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DiscoverU

With DiscoverU, the San Diego Public Library encourages youth (grades 3-12) and emerging adults (ages 18-25) to explore their interests and achieve their highest potential. Workshops cover STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) concepts, college readiness, career preparation and life skills.

Working with partners and other community organizations, DiscoverU offers a mix of in-person and virtual programming, including college information sessions, engineering activities, camps for entrepreneurs-in-training, SAT and ACT test preparation and more.

 

 

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Explore DiscoverU

High over-the-shoulder angle of a student with long dark hair and glasses just out of frame on the right side of the photo working on a robotics project made of wood and circuits. The student is holding some of the project in their hands, while more pieces are on a gray table with tools and bags containing smaller components. In the lower left corner is small black, gold, and teal text stating “DiscoverU” and “Explore. Prepare. Achieve.” on a white background.

DiscoverU STEAM workshops

Diverse group of male and female teenage students seated in a classroom and focused on taking a test. In the background is a blackboard with science and math figures. In the lower left corner is small black, gold, and teal text stating “DiscoverU” and “Explore. Prepare. Achieve.” on a white background.

Admit One: College Test Prep

A group of diverse teenage male and female students wearing backpacks and their teacher smiling for the camera. They are outside a building. In the lower left corner is small black, gold, and teal text stating “DiscoverU” and “Explore. Prepare. Achieve.” on a white background.

College 101 & Life Skills     

Asian appearing female adult with long black hair collaborating with a male appearing and a female appearing adult looking on in the background, while writing on a whiteboard. In the lower left corner is small black, gold, and teal text stating “DiscoverU” and “Explore. Prepare. Achieve.” on a white background.

Career Prep

A small smiling plush version of Niki de Saint Phalle’s Sun God sculpture—a colorful bird-like statue—at UC San Diego. It is wearing a blue and white letterman jacket with a round pin with the text “PiB” in a white three-dimensional box on a teal background. The left arm of the plush is over the right wing of a colorful robotic wood version of the Sun God. They are in a grassy area with buildings in the background. In the lower left corner is small black, gold, and teal text stating “DiscoverU” and “Explore

Project in a Box Workshops

Three people conducting a science experiement

Spring into STEAM

 

Featured Events

Blue piggy bank wearing graduation cap surrounded by stacks of coins

Cash 4 College | Cal-SOAP
Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025
Various Times (9/9:30 a.m. - Noon)
Various Locations
Level: High School (Grades 9 - 12) and Parents

Get ready for college at this San Diego County-wide event! High school students (12th grade) and families are invited to attend to get help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act (CADAA) and Chafee Grant for Foster Youth applications with staff and volunteers from Cal-SOAP (California Student Opportunity and Access Program). Registration is encouraged.

Register Here

 
Top of car show sign "Driver Education Student Driver" and stopped at a redlight

Dare to Prepare
Saturday, Feb.  1, 2025| 10 a.m. - Noon 
Rancho Penasquitos Library
Level: High School (Grades 9 - 12) and Parents

Gear up for driving success with our interactive workshop, perfect for pre-permit teenagers and their parents! Explore essential topics like Graduated Driver Licensing, selecting a safe vehicle, and choosing the right driving school. Gain insights into both the exciting and challenging responsibilities of driving. This is an in-person program. Registration is encouraged.

Register Here

 
Woman wearing gloves, holding tools, and working under the hood of a car

Automobile Design
Saturday, Feb.  8, 2025 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Pacific Highlands Ranch Library
Level: Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

Explores what makes an automobile work! This course is designed to inform and empower aspiring engineers and designers to unleash their creativity while sharpening their technical skills. This is an in-person program.

Register Here

 
Young adults gathered around a table looking at papers

Launchpad: Entrepreneurship Boot Camp
Monday, March 3 - Friday, March 7, 2025 | 1 - 5 p.m.
Mission Valley Library
Level: High School (Grades 9 - 12)

Curious about entrepreneurship but not sure where to start? This 5-day course is designed for teens excited to learn about starting their own businesses. Learn how to create a viable business idea, understand marketing and target customers, and develop an entrepreneurial strategy. The program culminates with a team pitch to expert judges from our startup community! Meals will be provided for all students. This program may include a field trip to a local business. This is an in-person program.

Register Here

Upcoming Events

Jan 23
4pm - 5pm

Watercolor Painting with Spices

All Ages

Jan 24
4pm - 5pm

Food Science

Elementary School Age, Middle School Age

Jan 25
9am - 12pm

Cash 4 College | Cal-SOAP

Teens, Emerging Adults

Jan 25
9:30am - 12:30pm

Cash 4 College | Cal-SOAP

Teens, Emerging Adults

Jan 25
9:30am - 12:30pm

Cash 4 College | Cal-SOAP

Teens, Emerging Adults

 

Reading Recommendations

 

Online Resources

General

STEAM

College 101

Career Prep

Life Management

 

Partners

Two small squares of teal above a gold square with “SD” in white text. To the left of the squares in two lines are large gray text stating “LIBRARY FOUNDATION.”

 

 

DiscoverU

Laura Yee
Program Development Coordinator
Phone: 619-236-5807

Email: DiscoverU@sandiego.gov