SDCCD : Summer Session Begins June 14 At San Diego College Of Continuing Education

Press release from San Diego Community College District:

June 11, 2021

No cost workforce training classes begin Monday, June 14, 2021, at San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE). Adult students 18 and older can complete certificates across 75 high-growth
and in-demand sectors including Healthcare, Information Technology, and Skilled and
Technical Trades or earn a high school diploma/equivalency.

SDCCE is the largest provider of noncredit education in California. To maintain COVID-19
recommendations and protocols of public health officials, all classes for the 2021
summer session will be taught through remote online instruction using simulation software
to mirror in-person learning and industry competencies.

“As businesses slowly reopen and increase capacity across the county, local residents
can return to school in an affordable, flexible, and welcoming environment to learn
new job skills or upskill and advance their careers,” said Carlos Osvaldo Cortez,
Ph.D., SDCCE President.

New this semester is SDCCE’s first short-term Workforce Preparation Hospitality Culinary
Career Bridge Certificate. The Bridge program is focused on recent high school graduates
and others interested in exploring culinary arts and essential foundational skills
for work and college success. Students will be able to earn a Food Handlers Certificate,
expand their networks and learn about further higher education pathways, tuition free
and in just four weeks.

SDCCE’s free healthcare certificate programs and outreach resources benefited first-generation
Mexican American student, Linda Valdez-Lopez. The 27-year-old has her mind set on
becoming a registered nurse, a profession to honor her late grandfather.

Valdez-Lopez had plans to go to college ten years ago in 2011, the same year her grandfather
was diagnosed with terminal cancer. With a Spanish and English language barrier between
hospital and hospice visits for the family, Valdez-Lopez soon became a full-time caregiver,
leaving less time for schooling.

“While he was admitted into hospice, I learned how to take care of him,” she said.
“It was interesting to see how a nurse's care is so vital to a person’s health. Once
he passed away, I decided that this is what I should pursue.”

Heading back to higher education with a greater purpose, Valdez-Lopez decided SDCCE
was the perfect fit for her financially. She started public health classes last year
at SDCCE’s César E. Chávez Campus in Barrio Logan and due to the pandemic completed
several certificate programs online including Certified Nurse Assistant, Behavioral
Health, Restorative Nurse Assistant, and Acute Care.

SDCCE named Valdez-Lopez the 2021 San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees
Scholarship recipient due to her academic achievement and service to the community.
This fall, she will transition to San Diego City College to earn an Associate Of Science
Degree in Nursing.

SDCCE is enrolling now for summer, free classes begin June 14.

This press release was produced by San Diego Community College District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.