Free classes start Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE). Students learn inside classrooms that mirror industry standards including a welding yard, fiber technology lab, healthcare lab, and an automotive garage at no-cost to them.

Within four to eight months students earn certificates in Automotive, Business, Accounting and Entrepreneurship, Child Development, Clothing and Textiles, Digital Media and Programming, Healthcare, Hospitality and Culinary Arts, Information Technology, as well as Skilled and Technical Trades. Other free classes include English as a Second Language (ESL), Citizenship, and High School Diploma/Equivalency. Classes are taught online and in person at seven campuses across San Diego located in Mountain View, Barrio Logan, Point Loma, Kearny Mesa, Fairmount, and at Mesa College and Miramar College. 

To ensure success and retention, the College of Continuing Education provides comprehensive basic needs services “SDCCE Cares” for enrolled students. The array of free resources include access to food, housing, transportation, child care, health care, and mental wellness.

“This spring will be very special for our college as we bring more hyper targeted resources to our students, begin construction on the new Educational Cultural Complex theatre, and increase our apprenticeships that lead to union opportunities and high paying jobs,” said Dr. Tina M. King, College of Continuing Education President. “It is critical to our noncredit institution, that our students have the same equitable opportunities as the nation’s leading colleges and universities.”  

Many students studying at the College of Continuing Education come from immigrant and refugee backgrounds, are military veterans, or are returning to the classroom for the first time in years. Among the students are father and son, Luis and Daniel Valdivia. The absence of tuition at the College of Continuing Education allows the Valdivia family to build a future in the automotive industry together while not worrying about student debt amidst other life expenses. 

“I was working full-time at Home Depot, and my dad encouraged me to try college again. I figured I liked cars, so I might as well give it a try and the program is free,” said Daniel, who dreams of becoming a certified auto body and paint technician.

While Marine Veteran Luis is already accomplished as a combat trucker having worked with diesel trucks and forklifts, he is adamant about being a life-long learner. “I always had the yearning to study automotive and the chance presented itself at the College of Continuing Education and I get to go to school with my son.” 

New this spring is a Tutoring & Learning Center at the Educational Cultural Complex, to support students with course work as well as scholarship applications. The College’s North City Campus is also newly housing a CompTIA testing center, open to students and the public to test for credentials and licensees.

Enrollment is open now. For more information please visit, sdcce.edu.