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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

Scale of 5 circle faces ranging from happy to sad (green to red)

Emotional Wellness
Friday, May 16 | 4 - 5 p.m.
Mira Mesa Library
Level: All Ages

Explore holistic lifestyle strategies to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Learn practical, everyday techniques through hands-on demonstrations to enhance your emotional well-being. This is an in-person program.

Register Here

 

 
Game controller split in two with the words San Diego Public Library Game Jam below in alternating black and yellow colors.

Game Jam 2025 (South)
Monday, June 6 - Saturday, June 21| 1 - 5 p.m. 
Otay Mesa-Nestor Library
Level: Middle School (Grades 6 - 8) & High School (Grades 9 - 12)

Dive into the world of video games! Learn the basics of game development and design, then collaborate to make your own game. No experience required. Registration required.

Register Here

 

 
Photo of the top of a car with a yellow Driver Education Student Driver sign.

Dare to Prepare
Saturday, June 14| 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. 
Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library
Level: High School (Grades 9 - 12) & 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

 

 
Hand held game controller surrounded by the words San Diego Public Library on top and Game Jam Jr. below in alternating black and yellow.

Game Jam Jr. 2025 (North)
Monday, June 23 - Friday, June 27 | 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
North University Community Library
Level: Grade School (Grades 3 - 5)

Ever wonder what it takes to make a video game? In this 5-day program, students will learn the basics of video game development and design using the Scratch programming language to build their own games. Software and equipment provided. No experience necessary. Registration required. This is an in-person program.

Register Here

 

Upcoming Events

May 2
4pm - 5pm

Sun and Stars

Elementary School Age, Middle School Age

May 3
11am - 12pm

Kitchen Science

Elementary School Age, Middle School Age

May 6
4pm - 7pm

DiscoverU Hold for Event

All Ages, Elementary School Age, Middle School Age

May 12
4pm - 5:30pm

Super STEAMio

Elementary School Age

May 14
3:30pm - 5pm

Grocery Shopping

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