Public Information Office

Students in the Job Training/Certificate Program for welding and steel fabrication celebrated with a first place sweepstakes award for the parade float they built from scratch for San Diego Continuing Education’s entry into the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade on Sunday.

The float included three scenes to support THE Dream in Action theme for Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous dream that has culminated in many milestone events, including the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States.

The first scene included a reduced model replica of the famous bus where Rosa Parks sat. “We wanted our version of the bus to be as accurate as possible, on a smaller scale,” said Billy Castrejon, a 26-year-old student in the welding class and one of the project leads. Castrejon researched images and information on the internet to confirm the correct specifications for the bus details, including an image from a police report that showed exactly where Rosa Parks was sitting at the time of her famous arrest.

More than 20 students and instructors built the bus largely from scrap metal, steel, and paint donations. “Actually applying skills to a project, versus welding inside a booth for practice, has given us a real-life experience to apply what we’ve learned in class,” said student Brendan Lagather, a 40-year old student completing the job training program. “This hands-on training is incredibly valuable and the fact that we created a bus for a parade that honors MLK also makes the work very meaningful.”

The second scene on the float indicated a classroom before the Brown v Board of Education ruling, where young African American students sat around a pot belly stove in a primitive class setting. The third and final scene included a presidential podium and student posing as Barack Obama, indicating the progress toward Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream.

“Our students’ involvement and pride was the key to our success in receiving the Grand Sweepstakes First Place Award,” said Dr. Anthony E. Beebe, President of San Diego Continuing Education. “It is due to the brilliant and talented students, and our amazing faculty, who built the handmade float from scratch. They made wonderful history with the parade float.”

In addition to the welding students who provided their enthusiasm, knowledge, and labor, other faculty and staff from Continuing Education’s Parent Education program, Auto Body and Paint program, Diversity Committee and Associated Student Body contributed significantly to the creation of the float. Ms. Emma Wilson, Adult Education Instructor, rode on the model bus as Rosa Parks, and more than 250 students, faculty, staff, and administrators from Continuing Education marched with the float on Sunday along with nearly 100 other entries parading down Harbor Drive in honor of Dr. King. This year was the 32nd annual parade, which is coordinated by Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, the oldest Black fraternity in America.

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San Diego Continuing Education is the adult education division of the San Diego Community College District. It was one of the first community college continuing education institutions in California to meet the standards for independent accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. More than 90,000 students are served per academic year at six main campuses in San Diego. Noncredit classes are available at no cost, including online options.

Classes are free because San Diego Continuing Education is part of the California system of higher education. Funding also comes through business and industry partnerships. Learn more at www.sdce.edu.

Due to current statewide fiscal constraints, many classes offered by San Diego Continuing Education are at capacity, and many have waiting lists. It is likely that students may not be able to enroll in the class of choice due to these fiscal constraints, and unprecedented student demand. Continuing Education apologizes in advance for any inconvenience students may experience when attempting to enroll.

The City of San Diego’s Advanced Water Purification Facility is a small-scale facility that purifies one million gallons of recycled water every day to a level similar to distilled water quality. Adult students from a San Diego Continuing Education Emeritus Program class toured the facility to better understand the science of water purification, and learn about current testing projects. Students also compared samples of purified, recycled, and tap water.

“This is the kind of experience we to introduce to our students,” said Emeritus Program class professor Pat Mosteller. “This is not only educational, but the students can apply this information to their own lives in becoming better informed community members and decision makers.”

The Purification Facility is one component of the City’s Water Purification Demonstration Project that is examining the safety and cost of purifying recycled water. If the project is approved to go full-scale, the purified water would blend with the City’s imported supply of raw or untreated water stored in the San Vicente Reservoir.

“This is an amazing facility, and the presentation was truly educational,” said student Helen Antoniak. “I am inspired to preserve and appreciate water more as a consequence of attending this tour.”

L to R Former Continuing Education student and professional chef Ricardo Muñoz Zurita with Martha Stewart and Instructor Marilyn Biggica.

