Back to School Jam

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

Back to School Jam Back to School Jam is a project of the San Diego County Library Spring Valley branch that provides local youth with the resources they need to successfully transition back to school. Located in South-East San Diego County, the Spring Valley Library serves a community with significant income disparity and a high-truancy rate among children. On a daily basis the library engages with children experiencing school truancy, participating in gang membership, and living without secure parental employment and/or supervision. Back to School Jam was developed in 2015 to support this population of kids and families and promote school readiness as well as connect community members with resources. Youth who attend Back to School Jam receive a free backpack filled with school supplies and are invited to participate in a resources fair with 25 community partners. Activities include information booths, health screenings, crafts and literacy-based programs as well as a free lunch for children. Every year over 800 youth have participated. The program is a prime example of how San Diego County Library is spearheading intergovernmental partnerships to address critical needs of the community.