SJ Learns Impact

2019/05 Mayor Sam Liccardo to Announce New SJ Learns @ Cesar Chavez Elementary School

The Program

San José Learns provides high-quality out of school time programs to students in grades TK-3 from low-income communities, where approximately half of third-graders are not proficient in English language arts/reading and mathematics.

Through an annual grant program administered by the Library Foundation, SJ Learns provides school districts with resources that leverage their own budgets and those of their program providers to ensure positive learning outcomes and increase the number of at-risk children who attend high-quality out of school programs.

Learn more about the program history

The Need

Established by Mayor Sam Liccardo in 2015, San José Learns is designed to bridge the achievement gap for students in low-income communities, where nearly half of third graders are not proficient in English Language Arts, Reading, and Math.

The divide is particularly pronounced for San José’s students of color, with 60% percent of black third graders and 75% of Latinx third graders testing below grade level. Compounding the dilemma, nearly 5,000 students do not have access to free, high quality, school-based extended learning programs. With children spending less than 20% of their time in the classroom, these programs provide crucial support for students who are struggling academically.

Unfortunately, many low-income families cannot afford fee-based alternatives, especially during the current health and economic crisis. SJ Learns gives school districts the resources to leverage their own budgets and outside program providers to provide free programs that improve learning outcomes for at-risk students in grades TK-3.

The Impact

Since its inception, SJ Learns has provided in excess of $6 million to fund after school and summer enrichment programs and give students a safe and supportive space to thrive. During the 2019-2020 academic year, SJ Learns programs served 883 students, 54% of them English Learners and 73% Latinx.

By 2021, the program is projected to serve more than 3,400 students from schools in low-income and underserved neighborhoods throughout San José, including Alum Rock Union, Franklin-McKinley, and Luther Burbank School Districts. This will take continued investment by the City and its many partners, including the San José Public Library Foundation, which administers the SJ Learns grants program.

Historically, SJ Learns has awarded between $62,000 and $376,000 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.