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Low-income students are twice less likely, with Latino and African-American students three times less likely than their peers to earn a bachelor's degree. The San Jose Public Library leads the City’s education initiatives and is working with external and internal partners to implement SJ Aspires.ĭata from the California Department of Education, San José Evergreen Community College District, and San José State University shows that only 30 percent of San Jose students complete any post-secondary program within six years of high school graduation. The program uses a unique system of task-oriented micro-scholarships that align with the students' college-going or post graduation decisions and actions. SJ Aspires began as a way to reduce financial and informational barriers preventing low-income youth in San Jose from attending college. Mayor Sam Liccardo launched SJ Aspires in partnership with the San Jose 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 reduce the barriers that disadvantaged students of color face in accessing academic opportunities. “The commitment and generosity of our philanthropic partners will enable San Jose's next generation of diverse innovators and leaders to overcome barriers to educational and career success.” “San Jose Aspires deploys Silicon Valley ingenuity, performance-based microscholarships, and a digital platform to support the critically important journey of students from low-income families to college,” said San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. SJ Aspires helps to provide high school students a uniquely impactful experience by giving them access to a self-guided curriculum, supplemental college advising and guidance, and micro-scholarships as they become college and career-ready young adults. SAN JOSÉ, CA - Today, San José Mayor Sam Liccardo was joined by San Jose City Councilmember Magdalena Carrasco (D-5), Maia Harris Special Projects Manager at Jay Paul Company, Stacy Martinet Vice President of Marketing Strategy & Communications at Adobe, Jill Bourne City of San Jose Librarian, and Vito Chiala Principal Overfelt High School, to announce the official launch of the SJ Aspires program. Rachel Davis, Press Secretary, Office of Mayor Sam Liccardo, 408.712.9149