara County Office of Education in partnership with Bay Area Tutoring Association 

Summer 2021 and AY 2021-2022 Grantees

  • Alum Rock Union School District
  • Campbell Union School District
  • Franklin-McKinley School District
  • Luther Bank School District
  • Mount Pleasant School District
  • Rocketship Public Schools

Special Funding Opportunity for AY 2021-2022

  • Alum Rock Union School District
  • Franklin-McKinley School District
  • Luther Burbank School District
  • Mount Pleasant School District
  • Santa Clara County of Education

        Past Grantees 2015-2019

        • Alum Rock Union Elementary School District
        • Campbell Union School District
        • Evergreen Elementary School District
        • Franklin-McKinley School District
        • Moreland School District
        • Mount Pleasant School District
        • Oak Grove School District
        • Rocketship Public Schools
        • San José Unified School District

        SJ Learns Committee

        The SJ Learns Committee is composed of educational experts and stakeholders from San José’s public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

        • Allison Book-Arango – Director, Grants, Partnerships & Operations, Santa Clara County Office of Education
        • Anthony Rodriguez – Corporate Development Manager, City Year San Jose
        • Dana Bunnett – Executive Director, Kids In Common
        • Dawn Coppin – Executive Director, San José Public Library Foundation
        • Hitesh Shah – Sr. Principal Architect, Adobe
        • Mara Wold – Regional Lead, Region 5 After School Partnerships/MCOE
        • Marco Alvarez – Software Engineer, Intel Corporation
        • Orit Keinan-Nahon – Global Head of Investor Relations, HP Inc.
        • Rebecca Turner – Nursing Facility Administrator & Lincoln Glen Manor for Senior Citizens
        • Vidya Kilambi – Division Manager, Education & Innovation, San José Public Library

        Program Supporters

        Community of Practice

        In partnership with the generous financial support and co-leadership of the Leo M. Shortino Family Foundation and Cisco Systems’ Impact Grants, SJ Learns convene the Expanded Learning Community of Practice (ExL CoP). The ExL CoP functions as a professional learning network that enables peer organizations to exchange knowledge and develop competencies. It provides Local Education Agencies and Expanded Learning program staff with opportunities to connect and solve problems, share ideas, set standards, and deepen relationships.  

        If you are interested in learning more about the Community of Practice please email: ExpandedLearningServices@sjlibrary.org