Students focus on the development of English language skills and knowledge of American History and Government. Students also prepare for the citizenship application, the Government and History Test, and the final United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) interview.
Classes are free.
Online options are available.
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Student Success
Inara Da Rocha Simplicio dreamed of becoming an American citizen since coming to the United States (US) from Brazil three years ago. She enrolled in San Diego College of Continuing Education’s (SDCCE’s) free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and Citizenship program to prepare for the Naturalization Ceremony and her future in a new country. “SDCCE offered many tools that I needed to take on challenges and opportunities that I couldn’t even imagine.” Simplicio achieved a Sociology degree back home in Brazil, where she worked as a high school teacher. Following her studies at SDCCE, Simplicio has plans to become a teacher in the US.
Student Success
Marie Augustin was born in Les Cayes, Haiti, where she walked 15 miles every day to attend school. “Most of my friends quit going to class. I didn’t quit because I knew that getting an education is the only way to make a life.” After achieving her diploma, she worked as a business analyst. Augustin left her home country after the 2010 Haiti Earthquake, which killed more than 230,000 people. She found her way back to a meaningful education through San Diego College of Continuing Education's (SDCCE's) free Vocational English a Second Language (VESL) program. She completed VESL, six career training certificates, and is currently enrolled in SDCCE’s Citizenship course. “VESL changed my life. I learned how to write a resume in English, how to do an interview, and about American civics.” She now works as an English, French and Haitian Creole Interpreter serving San Diego County.
Student Success
Felipe Zuniga moved from Mexico to the United States (US) to find more opportunities for his family. “I attended the Naturalization Ceremony 15 years ago for my wife and my cousin. It’s my turn now,” he said. Zuniga completed San Diego College of Continuing Education's (SDCCE’s) Citizenship course in spring 2017 and successfully participated in the Naturalization Ceremony. “Being in the US has taught me a lot of things, such as the freedom every person has and the possibility you can make in your life, if you’re willing to put a lot of effort forward.” Zuniga works as a full-time chef at Benihana and will enroll in Advanced ESL classes and the free Computer career training program at SDCCE.
Volunteer Citizenship Tutor Program »
In 2015, the USS Midway Museum began a collaboration with the San Diego College of Continuing Education to expand the number of community volunteers working in English as a Second Language (ESL) and citizenship classes. Midway volunteers are trained and placed in classrooms to tutor individually or in small groups and assist with citizenship exam preparation, job readiness skills, English communication skills, pronunciation practice, and reading and writing skills.