Dear SDCCE Community,
Last week, Chancellor Smith shared a detailed communication with information about the 2025–2026 California Budget, which was signed by Governor Newsom on June 27. VP Sabanos also shared a follow-up communication that on June 30, the U.S. Department of Education announced the impoundment of $6.2 billion in federal education funds. This includes Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds, for which the College of Continuing Education was slated to receive approximately $1.4 million. In response, California and 19 other states have filed a lawsuit seeking the immediate release of the funds.
We are actively preparing contingency plans in case of a delay or permanent loss of these funds. Fortunately, over the past several months, we took proactive steps to reduce our reliance on this funding, including targeted year-end budget cuts and reductions in NANCE staffing.
Although this current situation is disappointing, California’s new state budget includes $60 million in block grants to help districts manage funding disruptions. SDCCE may receive a portion of this funding, which could provide short-term support as we continue working with the district on long-term planning.
We remain grateful for your continued dedication to our students and community during these times.
Enrollment Updates
Summer Update
SDCCE’s overall enrollment for summer stands at 14,180 (5% less than this time last year, and a 0.5% increase from last week), with a fill rate of 76%, which is less than last summer (84%). SDCCE’s overall headcount is currently 9,905, a decrease of 2% compared to this time last summer (10,087) and a 0.3% increase from last week (9,879). FTEF scheduled for the summer semester is 12% greater than last summer (71.91 to 80.60). View enrollment report.
Connect with the President
I'm excited to continue offering the opportunity to Walk with the President! If you’d rather take a stroll around the Educational Cultural Complex instead of a Zoom meeting, join me for a refreshing walk as we continue to prioritize wellness. Don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes!
Individual walks or zoom meetings will be 20 minutes and are available on a first come first-served basis. If you would like to schedule an appointment with me, please email sdccepresident@sdccd.edu for detailed information.
Lastly, you can utilize the anonymous sharing box. Your voice matters, and I look forward to continuing the conversation.
Show Your SDCCE Pride!
Explore our official online store for a selection of SDCCE swag and merchandise—from cozy hoodies, sweatshirts to bucket hats. For SDCCE swag and merch, visit the online store and start shopping today!
We’re refreshing our SDCCE birthday list! If you’ve already signed up in the past, no need to do it again—we’ve got you covered! If you’d like to be included and receive a special message on your birthday, please fill out this quick form.
Save the date
Get ready for the Vision 2030 Noncredit Summit 2025—happening October 16–17 at Mt. San Antonio College! This transformative event will center equity and economic mobility, bringing key voices together to shape the future of noncredit education.
Stay tuned—registration details coming soon!
ECC Theatre Renovations
The ECC Theatre Renovation is underway! New signs have been placed around campus outlining the construction. There will be important upcoming construction activities to make note of:
CARES Marketplace Temporarily Closed
The CARES Marketplace will be temporarily closed while we prepare to serve you from a new temporary location at ECC (Room 132). We’re working hard to reopen, and we truly appreciate your patience and support during this time of transition. While the marketplace relocates, you can continue to connect with CARES for other services and support and reach out to Dean Michele Madrid Novak for urgent inquiries.
Demolition and Loud Noise Activity – Now to August 6
Demolition is scheduled to is currently taking place, and will continue through Wednesday, August 6. Loud Noise Activity will impact the following areas, including:
- Ceramics (Room 48)
- South Wing Classrooms
- Student Lounge
Construction work will generally occur Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Loud Noise Notice signage will be posted throughout the campus to ensure awareness. Visit the project webpage to learn more and stay up to date.
We recently toured the site and were excited to see the transformation taking shape. Thank you for your continued support as we revitalize the theatre for our students and community.
