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DiscoverU

With DiscoverU, the San Diego Public Library encourages youth (ages 8-18) 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

Woman with long hair seated in library writing with books, papers, and laptop covering desk.

SAT Test Prep (Session 2)
Tuesdays, October 6, 2026 - November 3, 2026 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library - Teen Center
Ages 14 - 18

Get ready for the SAT! In this 5-day course, students will get the scoop on the digital SAT, review and practice key subject material, and learn test-taking techniques, time management skills, and strategies to tackle different types of questions. Students will also receive free study materials. This is a 5-day course held once a week. This is an in-person program. Registration is required.

Register Here

 
Illustration of people running away from a group of zombies with city ruins and full moon in the background.

Zombie Preparedness
October 23, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Mountain View/Beckwourth Library
Ages 8 - 12

A fun way to learn about disaster preparedness with a zombie-themed flare! This class helps you with tools to create and practice an emergency plan so you and your family will know what to do in a crisis.

Register Here

 
Young girl facing a computer and interacting with the Scratch program.

Scratch Challenges Olympics | Taste of Technology
November 17, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
San Ysidro Library
Ages 8 - 14

Test your coding skills aganist your friends! In this highly interactive workshop, complete coding challenges in Scratch as you strengthen your understanding of basic logic and coding.

Register Here

 
Arrows of various colors pointing different directions on a signpost against a blue and cloudy sky.

Paycheck to Purpose: Careers to Meet Your Goals
November 7, 2026 | 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Logan Heights Library
Ages 14 - 25

Money matters, but meaning does too. Join us for a hands-on program to explore careers that align with your values and mission. Determine what best fits your interests, how to reach your goals, and create a personal action plan.

Register Here

 
An arrow formed by multiple-colored circles on a light blue background.

Career Personality Quest
December 1, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Central Library - Teen Center
Ages 14 - 18

Explore your career options in a fun way! In this hands-on program, take a quiz and explore careers that match your strengths, interests, and passions. Become aware of what you need for your career options and start planning for the next steps with confidence.

Register Here

 
Youth holding a pink piggybank with one hand and money on the other.

Finances & Budgeting
December 17, 2026 | 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Pacific Highlands Ranch Library
Ages 8 - 25

Set yourself up for financial success! Get the scoop on realistically budgetting for any income, including both full-time and part-time employment. Examine and understand pay stubs and their different sections, the purpose of forms W-4, W-2, and 1099, and how federal taxes, state taxes, and other deductions (i.e. benefits) affect your pay.

Register Here

 

Upcoming Events

 

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.”
Blue-colored cursive text on white background stating "Andrew Carnegie," followed by plain text stating "Foundation" underneath.

 

DiscoverU

DiscoverU Staff
Phone: 619-236-5807
Email: DiscoverU@sandiego.gov