The San Jose Public Library has been working to increase after-school and summer learning opportunities for children of low-income families. As a FUSE executive fellow, Lauren Hancock launched a technology-based platform that helps San Jose families discover thousands of out-of-school activities. She also strengthened partnerships with key community-based organizations that offer learning programs, such as the YMCA and the city’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services.
Building on that work, Lauren helped implement the city’s Education and Digital Literacy Strategy. Among other tasks, she supervised the work of two literacy program specialists, helped expand the network of out-of-school education providers, and established and oversaw quality standards and assessments tools. Through these initiatives, San Jose continues to facilitate learning beyond the classroom for children from underserved families.