SDCCE and SDCCD came together in unity at the Pride Parade, boldly wearing our “Unbreakable Pride, Unshakeable Power” shirts created by our talented Digital Media student, Jessi Noreault—showcasing our support for the LGBTQIA+ community. It was a day filled with joy, connection, and celebration, as our students, faculty, classified professionals and administrators marched with pride and purpose. The energy, love, and solidarity reflected the heart of who we are: a community committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging for all. Thank you to our outreach team for supporting the event. We hope you enjoy the new pride swag!
SDCCE counselors will be visiting all campuses from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM throughout July to connect with students, offer mental health support, and provide valuable LGBTQIA+ resources — a chance for students to engage, ask questions, and build community!
Campus Visit Schedule
- North City: July 22
- CE Miramar: July 24
- West City: July 31
Safety, Inclusion, and Belonging (SIB) Task Force Updates
At San Diego College of Continuing Education, we are committed to maintaining a campus environment that fosters inclusivity, equity, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their background or immigration status. The SIB Task Force was created to develop actionable steps to enhance support for our students in the current social climate.
We encourage employees and students to stay informed with helpful resources on our newly developed Canvas Shell operated by the Immigrant Student Success Program. It contains program information, events, handouts, and videos in 7 different languages.
Also, new cards with ISSP information and resources have been developed and will be handed out as needed. If a student needs assistance or a safe place to ask questions, please direct them to: SDCCEImmigrantSupport@sdccd.edu.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 31, where we’ll continue advancing these important conversations and taking next steps.
Additionally, the next Know Your Rights Event is approaching soon!
Date: July 24, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Title: Immigration Legal Consults at SDCCE Cesar Chavez Campus (Room TBD)
Event Information:
Jewish Family Service’s Higher Education Legal Services (HELS) will be on campus offering free, brief one-on-one immigration legal consultations for California Community College students, staff, and faculty. Registration is required in advance. Haitian Creole interpretation available. Register Here.
A heartfelt thank you to the Task Force for your continued support, to the dedicated ISSP Team, and counselor Fatima Mota for your ongoing efforts to ensure our students have access to the resources and care they need—especially during these challenging times.
We are continuing to add resources to our website! Thank you to Our CalWORKs Job Developer Placement Specialist, Zuri Williams, who recently attended a Haitian Community Collaborative meeting and brought back valuable insights and documents to benefit the SDCCE community.
View the documents below:
Workshop: Humanizing Diverse Immigrant Student Populations
Join Dr. Juan Carlos Reyna for an interactive, FLEX-eligible session focused on supporting immigrant students through inclusive, equity-centered practices.
Session 1
- César Chávez Campus, Room 103
- Wed, July 23 | 9 AM–1 PM | Light breakfast
Session 2
- North City Campus, Room 101
- Thu, July 24 | 1–5 PM | Light lunch
Register: https://forms.office.com/r/qdQA7tejLz
Let’s ensure immigrant students feel seen, supported, and valued.
SDCCE is now proudly featured on local San Diego MTS buses—bringing greater visibility to our tuition-free career training programs! This milestone marks an exciting step in expanding community awareness and access to life-changing educational opportunities.
If you see our buses around town, snap a photo and tag us!
ESL faculty members Alayne, Ildi, and Liz recently led their "Empowering Families through English Language Literacy" presentation — highlighting their impactful work during the 2023–2024 academic year.
The presentation showcased the development and implementation of a specialized curriculum designed to support English language learning for parents, strengthening both language skills and family engagement in education.
The UCSD Eye Mobile Clinic will be at the ECC Campus (4343 Ocean View Blvd.) on Wednesday, July 23, offering free eye exams for students—no insurance needed. Two optometrists and a technician will be onsite. Students can choose from metal or plastic frames, and glasses will be mailed directly to them. Spanish-speaking staff is available. Student sign-up is required
. Please spread the word!
Back to School Health Resource Fair
The Office of Assemblymember Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins is hosting a Back to School Health Resource Fair on Saturday, August 2, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at New Creation Church (3115 Altadena Ave, San Diego) for a day of support, wellness, and preparation for the new school year.