When Ricardo Muñoz Zurita, a former Continuing Education student and professional chef, invited his former instructor Marilyn Biggica to meet well-known TV personality and chef Martha Stewart, Biggica did not imagine she would possibly begin a new long-distance friendship. Stewart was in Mexico to help promote tourism. The Mexican government suggested various cultural and culinary locations for her visit, including a segment with the Mayor of Mexico City. Among other stops, Stewart agreed to film a food segment with Zurita at his restaurant Azul Condesa. When Zurita had confirmed the film date with Stewart, he wanted his former instructor to join him for the big event.

When filming concluded, Biggica took opportunity to have a delightful conversation with Stewart. Biggica introduced SDCCD and explained that Zurita attended classes for two years at Continuing Education, with Biggica as his instructor.

Zurita is the author of numerous cookbooks, and is the owner of five restaurants including Azul Condesa, in the fashionable Condesa section of Mexico City. Although Zurita’s fame has extended far beyond US borders, he is still connected to Continuing Education largely through the efforts of Biggica, who has already confirmed him as the professional chef to host San Diego Continuing Education Foundation’s annual Los Dos Chefs fundraising event in San Diego on March 23, 2012.

Supporting Zurita’s success and meeting Stewart were proud moments for Biggica who says it was not only meeting the superstar, but she now has wonderful memories of sincere conversation, admiring photos of Stewart’s granddaughter, and a verbal invitation from Stewart to visit her again in New York City.

Mr. J. Chris Buscher has joined the San Diego Continuing Education Foundation as Executive Director. Chris’s professional background includes more than two decades with the United Way serving as Vice President in Syracuse, New York and San Diego, California. He also served as Executive Director in Auburn, New York. Chris is the past interim President and CEO of United Service Organization San Diego.

“We know Chris can provide immediate, positive, team-oriented leadership and strategic direction for the Board,” says Adeline  Williams, President of the Board of Directors for the San Diego Continuing Education Foundation. “Chris is a dedicated professional with a proven track record, and the Foundation welcomes his extensive background management in the nonprofit industry.”

Chris earned a Bachelor’s degree from Butler University in Indiana, and completed post-graduate training at the Wharton School of Business in Pennsylvania, Grantsmanship Training Center, and Cornell and Syracuse Universities. His professional awards are numerous, including a second Century Award by the United Way of America, and being honored by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for a lifetime commitment to principals of diversity.

“I am very much honored to be chosen for this important position,” says Chris. “I am extremely impressed with the faculty, staff, and administrators I’ve met, and look forward to building a strong Foundation that will support the goals of Continuing Education.”

San Diego Continuing Education is the adult education division of the San Diego Community College District. It was one of the first community college continuing education institutions in California to meet the standards for independent accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. More than 90,000 students are served per academic year at six main campuses in San Diego. Noncredit classes are available at no cost, including online options.

Classes are free because San Diego Continuing Education is part of the California system of higher education. Funding also comes through business and industry partnerships. Learn more at www.sdce.edu.

Due to current statewide fiscal constraints, many classes offered by San Diego Continuing Education are at capacity, and many have waiting lists. It is likely that students may not be able to enroll in the class of choice due to these fiscal constraints, and unprecedented student demand. Continuing Education apologizes in advance for any inconvenience students may experience when attempting to enroll.

Rainy weather forces first-ever indoor ceremony with ‘virtual’ ceremonial scoop

SAN DIEGO – Steady rain and occasional downpours were not enough to deter the ceremonial groundbreaking of the expansion of the historical Educational Cultural Complex (ECC) November 4, prompting the relocation of the event to the indoor lobby, and the scooping of virtual dirt by speakers and others guests.

More than 65 community members, faculty, staff, contractors and district dignitaries attended the event, held to kick off the expansion of a new wing to the complex, intended to replace all outdated bungalows and modular classrooms with smart, state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories and other space.

“Gone are the grey, somber, barrack-like houses. Where before there was dullness, there is now beauty. Where there was dirt, there is a park. Where there was despair and decay, there is now hope for the future for out of the earth has sprung a beautiful complex, the Educational Cultural Complex,” said Anthony Beebe, Ed.D., the president of San Diego Continuing Education, reflecting on the evolution of the venerable complex. “In terms of history, we’re making history again!”

The $16.3 million project is the latest San Diego Community College District project funded by Propositions S and N. The project is on track to obtain a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) – one of six LEED-certified projects built or planned for San Diego Continuing Education campuses, and among 30 across the District. The project is expected to be completed in March 2013, and will provide much needed classrooms to help alleviate the current inability to add more classes and classrooms onsite.

