Student-parents and their children will be among those benefitting from new federal funding, which will allow the San Diego Community College District to finance facilities improvements (Mesa College photo).
Nearly $2.5M in federal funding to help SDCCD finance critical upgrades
March 12, 2024 |
The San Diego Community College District has secured federal funding totaling nearly $2.5 million to finance critical improvements at the San Diego Miramar College public safety training center, new centers supporting student-parents at the San Diego City, Mesa and Continuing Education campuses, and renovation of the restrooms at San Diego College of Continuing Education’s historic Educational Cultural Complex.
Funding was secured through the offices of congressmembers Sara Jacobs and Juan Vargas.
“The San Diego Community College District is the largest provider of higher education and workforce training in the region with a $4.5 billion annual economic impact, and I applaud our congressional delegation for recognizing and responding to vital needs and services supporting law enforcement, student-parents and our overall community,” said SDCCD Chancellor Gregory Smith.
The largest appropriation, $1,466,279, is earmarked for building family-friendly study centers aimed at supporting student-parents in reaching their educational goals and further contributing to the San Diego economy. In addition to being equipped with a computer lab and study spaces, they will feature a playroom, nursing area, small kitchen, family-friendly restrooms and an outdoor playground.
Approximately $500,000 will be spent renovating Miramar College’s School of Public Safety and its Police Academy. The facility serves as the region’s police officer training facility for the majority of law enforcement agencies in San Diego County, including the San Diego Police Department, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, the Escondido Police Department, the El Cajon Police Department, and the Chula Vista Police Department, among others. The timing couldn’t have been better; funding comes on the heels of Miramar College receiving approval to offer a bachelor’s degree in public safety management.
“I’m so proud to have secured nearly $2 million in federal funds for the San Diego Community College District,” said Rep. Sara Jacobs. “This much-needed funding will help build family-friendly study centers across SDCCD campuses and update Miramar College’s aging School of Public Safety — so we can provide the best education possible and ensure that all kinds of students have the tools and resources to succeed in school and after graduation.”
An additional $500,000 will allow for long-overdue upgrades of restrooms at the Educational Cultural Complex at a time when enrollment has been growing by double digit percentages for the past two years. Restrooms have not been upgraded since the historic facility opened in 1976. They are no longer ADA compliant and often undergo emergency repairs, forcing students to find alternative facilities at the sprawling campus in the Southeast San Diego community of Mountain View. Upgrades will reduce water usage by up to 50% through new low-flow toilets and faucets, and touchless features will improve restroom hygiene for students, faculty, and professional staff.
“I’m proud to have secured federal funding for the San Diego Community College’s Educational Cultural Complex,” said Rep. Vargas. “Because of this funding, San Diego Community College ECC will be able to make much needed upgrades that will allow the growing number of students to be served equitably while on the journey of attaining higher education.”