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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

Illustration of a black and orange video game controller above large text stating “San Diego Public Library Game Jam.”

Game Jam 2026
Tuesday, June 2 - Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 12:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Paradise Hills Library
Ages 12-18

Dive into the world of video games at SDPL’s 4th annual Game Jam! Learn the basics of game development and design, then collaborate in teams to build your own game. Teams can work together remotely or in-person to complete their projects and attend optional drop-in sessions. Games will be showcased at the end of the jam.

Register Here

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

Zombie Preparedness
Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Pacific Highlands Ranch Library
Ages 8-14

Zombies are coming! Join us to learn how to best prepare for the zombie apocalypse and other major disasters by exploring tools and resources. Then develop and practice an emergency plan with your friends and family to ensure everyone knows what to do in a crisis.

Register Here

 
Group of young adults in positive conversation and taking notes in front of a white board.

Launchpad: Entrepreneurship Boot Camp
Monday, June 22 to Friday, June 26, 2026 | 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Central Library - Teen Center
Ages 14-18

Curious about starting your own business but not sure where to start? Through knowledgeable instructors, teamwork, exercises, and discussions with founders of startups, participants will learn how to come up with viable business ideas, understand marketing and identifying the target customer, and develop an entrepreneurial strategy. At the end of the program, participants will make a team sales pitch to expert judges from San Diego's own startup community.

Register Here

 
Woman holding a book open while sitting and writing with a pen.

SAT Test Prep (Session 1)
Saturdays, August 8, 2026 - September 5, 2026 |  10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Pacific Highlands Ranch Library
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.

Register Here

 
Girl holding tools under an open car hood.

Automotive Maintenance & Safety
Various dates | Various times
Various locations
Various ages

Are you interested in learning more about how to care for and maintain an automobile? Join us in this informative session to develop a foundation on automotive maintenance and safety! This is an in-person program. Registration is encouraged. This program is held in the library parking lot. Presented by Girlie Garage.

Register Here

 
Various vegetables surrounding a brown grocery bag on a blue background.

Healthy Cooking
Various dates | Various times
Various locations
Various ages

Various    Discover simple, healthy, and tasty recipes that make weeknight cooking easier! Join us for a fun, hands-on program focused on building practical cooking skills and developing healthier everyday habits.

Register Here

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

Career Personality Quest
Various dates | Various times
Various locations
Various ages

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

 
Group of young adults in positive conversation and taking notes in front of a white board.

Leadership & Service in College
Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Pacific Highlands Ranch Library
Ages 14 - 18

Students learn how leadership can take many forms, from student government to service opportunities. This workshops highlights the value of engaging with peers, building collaboration skills, and using leadership as a tool for influence and service. Students will leave with practical ideas for how to get involved on a college campus and how leadership roles connect to career preparation.

Register Here

 

Upcoming Events

 

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.”
Carnegie corporation New York logo in blue on white background

 

DiscoverU

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