In June, the Carnegie Corporation of New York named the Library Foundation SD one of 11 grant recipients of its national Libraries as Pillars of Education and Democracy program. This two-year initiative builds on Carnegie’s renewed commitment to libraries as trusted public institutions that help reduce political polarization. The $450,000 grant will expand two Library college readiness and access programs: DiscoverU and the Adult High School Diploma (AHSD) program.
DiscoverU helps youth prepare for college and gain life management skills. Through interactive, in-person workshops, students learn about college admissions, prepare for SAT or ACT, get financial aid assistance, and receive tutoring. DiscoverU also offers life skills workshops that teach teens the skills they need to navigate adulthood, including healthy cooking, independent living, and planning for the future.
The AHSD program offers adult students the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma. Participants take classes online and receive support from the Library, including access to unlimited tutoring, guidance from Academic Success Coaches, technology tools, and services that support non-native English speakers. Through the two AHSD paths, Career Online High School and Excel Adult High School, students can earn a career certificate in addition to their diploma or take electives in topics that prepare students for further study.
Carnegie’s library support in San Diego spans 123 years
The Carnegie Corporation of New York gifted $10,000 grants to hundreds of library systems nationwide in October, including the San Diego Public Library. The grant was in recognition for the libraries once considered Carnegie Libraries.
“Our founder, Andrew Carnegie, who championed the free public library movement of the late 19th century, described libraries as ‘cradles of democracy’ that ‘strengthen the democratic idea, the equality of the citizen, and the royalty of man,’” said Dame Louise Richardson, president of Carnegie. “We still believe this and are delighted to celebrate our connection to the libraries he founded.”
Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of 1,681 free public libraries in the United States between 1886 and 1917, including San Diego’s Carnegie Library in 1902. This unexpected grant allows the Library Foundation SD the flexibility to use the funds where they are needed the most.
