From Shelf to Self: A Library that Reflects and Empowers Through STEM Education

K-12 STEAM education

City of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a citywide benefit) LAUSD (select only if you have a district-wide partnership) County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

GALA is the only public all girls school in California and is also a STEM focused school. Yet our library does not reflect the diversity of our student population or reflect the needs of a STEM based research school. GALA operated out of a small corner of another school’s campus for the first 8 years. Because GALA was co-located when it began, GALA did not receive seed money for a library from LAUSD when it opened. In 2024, GALA moved to its own campus which had been an administrative site. At this time, GALA still did not receive any funds for a library, and at the same time lost access to the library at the old location. Our goal with this project is (1) to support our STEM circulation by providing not only books which reflect success of women and minorities STEM and by providing academic resources for research and classroom STEM learning; and (2) to build out our collection by prioritizing titles that reflect our students and their unique backgrounds and their communities.

With thoughtful development and targeted investment, the library can become a cornerstone of student success and engagement. A well-curated collection is not a luxury—it is a vital part of delivering on the promise of an excellent education for every learner. An effective school library should offer a collection that supports the curriculum while also reflecting and engaging the student body. GALA’s mission is to promote STEM and research as part of its core curricula, yet the library does not meet the high standards to support this mission. Currently, students and teachers often struggle to find the specific titles or resources they need, which can lead to the perception that the library is not a reliable or valuable support for academic work or personal reading. However, the library has the potential to be so much more—a dynamic hub that enriches learning, supports classroom instruction, and fosters a love of reading. The grant will help attain recommended titles to support our students’ academics, identities, and growth. This book initiative is more than just funding—it’s an opportunity to create a space where every student can find academic support, find themselves in a book, discover new perspectives, and feel a sense of belonging. By expanding our collection, we can ensure that all of our students have access to the stories they need and deserve, fostering a love of reading and a deeper connection to their own identities, passions, and the world around them.

GALA school draws students from over 80 zip codes in Los Angeles County. GALA consistently achieves a 100% graduation rate, with 36% of 2024 graduates planning to major in a STEM field – over double the national rate. GALA is also a Title 1 school with over 50% of students qualifying for Title I services. There is a clear mandate to ensure equitable access to high-quality resources. This includes not only general interest materials but also specialized texts for STEM and also those that meet the diverse learning levels and needs of all students. Raising the education level of girls at our school raises the prospects of entire families throughout Los Angeles. GALA is also a high sought after school which draws families to live and work in Los Angeles.