“At Continuing Education, the philosophy is to accept any individual, regardless of academic background or life’s challenges, and take them through innovative instruction and offer student support services to transform these folks – and this is the place they come,” said Rich Grosch, president of the SDCCD Board of Trustees.

“What we are doing is addressing the needs of thousands to come,” praised Constance Carroll, SDCCD Chancellor. “From our propositions, to our specific plans, to all the hard work that went into it, this whole Continuing Education unit is nothing short of a class act.”

“Small business owners come to the ECC to use our computer labs to stay current with computer software, bookkeeping skills and web development so they can remain competitive with new social media and anything else that comes their way online,” said Ingrid Greenberg, President of Continuing Education’s Academic Senate and an instructor for ESL (English as a Second Language). We are proud of our students who work hard to learn, gain training, and then walk of out of these doors to navigate their careers and promote their businesses as they complete in this global economy and build a strong local community.”

Speaker Emma Wilson, a longtime instructor of Basic Skills for Continuing Education known as the “Queen of ECC”, moved many in the audience to tears during a passionate telling of the evolution of Continuing Education from a program and classroom framework to having a campus that offers official college degrees through City College within the SDCCD.

“The dream was that this (Educational Cultural Complex) would be a college. See, I don’t just work here. I live in this community, and if you walk out in my community and you say something about ECC, people say “Oh, that college over there.” We touch the lives and have touched the lives of many, many people. Let us continue to do so,” said Wilson, drawing a standing ovation by the attendees.

A ceremonial shovel, engraved with the date of the ceremony, was presented to President Beebe by Andy Kirby of C.W. Driver, the construction manager for the project

A new two-story, 18,135 square foot classroom wing will be added to the main building on campus to replace all outdated bungalows and modular classrooms, labs and support rooms. The wing will provide state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, lecture and support space and accommodate in-demand workforce training and preparation programs, and will alleviate the current inability to add more classes and classrooms on site.

A 19,700 square foot space within the existing facility will be renovated to be more space-efficient and provide offices, counseling and teaching areas. A new 55,000 square foot parking area will also be created.

All construction and major renovations by the San Diego Community College District are designed and built to obtain the highest possible certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. The Educational Cultural Complex expansion includes a number of sustainable features:

• Advanced energy modeling was used at the onset of the design to help optimize window design, placement and shading, insulation levels, daylighting and natural ventilation opportunities, lighting and mechanical system selection, resulting in 25% savings in energy use.
• Low-flow and waterless plumbing fixtures reduce water consumption in the new areas by 40%.
• Water-efficient landscaping that uses native and adaptive landscaping and high-efficiency irrigation systems reduce exterior water consumption by over 50%.
• Recycled and regionally-harvested and manufactured materials will account for over 20% of all materials used. Only wood and wood products sustainably harvested will be used.
• Access to natural light and views help increase occupant comfort and productivity.
• Placement of the addition minimizes the impact to the campus, restores habitat, and improves stormwater controls.

Project Partners
Architect RJC Architects
Construction Mgr. CW Driver
Structural Engineer SMR-ISD Consulting Structural Engineers
Civil Engineer Masson & Associates
Electrical Engineer BSE Engineering
Mechanical/Plumbing Engineer MA Engineers
Fire Protection PD & C
Campus Project Manager Scott Ellis, URS Corp.
Project Manager Brian Browning, PE, Gafcon, Inc.
Propositions S & N Program Manager Gafcon, Inc.


The $1.555 billion Propositions S and N construction bond program is providing new state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities, major renovations and campuswide infrastructure projects at City, Mesa and Miramar Colleges and six Continuing Education campuses throughout San Diego.

Event photos

Modernization project on track to obtain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification by US Green Building Council

What: Ceremonial groundbreaking for the modernization and expansion of the historic Educational Cultural Complex (ECC) for San Diego Continuing Education.A new wing will be added to the main building on campus to replace all outdated bungalows and modular classrooms, labs and support rooms. The new wing will provide much needed classrooms to help alleviate the current inability to add more classes and classrooms onsite. The project will provide state-of-the-art labs, lecture and support space and accommodate in-demand workforce training and preparation programs.

