For many years the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) and the San Diego Public Library (SDPL) have worked cooperatively to foster a rich environment for students in the City. From promoting the Library’s Summer Reading Program to offering Digital Key-Cards that encourage student access to Library’s eResources to cooperating on the District’s Raising a Reader and Common Core initiatives, the relationship between SDUSD and SDPL is strong and mutually beneficial. While SDUSD has the Prime Time Extended Day Program, the District cannot accommodate all parents and children with this program. The Do Your Homework @ the Library Program does not duplicate the Prime Time Program. Instead, it serves as an important alternative option for parents looking for homework help in their community.

Throughout SDPL’s 35 branch library system, 18 libraries have homework centers. The chosen locations serve communities with at least one school under the minimum target score of 800 on the Academic Performance Index. Each Homework Center has a Tutor Learning Coordinator with Homework Help Volunteers, providing students with instruction and activities in support of Common Core Standards. There are two Library Area Learning Supervisors to oversee program operations, including recruiting, training and monitoring staff performance. The program also capitalizes on the Library’s equipment and staff, Wi-Fi access, and print and digital resources, including the HelpNow! online homework help system.

After less than five months, the program is already demonstrating its positive impact. The total number of students served to date is 10,116. There have been 2,510 unique students, 626 of whom are new first time library users. There have been 164 homework coaches, who have volunteered over 1,418 hours. Using the $26.34 per hour figure set by Independent Sector Research for 2014, to date the estimated dollar value of volunteers for SDPL and the City of San Diego is $37,350.12. One third grade teacher summed up the importance of this program: “One of my students has been attending tutoring…and it has made a tremendous positive impact on her self-confidence and learning. Thanks!”