SAN DIEGO, CA — U.S. Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-52) has secured $500,000 in federal funding for critical utility and water infrastructure improvements at San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE), a national leader in career and technical education.
The funding was included in the U.S. House Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations legislation. The investment will upgrade critical campus infrastructure, strengthening SDCCE’s ability to provide hands-on workforce training to approximately 30,000 adult learners each year, primarily reaching low-income, immigrant, and historically underrepresented communities in San Diego’s most vulnerable neighborhoods.
This latest award marks a second wave of federal funds secured by Congressman Vargas for SDCCE. On June 17, 2024, he visited the College’s Educational Cultural Complex to present $500,000 for facility improvements following the devastating January 19–22 winter storm, when historic rainfall overwhelmed storm drains near the Ocean View Boulevard campus, causing severe flooding and displacing families in Southeast San Diego, including students and employees. The award was part of nearly $2.5 million secured for the San Diego Community College District colleges in the 2024 federal budget.
“We are grateful to Congressman Vargas for securing $500,000 in federal funding to restore critical utility and water systems at San Diego College of Continuing Education. Our campuses are more than classrooms, they are safe havens and lifelines for some of the state’s most vulnerable learners,” said SDCCE President Dr. Tina King. “Vargas is truly a champion who believes so deeply in our mission and in the communities we serve.”
“San Diego College of Continuing Education is one of the largest and oldest providers of continuing education and workforce training in our region. This funding isn’t just an investment in the school’s infrastructure, it’s also an investment in the next generation of students they serve - welders, auto repair workers, electricians, health care workers, and more,” said Rep. Juan Vargas. “I’m glad to have secured these federal funds for SDCCE to help upgrade their facilities and will continue to work to support the outstanding work they do every day.”
“Congressman Vargas understands the transformational power of our educational institutions to uplift the lives of our students and communities,” said Gregory Smith, SDCCD Chancellor. “We sincerely appreciate his leadership and continued support.”
SDCCE offers tuition-free, career training, high school diploma/equivalency, and English as a Second Language classes for adult learners 18 and older. Students complete workforce certificates within four to eight months in high-demand fields such as information technology, healthcare, skilled trades and automotive technology.
To learn more about SDCCE visit: SDCCE.EDU
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Established in 1914, San Diego College of Continuing Education is the adult education division of the San Diego Community College District. It was one of the first community college continuing education institutions in California to meet the standards for independent accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. 20,000 students are served per academic year at seven campuses in San Diego. Noncredit classes and career training are available at no cost, including online options. Classes are free because San Diego College of Continuing Education is part of the California system of higher education. Funding also comes through business and industry partnerships.
619-388-4833
bleonsandeford@sdccd.edu
