Yes, a district may apply on behalf of multiple schools within the district and may partner with multiple CBOs. However, the district may only submit one application, listing each school site and partner. If awarded, the district will then need to determine how funds are divided across sites and partners.
SJ Learns is guided by a grant review committee of educational experts and stakeholders representing nonprofits, foundations, schools, and the City of San José. The committee reviews applications and provides scoring based on a rubric that aligns with the minimum eligibility requirements and the program descriptions provided by applicants. Preference will be given to applicants that serve higher proportions of low-income students with academic need, address the SJ Learns priorities, and emphasize the Expanded Learning Quality Standards. The list of committee members is available upon request.
The number of grants varies from year to year and depends on the applications received. In 2024-25, five grantees served 19 schools total.
Grant funds will be disbursed in two installments, as outlined in grant agreements.
Programs have supported students in literacy intervention during the summer and/or academic school year. Programs have used funding to hire credentialed teachers to help prevent summer learning loss, provide intensive tutoring in the after and before school setting, expanded opportunities for kindergarten readiness, and more.
Local Education Agency (LEA) participation in DataZone’s warehouse is required; however, participation in DataZone’s analytics platform is not required.
The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) maintains DataZone to close achievement gaps and promote continuous improvement by aggregating LEA data on student outcomes. Three youth-focused City programs (SJ Works, Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force, and SJ Learns) have been working with SCCOE to assess the impact of City-funded programs on educational outcomes. For more information, visit DataZone.
Grantees will submit files to DataZone twice during the grant period–interim submissions are due by January 31 and final submissions are due by July 31.
For answers not covered here or on the SJ Learns Grant Opportunity webpage, email grants@sjplf.org.