Give aways include 1,500 free backpacks with supplies for TK–12 students, along with free health screenings and access to community resources.
Register to reserve a backpack
https://form.jotform.com/251726560691158Sign up to volunteer
https://tinyurl.com/BackToSchoolAD79Please share this information with students and their families and to start the new school year off strong.
Be Well CCE
Check out the upcoming Be Well CCE support group opportunities to boost your well-being this semester!Be Well CCE
Weekly Student Support Group
“This Thing Called Life” is hosted on Wednesdays for students only at 12:30PM.
Meeting ID: 884 0608 7923
https://sdccd-edu.zoom.us/j/88406087923
Weekly Employee Support Group
“Think it Through Thursdays” is hosted on Thursdays for employees only at 12:30PM.
Flex Credit Available
Meeting ID: 879 8336 9490
https://sdccd-edu.zoom.us/j/87983369490
Classified Professional Spotlight
This week's Classified Professional Spotlight shines on our new graphic designer/photographer and Los Angeles native, Dustin De Los Santos. Dustin began his creative journey at a local print shop, designing signage, stickers, and publications, later expanding his skills in higher education with projects like flyers, brochures, web banners, and event photography.
Passionate about storytelling through visuals, he aims to help others share their stories through thoughtful design and photography. He draws inspiration from art museums and global photography exhibitions, studying how creatives use visuals to convey meaning and exploring the design process behind their work.
Outside of design, he enjoys playing guitar, hiking, collecting vinyl records, visiting national parks, staying active at the gym, and spending time with his dog, Vanilla. Grateful to have built a career he loves, Dustin takes pride in creating work that supports students, elevates events, refreshes branding, and captures lasting memories.
Faculty Spotlight
Our Faculty Spotlight proudly features ESL Instructor Janet Foster, who brings over 15 years of experience teaching English to adult immigrants and refugees. With expertise in effective teaching methodologies, curriculum development, writing, and editing, Janet is deeply dedicated to empowering learners through language and education. Her passion and commitment are evident in everything she does, and SDCCE is grateful for the incredible impact she makes in the lives of our students.
- A reminder that all requests of the Communications Department must be approved by a dean or vice president and requires submission of a request form. You can find the Project Request Form link on the Faculty and Staff Resources Page of our website. Allow ten working days for a request to be completed. If a request needs immediate attention, please complete the form and contact the Public Information Officer.
- For SDCCE professional development opportunities, visit the professional development web page for upcoming workshops.
SDCCE Foundation News
SDCCE Foundation's Hoop Hysteria Fundraiser is happening this upcoming October 11 & 12—uniting community members, students, and employees for a high-energy basketball event aimed at raising funds for student scholarships and programs. Learn more details on how to have fun for a good cause!
President's Updates
I enjoyed attending the MOU signing between SDCCD and SDSU—marking a new partnership to build a STEM facility at SDSU Mission Valley. This collaboration will offer guaranteed transfer pathways for SDCCD students, benefiting over 140,000 learners.
It was a joy to teach SDSU’s Doctoral Cohort 16. Together, we explored new literature, engaged with emerging theories, learned from expert guest lecturers, and took a field trip to SDCCE to gain firsthand insight into adult education, workforce training programs, and equitable approaches to serving diverse student populations.
The Research Corner
This week we invite you to explore the research paper Education Deserts The Continued Significance of "Place" in the Twenty-First Century. This paper pinpoints and discusses "Education Deserts" in the US; areas in which there is minimal access to higher education due to a lack of broad-reaching institutions of higher education. The paper mostly covers the where, what, and why of education deserts, in an attempt to demonstrate that geography and location should be a greater consideration in public college and university policy. The paper may be accessed here: Education Deserts The Continued Significance of "Place" in the Twenty-First Century. Please take a minute to review this resource and email jsalcedo001@sdccd.edu if you have any questions.
Best,