The $16.3 million project is the latest San Diego Community College District project funded by Propositions S and N. The project is on track to obtain a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) – one of six LEED-certified projects built or planned for San Diego Continuing Education campuses and among 30 across the District. The project is expected to be completed in March 2013.

When: Friday, November 4, 10:30 a.m.

Where: Educational Cultural Complex, 4343 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego, CA 92113

Program Speakers Include:
• Anthony Beebe, Ed.D., President, San Diego Continuing Education
• Rich Grosch, President, SDCCD Board of Trustees
• Constance Carroll, Ph.D., Chancellor, SDCCD

Other Interview Opportunities:
Faculty, staff, students, architects and contractors
** Spanish speakers are available

Background:
The Educational Cultural Complex project will include the following:
• The addition of new 18,135 square foot, two-story classroom wing to the main building on campus
• A 19,700-square-foot space within the existing facility will be renovated to provide offices, counseling and teaching areas, and will include state-of-the-art labs, lecture rooms and support space
• 55,000 square foot parking lot
• Allows for the relocation of the College Police substation

Visuals/Media Availability
• Ceremonial “dig” to commemorate official groundbreaking
• Construction crew, district and campus leaders, students
• Construction equipment, including excavators
• Full-color architectural renderings of the project

Project Partners
Architect, RJC Architects
Construction Manager, CW Driver
Structural Engineer, SMR-ISD Consulting Structural Engineers
Civil Engineer, Masson & Associates
Electrical Engineer, BSE Engineering
Mechanical/Plumbing Engineer, MA Engineers
Fire Protection, PD & C
Campus Project Manager, Scott Ellis, URS Corp.
Project Manager, Brian Browning, PE, Gafcon, Inc.
Propositions S & N Program Manager, Gafcon, Inc.

The $1.555 billion Propositions S and N construction bond program is providing new state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities, major renovations and campuswide infrastructure projects at City, Mesa and Miramar Colleges and six Continuing Education campuses throughout San Diego. For more information, please visit www.public.sdccdprops-n.com. For high-resolution photographs or renderings, please contact Ursula Kroemer at (760) 705-6919 or ukroemer@gafcon.com.

900+ Adult Students Graduate with Pride and New Hope

SAN DIEGO – Pride was soaring even higher than the airplanes flying overhead during San Diego Continuing Education’s Commencement ceremony on June 1 in Balboa Park. More than 1,000 students and families packed the organ pavilion to share success end emotion with proud graduates who crossed the stage to collect their prize—a coveted High School Diploma, GED or a certificate of completion for a job training program.

The largest age group represented by students in Continuing Education is over age 50, as evidenced by the many cheers of jubilee coming from young children. “Congratulations Mom” was shouted repeatedly through the cheers of success, including when Justine Jefferson crossed the stage. Jefferson has the distinguishing characteristic of being the oldest graduate—age 80. The graduating class is full of nontraditional students, coming from a variety of backgrounds. Many have overcome very challenging life situations and chosen to reenter the classroom to position themselves for more education or a better job.

Rich Grosch, President of the Board of Trustees for the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) recognized the commitment of the students and families in his remarks to the graduates. “For a small number of gifted minorities, school may have come easy but for the rest of you, it was an uphill grind,” said Grosch. “You have sacrificed time and treasure to ensure walking across the stage today, and now you are now graduating from one of the finest institutions of its kind in the country.”

As reported in the Economic Impact on Region report prepared by Economic Modeling Specialists, SDCCD plays a significant role in the local economy and is a sound investment from multiple perspectives..

“You are transforming your own lives and you are transforming the lives and welfare of your families,” said Dr. Constance Carroll, Chancellor of the San Diego Community College District. “Your success also improves the economic health of our community and state.” Students benefit from improved lifestyles and increased earnings. Taxpayers benefit from a larger economy and lower social costs.

The graduates represented the most diverse class within SDCCD, and likely the most diverse graduating class in the nation. “Continuing Education is a portal of citizenship and a beacon of hope for those who have come from foreign lands and are residents of California,” said Dr. Anthony Beebe, President of Continuing Education. The graduating class represented more than 30 countries including Mexico, Peru, Vietnam, China, Guatemala, and the Philippines.

