Local Community Colleges Welcome Students Back this Fall

San Diego CA

29 July, 2021

7:06 PM

Description

The region's 10 community colleges are welcoming students back on campus for the fall. Enrollment is in full swing with classes beginning between August 1 and September 7. Programs will feature an enhanced schedule of in-person labs and hands-on skills training with the option to continue taking a wide range of courses online. "For the last year, we have been laser-focused on supporting our students with access to technology, tutoring, and financial support programs," said Dr. Lynn Neault, chancellor of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. "We also stayed very close to changing student and employer needs and are thrilled to be welcoming new and existing students back to campus with a wide range of exciting new programs as well as financial aid and support services for student success." Student services are available online and in-person to help students with enrollment and planning for Fall 2021. Financial and technology support to address a variety of student needs are also available at all campuses. In addition, the campuses offer access to counselors, tutoring and writing centers, a food pantry and clothing center, internship programs, and employment development resources. Meeting Changing Student Needs Responding to student needs, the region's 10 colleges will offer expanded courses in fields with the highest demand for trained workers, such as healthcare and technology. This semester, allied health and life science programs will continue to offer on-campus instruction along with aviation, fire technology, and automotive technology courses. Students will find a broader range of technology courses with new cybersecurity, drone, programmable logic controller, data management with Python, and business information courses. Regional campuses are also introducing new offerings for a variety of courses from tax preparation and aquatics to surveying and viticulture. Supporting Diversity Several campuses have introduced new ethnic studies courses into course work, getting ahead of new California State University transfer requirements. In addition, there has been a significant increase in classes and curriculum for students who speak English as a second language. MiraCosta College recently translated its Business Quick Start program into Spanish. San Diego College of Continuing Education added a workplace communication class for ESL students and three new vocational English as a second language programs focused on health careers, career pathways, and the transition to college. Palomar College has also developed a pathway for students to achieve their ethnic studies requirements. More Than 200 Affordable Career Training Programs SDICCCA Career Education programs are an affordable, efficient path to a rewarding, high-paying career. Courses cost an average of just $46 per credit. Financial aid is available and the California Promise Program enables eligible first-time, full-time students to attend college for free. Career Education programs provide complete career training for about $3,000, and 71% of students are employed within a year of graduation. "Community colleges are the most cost-effective choice for anyone who wants to continue their education close to home and for workers who need to upgrade skills or train for a new career," said Dr. Neault. "With stimulus payments expected to end in September, now is the perfect time to upgrade your job skills. With more than 200 programs to choose from, there's something for every interest and skill level." Additional new or expanded programs for the fall semester include: Cybersecurity training offered at Southwestern College Electrical Technology programs at Imperial Valley College Environmental health and safety program at Cuyamaca College Fire technology at San Diego Miramar College Master Teacher Certifications at Grossmont College Pastry and Baking Certificate offered at San Diego Mesa College Project Management and Ethnic Studies path to complete California 4-year institution admission requirement at Palomar College School Age Theory, Skill Development and Guidance, and Curricula courses at San Diego College of Continuing Education Viticulture Apprenticeship Program at MiraCosta College Career Education programs, which prepare students in just two years for the growing number of in-demand middle-skill jobs, are accepting new students at every campus. Community college and continuing education centers are located conveniently across San Diego and Imperial Counties. The campuses are: Cuyamaca College, Grossmont College, Imperial Valley College, MiraCosta College, Palomar College, San Diego City College, San Diego College of Continuing Education, San Diego Mesa College, San Diego Miramar College, and Southwestern College. Students curious about degrees, available programs, and career paths can learn more at CareerEd.org. The website also contains information about financial aid available to Career Education students at California community colleges. About Career Education in San Diego and Imperial Counties San Diego and Imperial Counties' community colleges and continuing education campuses have united to fill the growing regional middle-skill labor gap by promoting Career Education programs to target these well-paying, in-demand jobs. Whether learning new skills, completing short-term free career training, or earning a certificate or an associate degree, Career Education students gain real-world experience that prepare them for in-demand, well-paying jobs. With more than 200 programs to choose from, students learn by exploring, collaborating and doing, with hands-on training taught by instructors and professionals who have worked in their field of study. To learn more, visit CareerEd.org.