Chasing Dreams at San Diego College of Continuing Education
Andrea Jarvis, a determined individual with a dream of becoming a welder, wasted no time in enrolling at the San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE).
Jarvis, a 34-year-old millennial and single mother of two young children, is part of a growing movement of students turning towards shorter-term, vocational certificates that lead to stable careers. SDCCE’s cost-free classes, taught by industry veterans, have become an increasingly attractive option for individuals like Jarvis.
Embracing Vocational Education
A recently released report by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation highlights the preference among high school students and non-college adults for educational pathways that are shorter, more affordable, and directly linked to specific job opportunities. SDCCE aligns perfectly with these preferences.
Nationally, enrollment in vocational-focused community colleges has increased by 16% since last fall, reaching the highest level since the National Student Clearinghouse began tracking such data in 2018. Enrollment in construction trades programs has risen by over 26%, while programs focusing on mechanic and repair technologies have seen an increase of more than 8%.
California Community Colleges have also experienced a similar trend, with the number of students earning vocational certificates or degrees reaching a record 80,082 in the 2021-22 academic year, a 26% increase from five years earlier.
Overcoming Challenges and Changing Perceptions
Several factors contribute to this movement:
- The rising costs of traditional college degrees and growing skepticism about their return on investment (the average federal student loan debt is now $37,338).
- A desire for hands-on, practical training that leads directly to stable careers.
- Changing perceptions about working in the trades.
- Attractive pay in vocational fields.
What sets SDCCE apart is its commitment to providing not only top-notch workforce training but also a seamless pathway for students to transition from noncredit vocational education options to for-credit programs at San Diego City, Mesa, or Miramar colleges. Through the Noncredit to Credit Alignment Lab (NCAL) Project, students receive academic counseling and assistance with educational planning as they transfer to these sister colleges. The project initially focused on healthcare and child development pathways, resulting in nearly one-third of healthcare students earning a certificate of completion transitioning to City College.
“This is just the beginning of my career in healthcare,” said one student. Another expressed gratitude for the free tuition and resources provided by SDCCE, describing their experience as excellent.
Continuing Progress
Programs like those offered by SDCCE contribute approximately $250 million to the regional economy each year and have an annual alumni impact exceeding $209 million. Recognizing this impact, the state of California has awarded the College of Continuing Education a $1-million grant to expand pathways for English-language learners pursuing healthcare careers. Additionally, partnerships with businesses, labor organizations, and community supporters have resulted in donations of resources and grants to support the growth and enhancement of vocational programs.
These partnerships and support create opportunities for students like Andrea Jarvis to achieve their goals.
“San Diego College of Continuing Education provides a shot to people from all walks of life, coming from financial hardships, from being a teenager and getting out of high school, to older people looking to chase their dreams later in life. I really feel like this school has a lot to offer at little or no cost.”
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content:
- SDG 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
- SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:
- Enrollment in vocational-focused community colleges
- Number of students earning a vocational certificate or degree
- Average federal student loan debt
- Average annual wages for industrial machinery mechanics, construction laborers, and welders
- Amount of money pumped into the regional economy by SDCCE annually
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university. | – Enrollment in vocational-focused community colleges – Number of students earning a vocational certificate or degree |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | – Average federal student loan debt – Average annual wages for industrial machinery mechanics, construction laborers, and welders – Amount of money pumped into the regional economy by SDCCE annually |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | – Average federal student loan debt – Average annual wages for industrial machinery mechanics, construction laborers, and welders – Amount of money pumped into the regional economy by SDCCE annually |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: ccdaily.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
