SJ Aspires

Crowd of graduating students, viewed from behind as a sea of caps. SJ Aspires logo: orange-red graduation cap icon

Update to SJ Aspires

We have some exciting news about San Jose Aspires!

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What is SJ Aspires?

San José Aspires is an invitation-based program for students at select schools in San José. Students in the program will receive financial awards as they complete different tasks connected to college and career readiness. Through the program, students may earn up to $5,000 to support their post-secondary educational goals.

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Participating Schools and Organizations

SJ Aspires is proud to partner with the following schools and organizations:

Overfelt High School shield
Overfelt High School
Class of 2025 *
Class of 2024
San José High School logo featuring bulldog mascot
San José High School
Class of 2025 *
Class of 2024
Class of 2023
Icon: Person climbing ladder to reach a star. Text: Students Rising Above
Strategic Partnership
Icon: bridge. Text: Northern California College Promise Coalition, logo
Strategic Partnership

* first generation college students only

SJ Aspires Awards

Each year students have more than 30 awards available to claim. San José Aspires works closely with school partners to approve some of these awards--like GPA, attendance, and succeeding in classes. Students are also able to pursue additional awards every year that are focused on their High School journey. Below are examples of awards that students can earn at each grade level.

9th Grade

  • Create Accounts: SRA, Khan Academy, Big Future
  • Join a Club
  • Find a Mentor
  • Learn a Foreign Language

10th Grade

  • Lead a Club
  • Create a Resume
  • Apply for an Internship
  • Learn to Code

11th Grade

  • Take an AP Exam
  • Take the ACT or SAT Exam
  • Participate in Teens Reach
  • Play on an Athletics Team

12th Grade

  • Complete the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application
  • Get Volunteer Experience
  • Complete a Career Inventory
  • Apply to College

 

Donors

We’re grateful for the financial support provided by many corporations, foundations and individuals that recognize the important role libraries play in preparing our youth for a prosperous future:

Jay Paul Company logo
Apple logo
Adobe logo
PayPal logo
Samsung logo
Alaska Airlines logo
IBM logo
Roku logo
Amazon logo
Broadcom Foundation logo
Broadcom logo
OhmConnect, logo
San Jose Public Library Foundation logo
Western Digital logo
Stuart Foundation logo
Aglient Technologies logo
Microsoft logo
SK Hynix logo
Lockheed Martin logo
Marvell logo
Deloitte logo
Evergreen Islamic Center logo
HCA Healthcare logo
Reyes Coca Cola Bottling logo
Golden State Warriors logo


CONNIE and BOB LURIE


MONIKA BICKERT


DAVID WEHNER


SAN JOSE WATER COMPANY


STANFORD UNIVERSITY


STAR ONE CREDIT UNION


ANONYMOUS (3)


Learn how you can support SJ Aspires through the San Jose Public Library Foundation

Participants from the recent Samsung@First event, beneath the event logo.
SJ Aspires students from Overfelt High School participated in an event at the Samsung@First campus. Questions were answered; ideas were exchanged; and, Samsung got a wonderful glimpse at our future technologists.

SJ Aspires FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about earning awards through the SJ Aspires program.

Your SJ Aspires Scholar Dollars Account

Students can view the total amount they have claimed through SJ Aspires awards in their personal savings account, the "SJ Aspires Scholar Dollars Account," hosted by our banking partner, Citibank.

SJ Aspires Launch Press Conference

Thursday, April 15, 2021, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo and others announced the official launch of the SJ Aspires Program.