Santa Clara County Library District

This article details the development and pilot deployment of Rise Up: A Program for At-Risk Youth, which was created by the Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) in partnership with the County District Attorney, County Social Services, City of Gilroy and the South County Youth Task Force. The project focused specifically on youth at risk for drug or violent activity, as well as their caregivers and the adults in Gilroy serving these youths and their families. The process of rolling out Rise Up demonstrated the benefits of adjusting assumptions and how flexibility opens the way to future opportunities. Rise Up also taught the library valuable lessons about the need for improved equity—fulfilling basic needs like childcare and food security can go a long way in ensuring that at-risk youth and families can take advantage of learning opportunities.