As the adult education division of the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD), Continuing Education serves 90,000+ students each year from six main campuses around San Diego. Ninety seven (97) students looking to enroll in college as a next step will benefit from 104 scholarship awards totaling more than $23,000. Beginning in fall 2011, eligible Continuing Education students will be given priority registration to City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges.

The ceremony was in collaboration with the San Diego Unified School District Adult High School Diploma Program. Awards included 190 GEDs, 168 High School Diplomas, and 572 certificates of completion.

STUDENT SUCCESS

Benhur Tsegay, age 34

Political asylee from Eritrea, Africa

Benhur Tsegay is not new to higher education. Growing up in Eritrea, Africa, Benhur completed high school and also earned an Associate degree in Business Management from Asmara Commercial College. However, his hope to continue his education at the university level was put on-hold as he was forced to flee his country in 2004 due to his Christian religion.

Benhur fled to find a place where he could live peacefully and safely. A six-year journey, and 14 countries later, Benhur arrived to the US, where at age 33, he was finally able to return to the classroom at Continuing Education.

His English is very good because his education in Eritrea was in English, plus his parents and family are English-speakers. Benhur’s assessment for English placed him in a high-level English as a Second Language (ESL) class. After successful completion of several ESL classes, Benhur passed the GED exam and is currently enrolled in a class that focuses on transition to college.

“I have an advantage over other students because the classes are teaching me how to think critically. For example, I’m learning how to contextualize what I’m reading into the world around me. I’m also learning the differences between a well-written paragraph and a well-written essay. The ways the instructors teach are preparing me for college in the US.”

Benhur is a 2011 Continuing Education scholarship recipient and plans to take additional English classes at Mesa College, and enroll in City College for healthcare classes. His long-term goal is to become a medical doctor.

Maria Whitehead, age 23

Single mother (children ages 2.5 years and 2 months)

After completing 9^th grade at Montgomery High School, Maria Whitehead dropped out at age 14 because she lacked confidence in her academic ability. The next several years of her life included the birth of her first child, homelessness, and failed attempts at education.

In 2010, while living in a homeless shelter with her baby daughter, Maria made the decision to meet with CalWORKS Intake Coordinators at Continuing Education to determine an educational plan. She found the human and financial support she needed to work on skills to complete her GED, and scored well on initial assessment tests for basic skills.

Her persistence resulted in successful completion of a GED, and subsequent enrollment at City College where she is studying as a paralegal. Her long-term educational goals include transfer to a four-year university to study criminal justice. Maria’s success is possible because she overcame obstacles, set goals, and made use of available resources. She wants her children to know “No matter what you’ve gone through, you can go back and fix it.”

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San Diego Continuing Education is the adult education division of the San Diego Community College District.

SDCE was one of the first continuing education institutions in California to meet the standards for independent accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. More than 90,000 students are served per academic year at six main campuses in San Diego. Noncredit classes are available at no cost, including online options.

Certificate programs are offered for numerous industries including: Automotive Technician, Child Development, Culinary, Nursing Assistant training, Professional Bakeshop Skills and Web Specialist. Classes are free because San Diego Continuing Education is part of the California system of higher education. Funding also comes through business and industry partnerships. Learn more at www.sdce.edu.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CELEBRATES COMMENCEMENT

FOR 900+ ADULT STUDENTS

SAN DIEGO – San Diego Continuing Education (CE) will honor 930 graduates during Commencement at Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park on Wednesday, June 1 at 5 p.m. The ceremony is in collaboration with the San Diego Unified School District Adult High School Diploma Program. The graduates are nontraditional, coming from a variety of backgrounds. Many have overcome very challenging life situations and chosen to reenter the classroom to complete their High School Diploma or a GED. Others have completed specific job training skills in one of 35 Continuing Education certificate programs and are now eager to get to work.

Awards include 190 GEDs, 168 High School Diplomas, and 572 certificates of completion for career technical education programs (e.g. for nursing assistants and automotive technicians). Ninety seven (97) students looking to enroll in college as a next step will benefit from 104 scholarship awards totaling more than $23,000. Approximately 500 graduates are expected to participate in the ceremony.

