This Tuesday, San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) will celebrate a historic milestone as it confers 11,122 certificates and diplomas to adult learners from across San Diego County, the highest number in the institution’s history following the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2026 joint commencement ceremony with San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) will take place Tuesday, June 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Town and Country Resort in Mission Valley.
More than 400 adult graduates are expected to participate in the ceremony, where High School Diploma/HiSET graduate Naomi Garcia, 30, will serve as the Class of 2026 student speaker.
For Garcia, graduating from SDCCE represents far more than academic achievement; it is the result of nine years of perseverance through hardship, healing, and determination.
Garcia first attempted to earn her High School Equivalency Certificate in 2017. However, while balancing parenting responsibilities, housing instability, court requirements, and recovery from trauma, she was forced to pause her education.
“I made a promise to myself to show up and try again,” Garcia said.
When Garcia returned to school at SDCCE, she found support through the CalWORKs program, along with counselors and instructors who encouraged her to continue pursuing her education while navigating life’s challenges.
“During class in 2020, a teacher asked me what my goal was for the semester,” Garcia recalled. “I immediately said I wanted to take my first HiSET test. Within the hour, I submitted my HiSET voucher application and was referred to Ms. Ramirez. The next day, I scheduled my first test, and thanks to the voucher project, I didn’t have to pay.”
She credits SDCCE counselors, faculty, and CalWorks for helping her stay motivated throughout the process.
“My counselors helped me through the whole process and encouraged me every step of the way,” Garcia said. “I just kept going until I finally finished my last test on April 22, 2026.”
Over the course of her nine-year journey, Garcia completed her coursework, secured Section 8 housing, reunited with her children, and ultimately earned her High School Equivalency Certificate.
“The College of Continuing Education gave me that chance,” she said. “The counselors here told me, ‘We got you. If you need to take one class at a time, that’s okay.’”
Now a graduate, Garcia plans to continue her education by enrolling in business courses at SDCCE this summer before eventually pursuing a counseling degree at Mesa College. She also hopes to launch a small business centered on art, painting, and affirmation-based creations that promote healing and self-confidence.
Garcia hopes her story inspires others facing adversity to keep moving forward.
“Some of us took a straight path to get here. Some of us took the long road,” she said. “But we made it. No matter how many times we fell, we are here.”
Garcia’s story reflects the mission of San Diego College of Continuing Education, which serves approximately 30,000 students annually and offers more than 70 tuition-free career certificate programs in high-demand workforce sectors. The college awards more certificates of completion each year than any other noncredit institution in California.
For many students, SDCCE serves as a bridge to higher education and career advancement. Its free career education programs provide pathways to college credit and successful transitions to San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges, helping students strengthen their academic foundations and expand career opportunities.
