San Diego Continuing Education’s (SDCE’s) history begins in 1914—the year adult education began inside classrooms at San Diego High School on Twelfth and Russ Streets downtown San Diego.
Classes were initially offered in the High School during the evening, and at other selected elementary school campuses in the downtown area. Although the classes were for adults, they were attached to San Diego High School and elementary schools, as part of the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD). Classes were within the program known as the San Diego Adult School, and these classes mark the beginning of CE’s history.
“Since 1914, serving students has been a priority and focus,” said Dr. Anthony Beebe, President of Continuing Education.” Continuing Education continues to provide classes within the designated areas for adult education and based on community needs.”
From the beginning, and through several decades of name changes and some juggling of locations and class offerings, adult education remained within SDUSD—until 1969.
In 1969 an ad-hoc committee reporting to the San Diego County Board of Education suggested the establishment and creation of a separate Junior College District in San Diego. Upon the committee’s suggestion, the Board of Education adopted a resolution on August 14, 1969 to form a separate district, and a plan was developed and approved the same year by the SDUSD Board in October and by the San Diego County Board of Education in November.
Following the Boards’ approvals, effective July 1, 1970, the San Diego Community College District was formed. The District included an adult education division (the current San Diego Continuing Education) and became an entirely separate District from SDUSD, but continued to operate under a common Board.
In November 1972, San Diego voters approved a separate governing Board for SDCCD and a Chancellor was selected. The first Board of Trustees took office in December 1973, and SDCCD and the current San Diego Continuing Education have been in place continuously since then.
“We believe that every student has the potential for great success,” said Dr. Beebe. “Whether it’s a student in the 40s training for the defense department; the 70s as a microfilm technician, or a current student learning about weatherization and green job training—we make successful those who come and this is a forever celebrated success.”
In an article written about San Diego High School in 1914, Arthur Gold, Principal, says the High School is well-equipped, and up-to-date, and explains the different kinds of classes offered in the building including reference to college preparation and job training.
“College preparation is amply cared for in the usual courses that lead in that direction. To supplement these courses and to provide for that large proportion of high school pupils who cannot or do not care to go to college, equally ample provision is made. Business courses offer the best training in practical lines together with ample education in broader lines. Students from these courses are continually placing themselves in good positions in the business world. “
--Arthur Gould, Principal, The San Diego High School, Normal News Weekly, April 30, 1914.