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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

Person holding pen and working on paper form with laptop open to a screen stating, “Send your application now!”

Preparing for College Applications: Personal Insight Questions
Thursdays, April 9, 2026 & April 16, 2026 | 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Pacific Highlands Ranch Library
Ages 14-18

Prepare for your college application! In this 2-day series, learn the importance of the personal insight questions. Gain an understanding of the basic requirements, what to expect, and how to make yourself stand out and show your authentic self. Participants will have the opportunity to practice their knowledge and skills and get feedback from expert instructors.

Register Here

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

Certification Station: Exploring Career Certifications
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 |  5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Logan Heights Library
Ages 14+

Explore stackable credentials and industry-recognized certificates that boost your hireability. This interactive workshop explores options and matches interests and aspirations, highlighting self-discovery, opportunity awareness, and planning next steps with confidence.

Register Here

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

SAT Test Prep (Session 2)
Tuesdays, May 5, 2026 - June 2, 2026 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Valencia Park/Malcolm X - 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.

Register Here

 
Large yellow sign attached to top of car stopped at red light stating “driver education student driver” in large text.

Dare to Prepare
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Mission Valley Library
Ages 14-18 & Parents

Gear up for driving success! 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. Let's hit the road to safe and smart driving.

Register Here

 
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

 

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