College and Career Readiness in San Jose: Implementation and Outcomes Study of SJ Aspires
SJ Aspires provides high school students with access to an online program platform that offers self-guided curriculum, supplemental college advising and guidance, and micro-scholarships as they become college and career-ready young adults. San José Mayor Sam Liccardo launched the program in partnership with the San José Public Library and the San José Public Library Foundation to enable youth in underserved neighborhoods to set goals that chart a path toward receiving a post-secondary education and to reduce the financial and informational barriers preventing them from attending college.
The Gardner Center will conduct a formative assessment to assist SJ Aspires in making key programmatic decisions and resource allocations, followed by a summative evaluation focused on the relative impact the program has had on high school students' readiness and trajectories to college and career pathways. In addition, the outcomes study would inform decisions regarding replicating and expanding the program as a model for the state and beyond.
Project Partner(s)
San Jose Mayor's Office
San Jose Public Library
San Jose Public Library Foundation
