Naming Gift for JEP Library

Marking the first naming of a space in the JEP House, the Tesoriero family has designated funds from their USC Associates Provost-level membership to advance this community-based program.

The Tesoriero’s gift will support USC Dornsife’s Joint Educational Project (JEP) Readers^Plus Library, which houses publications and resources used by literacy tutors to teach school children. The library contains books in English and Spanish that range from Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham to tales from the Harry Potter series.

In recognition of their generous donation, USC Dornsife is pleased to name the space in the JEP House the Tesoriero Family Readers^Plus Library.

As guests of USC Dornsife, Sharon (left) and John Tesoriero, and their USC undergraduate daughter Ashley, attend a USC Associates picnic for the USC vs. Colorado game in October 2012. Photo by Brooke Williams.

“For 40 years, JEP has demonstrated its commitment to the community and to our students,” USC Dornsife Dean Steve Kay said. “The most important resources in resolving problems in our society are the human resources on campus and in our city.

“The JEP House reaches out from our home to homes across the community, establishing strong connections that create real change.”

Founded in 1972, JEP is one of the nation’s oldest and largest service-learning programs. Housed in USC Dornsife, JEP offers USC students the unique opportunity to study the relationship between theory and practice.

Its USC Readers^Plus — an America Reads/America Counts literacy and math-tutoring program — has provided tutorial assistance in both subjects to thousands of children in USC’s Family of Schools, while offering meaningful opportunities for USC work-study students. Local principals consider the program “the best USC program in the community.”

JEP Executive Director Tammara Anderson was thrilled to have received the gift from the Tesoriero family.

“With their support, JEP’s USC Readers^Plus program will be able to reach more children by hiring additional tutors, and add new and exciting books to our library that our USC students can share with children in our neighborhood schools,” Anderson said.

Sharon and John Tesoriero, and Trojan Family member, daughter Ashley, an undergraduate at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, are thrilled to give to this program. 

“We are very happy to help JEP and the great programs that it provides to the children in the community surrounding the USC campus,” Sharon Tesoriero said. “With our gift we hope to encourage other members of the Trojan Family to support JEP through donations or volunteering.”

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the JEP House includes many naming opportunities, including the house itself. For information about how you can help transform lives through your support of JEP, call David Eshaghpour, executive director of development in USC Dornsife at (213) 821-9395.