San Diego Community College District

Can a passionate social justice warrior take San Diego City College to the next level? President Ricky Shabazz has been raising enrollment and expanding classes at a school that’s struggled for years.

“We’re one of the most racially and ethnically diverse colleges in the country. I wanted to show students they can be their authentic self and still be a scholar. We are the United Nations of colleges.” - San Diego City College President Ricky Shabazz bit.ly/4cjA4v1

@sandiegouniontribune.com

Welcome to the first day of the spring semester! It’s great to see everyone back on campus. Don’t forget you still have time to Apply, Register, or just add a class. Registration is open through Feb. 13. sdccdstart.com

Seven student leaders wave in front of the Capitol Building in Sacramento

Assemblyman David Alvarez with SDCCD leadership.

Seven student leaders in the halls of the Sacramento Capitol Building. There is a portrait of Ronald Regan on the wall behind them.

Chancellor Greg Smith, trustee Geysil Arroyo with student leaders and other attendees at a presentation. 

Another successful trip to Sacramento advocating for students and community colleges. Thank you to our amazing SDCCD cohort, including our student leaders.

Photos from the MLK Parade of the SDCCD with signs and the float. 

Have you seen our first newsletter of 2026? Read about our MLK Parade coverage, the president of the board of trustees, a design contest for students, and more. conta.cc/4t5f7dk

SDCCD officials and student leaders are in Sacramento advocating for community colleges and students at the Community College League of California’s annual legislative conference.

Two San Diego colleges named Black-Serving Institutions Under a new state law, two San Diego colleges have been named Black Serving-Institutions. We talk about local programs serving Black students and the importance of representation on campus.

Presidents Ricky Shabazz and Prez Hands talk to KPBS about San Diego City College and San Diego Mesa College being among 31 California colleges to be named Black Serving Institutions. Listen to their interview: www.kpbs.org/podcasts/kpb...

After decades, an San Diego community college stalwart is still going strong More than three decades ago, Dr. Maria Nieto Senour was the first Latina elected to a citywide school or college board office in San Diego.

SDCCD Trustee Maria Nieto Senour has spent her career giving students added support in meeting their educational goals. bit.ly/4pGYq59

New Year. New Job. New You. Check out the latest job opportunities at the San Diego Community College District at sdccd.edu/jobs

Newscenter logo. two women sledding on a small hill of snow that was brought to campus. headline reads 2025 year in review.

Our final newsletter of 2025 has arrived. Catch up the SDCCD's end of year news as we prepare for 2026. conta.cc/4pI8lrW

Featured stories include:
- Year in Review video
- $1 million donation
- Black-Serving Institutions
- Apprenticeship programs
- Top 10 SDCCD stories of 2025

Belonging in Action Community college gave SDCCD retiree Rusty Krumm a sense of purpose that he paid forward.

Community college gave SDCCD retiree Rusty Krumm a sense of purpose that he paid forward.

For 23 years, Albert “Rusty” Krumm dedicated himself to creating spaces of belonging and opportunity for students with disabilities.

Read the full story at bit.ly/krumm2025

Students walking on Mesa College campus in front of the art gallery building

Open registration begins today for the 2026 spring semester and winter intersession at the SDCCD. Students can choose from thousands of classes in more than 400 academic programs.
Apply at sdccd.edu/apply
Class Schedule - sdccd.edu/class-schedule

A teacher seated in front of a volcano science experiment surrounded by five kids.

Today's newsletter highlights STEM, achievements in leadership, and supporting veterans. Catch up on district news here: conta.cc/48sY4IC
- Belonging Through STEM
- Trustee of the Year Award
- Intersession & Spring Semester Registration
- New leadership in IT
- Scholarship Fundraiser for Veterans

The front of the Mid-City campus building

Don't miss the 79th Assembly District Apprenticeship Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 20 at Mid-City Campus, 3792 Fairmount Ave. Hosted by Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins. Register at bit.ly/apprenticefa...

Students can
- connect with peers
- explore training programs
- discover mentorship opportunities

News Center logo is at the top of the newsletter. Andre Harris at speaks a podium during a veterans day event.

In today's newsletter read about Navy Veteran Andre Harris, Native American Heritage Month events, a successful Pack the Pantry food drive, see our Halloween photos, and more. conta.cc/48cGnx1

A woman walking at night looking at her phone.

A student wearing a backpack holding a notebook looking at her phone. Text reads no matter the situation you find yourself in College Police is just a few clicks way to provide the help and resources you need.

We value the safety of our students and employees. That’s why we’re providing peace of mind with the new SDCCDsafe app. No matter the situation you find yourself in, College Police is just a few clicks away to provide the help and resources you need.
sdccd.apparmor.com/clients/sdccd.edu/index.html

The seventh annual Keeping the Promise giving day, in support of SDCCD students, was a triumph!

Thank you to all who united to support the San Diego Promise program. Through your efforts, we proved to our students that, through The Power of Us, we are stronger together. sdccd.edu/givingday

Three interns in lab coats, purple medical gloves, and face masks in a lab giving two thumbs up.