Continuing Education students have an advantage over others,” said Dr. Anthony Beebe, President of Continuing Education. “When students enroll in Continuing Education, even for a few classes before applying for college, data show they are more successful than those who do not. This is the Continuing Education Advantage!”

As the adult education division of the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD), Continuing Education serves 90,000+ students each year from six main campuses around San Diego. Beginning in fall 2011, eligible Continuing Education students will be given priority registration to City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges. “Priority registration is a great incentive for our students who are looking to transfer,” said Dr. Brian Ellison, Vice President of Instruction and Student Services at Continuing Education. “During a time when the state budget crisis is impacting enrollments at every community college in the state, having priority registration is an important advantage.”

As reported in the Economic Impact on Region report prepared by Economic Modeling Specialists, SDCCD plays a significant role in the local economy and is a sound investment from multiple perspectives. Students benefit from improved lifestyles and increased earnings. Taxpayers benefit from a larger economy and lower social costs. Finally, the community as a whole benefits from increased job and investment opportunities, higher business revenues, greater availability of public funds, and an eased tax burden.

STUDENTS WITH THE CONTINUING EDUCATION ADVANTAGE

Benhur Tsegay, age 34

Political asylee from Eritrea, Africa

Benhur Tsegay is not new to higher education. Growing up in Eritrea, Africa, Benhur completed high school and also earned an Associate degree in Business Management from Asmara Commercial College. However, his hope to continue his education at the university level was put on-hold as he was forced to flee his country in 2004 due to his Christian religion.

Benhur fled to find a place where he could live peacefully and safely. A six-year journey, and 14 countries later, Benhur arrived to the US, where at age 33, he was finally able to return to the classroom at Continuing Education.

His English is very good because his education in Eritrea was in English, plus his parents and family are English-speakers. Benhur’s assessment for English placed him in a high-level English as a Second Language (ESL) class. After successful completion of several ESL classes, Benhur passed the GED exam and is currently enrolled in a class that focuses on transition to college, where he is realizing the Continuing Education Advantage.

“I have the CE advantage over other students because the classes are teaching me how to think critically. For example, I’m learning how to contextualize what I’m reading into the world around me. I’m also learning the differences between a well-written paragraph and a well-written essay. The ways the instructors teach are preparing me for college in the US.”

Benhur is a 2011 Continuing Education scholarship recipient and plans to take additional English classes at Mesa College, and enroll in City College for healthcare classes. His long-term goal is to become a medical doctor.

Maria Whitehead, age 23

Single mother (children ages 2.5 years and 2 months)

After completing 9^th grade at Montgomery High School, Maria Whitehead dropped out at age 14 because she lacked confidence in her academic ability. The next several years of her life included the birth of her first child, homelessness, and failed attempts at education.

In 2010, while living in a homeless shelter with her baby daughter, Maria made the decision to meet with CalWORKS Intake Coordinators at Continuing Education to determine an educational plan. She found the human and financial support she needed to work on skills to complete her GED, and scored well on initial assessment tests for basic skills.

Her persistence resulted in successful completion of a GED, and subsequent enrollment at City College where she is studying as a paralegal. Her long-term educational goals include transfer to a four-year university to study criminal justice. Maria’s success is possible because she overcame obstacles, set goals, and made use of available resources. She wants her children to know “No matter what you’ve gone through, you can go back and fix it.”

Robert Smith

Stroke victim obtained GED after five years of persistence

Robert Smith was not your average high school student. He suffered a stroke at the age of eight, causing him difficulties he would have for the rest of his life, including seizures and slowed development. His adolescence was fraught with bouts of anger and depression, and completing high school created a serious obstacle for him. In 2006 Robert began taking classes at Continuing Education and after nearly five years, he has completed his GED and will graduate in June. He plans to attend Mesa College in the fall and/or begin a demolition business. Robert’s success is due to his persistence, and to the counseling and encouragement he received from Continuing Education.

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San Diego Continuing Education is the adult education division of the San Diego Community College District. SDCE was one of the first continuing education institutions in California to meet the standards for independent accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. More than 90,000 students are served per academic year at six main campuses in San Diego. Noncredit classes are available at no cost, including online options.

