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.
Participating Schools and Organizations
SJ Aspires is proud to partner with the following schools and organizations:
Overfelt High School
Class of 2025 *
Class of 2024
San José High School
Class of 2025 *
Class of 2024
Class of 2023
Strategic Partnership
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:
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
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.