Today's newsletter features stories of students putting their new skills to use, the importance of accessibility, and support for our diverse community. conta.cc/49rYAIX
- Internship opportunities expanded
- Accessibility at the airport
- Empowering immigrant/undocumented voices
- Taste of Mesa

Dean Shelly Hess quote: If it weren't for my community college education and the professors and opportunities I had, I know that I wouldn't be where I am today. So giving back is really important to me. 

We are blown away with the support we’re seeing from the SDCCD community to support our San Diego Promise students.
But we’re not done yet. Now is the time to rally and show students that we believe in them!
Head to sdccd.edu/giving-day and make a lasting impact in our students’ lives.

New bill will expand paid internship, apprenticeship opportunities This change recognizes that many community college students cannot afford to participate in unpaid internships or work experiences, creating barriers to career advancement for low-income and first-gen...

"California's community colleges are engines of economic mobility, and AB 323 ensures that all students—regardless of their financial circumstances—can access the hands-on training that leads to good-paying careers." - @asmmikefong.bsky.social, chair of the Higher Ed. Committee. bit.ly/paidinterns25

A graduation cap and a diploma on a pile of $100 bills.

Attention Students!
💸 Help Us Make College Affordable
We want to know what it really costs to be a student in San Diego. Your survey responses will guide financial aid decisions starting in 2026–2027.

- Look for the email titled “Help Us Make College Affordable…”

📅 Survey closes 10/24

Survey: Two out of three SDCCD students struggle with food and/or housing insecurity To address food and housing insecurity among students, the district’s colleges are offering numerous resources and help for their students who need assistance.

A recent survey reveals that 67% of students at the SDCCD are struggling with basic needs like food and housing.
But help is available including:
- Food pantries, farmers markets
- Hygiene products, clothing closets
- Transit passes, gas cards
- Emergency grants, support services
bit.ly/46Razhz

SDCCD expands mental health resources through TimelyCare The partnership is an extension of existing campus health centers and districtwide counseling resources with a goal of improving student well-being, engagement, and retention.

“Supporting our students’ mental health isn’t optional; it’s part of our responsibility. ... By expanding access, we’re breaking down barriers so every student in our district has the tools to succeed both in the classroom and in life.” bit.ly/timelycare25

DSPS, Airport Authority partner to advance accessibility at new Terminal 1 Dozens of disabled travelers participated in the test run of the New Terminal 1 to ensure that feedback reflected a range of lived experiences and access needs.

“When employers and institutions invite disabled people to join the planning and design process, everyone benefits from better service, stronger culture, and more equitable access." bit.ly/airportacces...

A box of pasta crackers cans and jars. Text reads pack the pantry October 1 through 31.

The 7th annual Pack the Pantry food drive is happening now. Your donation can benefit college students facing food insecurity. To donate visit www.calcoastcu.org/packthepantry

A man on campus at night looks at his cell phone. Text reads Let your friends watch you back.

A woman on campus at night looks at her cell phone. Text reads in a few quick steps you can have your friends and family watch over you in a virtual safety walk for an added layer of security whether you're on or off campus. 

A man on campus at night wearing a backpack looking at his cell phone. Text reads download the SDCCD Safe App

The new SDCCDsafe app lets your friends watch your back, even when they’re not nearby.
In a few quick steps, you can invite a trusted friend or family to monitor you in a virtual safety walk for an added layer of security whether you're on or off campus.
Download sdccd.apparmor.com/clients/sdcc...

New Survey: Why Students Participate in Dual Enrollment A new survey by Tyton Partners reveals the perspectives of high school students concurrently enrolled in higher education and their aspirations beyond graduation.

A survey asked high school students why they were participating in dual enrollment at their local community college. They gave a range of answers that all had one thing in common, it gave them an edge in their future. bit.ly/4gBsxba

16 firms selected for Measure HH design-build projects The initial projects will deliver new academic and performance spaces, modernized instructional centers, and expanded student services.

“With the community’s support, we will work with our design-build partners to invest in state-of-the-art learning environments that will benefit our students today while preparing San Diego’s workforce for tomorrow.” - Chancellor Gregory Smith. bit.ly/46km3IO

San Diego college’s new public safety degree gives first responders an advancement edge Miramar College's two-year program arms veterans and working first responders with advanced emergency management skills to move up the ranks

San Diego Miramar College's bachelor's degree program arms veterans and working first responders with advanced emergency management skills to move up the ranks.
www.police1.com/police-train...

4 photos showing students on each of our college campuses at the beginning of the fall semester.

Fire academy cadets and instructors at the stair climb event under an American flag. Text reads Academy joins annual 9 11 memorial stair climb

5 photos from convocation at the district office and the four colleges

Educators, legislators, business leaders and students gather for a news conference. students are holding orange and green signs to support funding. Headline reads leaders unite to defend hispanic serving institution funding.

We had an amazing first week. In today's newsletter you can see all of the photos from the beginning of the semester, convocation, and Miramar's Fire Academy at the 9/11 Memorial stair climb. Read about support for Hispanic Serving Institutions funding and meet Mesa's ASG President. conta.cc/4mHTL1Q

Five trustees in the lobby of the district office.

If you weren't able to attend yesterday's Board of Trustees meeting you can catch up on board actions with our latest Board Report here: bit.ly/4lXxzQh