Certificate programs are offered for numerous industries including: Automotive Technician, Child Development, Culinary, Nursing Assistant training, Professional Bakeshop Skills and Web Specialist. Classes are free because San Diego Continuing Education is part of the California system of higher education. Funding also comes through business and industry partnerships. Learn more at www.sdce.edu.

Vocation vs. Avocation

Career Counselor Expert Gives Students Sound Advice for Job Hunting

SAN DIEGO—“I admit it,” says Doug Elliot, Career Counselor at San Diego Continuing Education, “I’m too tightly strung to have a hobby.” Elliot has multiple jobs, but only one that pays.

At work I’m an adult education career counselor. At home I’m a bricklayer, tile setter, gardener, carpenter, piano player, cook, and researcher,” says Elliot. It is possible for people to turn hobbies into a paycheck, but deciding on a line of work is a serious decision. Elliot advises students he counsels at Continuing Education to base career choices on interests, skills, knowledge, and the availability of real jobs.

When searching for paid work, it is critical to demonstrate you have an interest as well as the ability to perform the work required of the job. For example, if you say you love gardening, yet, have not planted anything in many years, it would be difficult to find paid work in a nursery. Unless you have recent knowledge and/or skills training in horticulture, employers may determine that you have wilted interests and unfertilized skills, and would likely have a hard time finding a good reason to hire you.

Students often have difficulty separating what interests them now; from what will interest them in the future. A student may have unbridled enthusiasm for working with horses as a veterinary assistant one day, but after working on a project at school, they may shift interests and become excited about animation software. This constant change of focus creates a challenge. Students must be able to sort through all the interests they have, and choose a direction toward paid employment. They must be able to pursue and obtain a job that can support a current lifestyle now, as well as into the future.

Elliot explains two keys that help students sort through career options: communication and information. “Communicating with others about what you are considering, and gathering information to learn everything you can about your options are both critical,” he says.

Internet resources can help with both. E-mail, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media websites allow students to easily connect with others, including potential employers. However, Elliot cautions students accordingly about the internet. “I tell students to keep in mind that meeting someone face-to-face in the real world vs. tweeting with someone in the virtual world is still the best way to connect with others—especially professionals,” he says.

Another idea Elliot shares with his students is the idea of job shadowing. It’s a perfect way to see someone doing what a student might like to do someday. Elliot helps some of his students at Continuing Education create an internship to get a more hands-on feel for a job.

My vocation (from the Latin word vox meaning voice or calling) is my paying job,” says Elliot. “My other vocations, or avocations, are the additional activities I do with a passion, which, by the way, do not include mowing lawns or washing cars.”

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San Diego Continuing Education is the adult education division of the San Diego Community College District. It was one of the first community college continuing education institutions in California to meet the standards for independent accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. More than 90,000 students are served per academic year at six main campuses in San Diego. Noncredit classes are available at no cost, including online options.

Classes are free because San Diego Continuing Education is part of the California system of higher education. Funding also comes through business and industry partnerships. Learn more at www.sdce.edu.

Due to current statewide fiscal constraints, many classes offered by San Diego Continuing Education are at capacity, and many have waiting lists. It is likely that students may not be able to enroll in the class of choice due to these fiscal constraints, and unprecedented student demand. Continuing Education apologizes in advance for any inconvenience students may experience when attempting to enroll.

SAN DIEGO – San Diego Continuing Education received notification today that the Western Association of Schools and Colleges has granted reaffirmation of its accreditation for a six year term, ending June 30, 2017. The reaffirmation is the highest level of accreditation recognition an institution can receive.

“Maintaining accreditation is extremely important because it validates the high level of instruction and service students can expect to receive when they come to our institution,” said Anthony E. Beebe, Ed.D., President of San Diego Continuing Education.

For the past several years, a San Diego Continuing Education leadership team conducted a self study of the organization and prepared many reports for the accrediting commission and visiting team of reviewers.

San Diego Continuing Education has maintained accreditation since 1983, but this was the most positive and successful review in the institution’s history. Continuing Education expects to receive the official written notification from WASC before the end of this month.

“Congratulations to every faculty, administrator and staff who contributed to the successful reaffirmation of our accreditation,” said Dr. Beebe.“Our accreditation is their accreditation because it is their dedication and commitment that helps students reach their educational goals.”

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