San Diego College of Continuing Education proudly celebrates National Veterans and Military Families Month by highlighting students who exemplify service, dedication, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Among them is Jacob Visounnaraj, a 20-year-old Army National Guard member and aspiring automotive professional pursuing Continuing Education’s tuition-free Automotive Technology Program to build a future of economic mobility and continued service to his community.

Visounnaraj’s path to the College of Continuing Education was inspired by family and fueled by his childhood passion. His mother, Katie Visounnaraj, is also enrolled in automotive courses, and it was through her that he learned about the opportunities available at Continuing Education. “My mom takes the auto engineering and repair classes,” he shared. “That’s how I heard about the program. I’ve always had an interest in cars and building cars since I was a kid.”

A graduate of Morse High School, Visounnaraj began exploring his automotive interests early, taking auto shop classes and spending time with friends who shared the same enthusiasm for engines and mechanics. His curiosity and hands-on learning experiences led him to the Automotive Program at Continuing Education, where students can earn four tuition-free certificates: Quick Service Inspection Technician, Service Advisor, Auto Body and Paint Technician, and Auto Technician.

After completing certification, students are prepared for entry-level employment or can seamlessly transition to San Diego Miramar College to pursue an Associate Degree in Automotive Technology. Through Miramar’s partnerships with major industry programs such as T-TEN (Toyota, Lexus, Scion) and PACT (Honda), students gain valuable work experience while continuing their education.

In addition to being a student, Visounnaraj proudly serves as a 91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic in the Army National Guard. “I joined the military at 18 years old,” he said. “I’ve been in for two years now and I’m planning to happily reenlist.” His military training aligns perfectly with his automotive studies and his future.

Visounnaraj’s future goals include earning all four automotive certificates, obtaining his Smog License, and eventually opening his own automotive business. “I’m interested in auto body and paint,” he explained. “I want to modify and fix cars and maybe do car shows in the future.” In addition to the National Guard and Continuing Education, he is also dual enrolled at Southwestern College, where he is pursuing a degree in finance, a pathway that will make him more competitive in the automotive industry.

At only 20 years old, Visounnaraj has a bright future ahead and hopes to inspire other young students to feel the same sense of possibility. His advice: “Keep following your goals. Learn more about how to get there, and take it piece by piece. I didn’t know what I wanted to do in high school, but once I started focusing, I realized how much things can change for the better.”

Located at the Educational Cultural Complex, San Diego College of Continuing Education proudly supports active-duty service members, veterans, and their families through its Veterans Resource Center, offering culturally responsive counseling, academic and career advising, resource navigation, workshops, and referrals to veteran-focused services.

Automotive is one of many tuition-free certificate programs offered at San Diego College of Continuing Education, for a full list of VA Education Benefits, please visit sdcce.edu/services/veteran-services.