More information on College of Continuing Education's Commencement
More than 400 adult graduates are expected to participate in the ceremony. Forty-seven-year-old High School Diploma/Equivalency student, Francisco Contreras, will be the class of 2025 speaker.
After dropping out of high school at age 15, Contreras’ life spiraled into a cycle of drugs, gang violence, and incarceration. Now, nearly three decades later, he has returned to school, this time determined to finish what he started. “I finally realized that if something didn’t change, I was either going to be in prison for the rest of my life, or found dead somewhere,” he shared.
With the support of the College of Continuing Education, Contreras committed himself to his studies, receiving tutoring, encouragement, and even a scholarship along the way. This marked his third attempt to earn a diploma, and the one that changed his life. Now, diploma in hand, Contreras is advancing his career and planning for the future. “I’m applying for the assistant superintendent position at the construction company I work for. This diploma was all I needed to move forward.”
He concluded, “As for my journey, I never thought I would accomplish getting a diploma. So, to all my fellow graduates, believe me when I tell you, anything is possible.”
The College of Continuing Education serves 30,000 students annually, offering adult learners 18 and older with more than 70 tuition-free career certificate options in high demand workforce sectors. The college awards more certificates of completion annually than any other noncredit institution in California.
Also among the class of 2025 graduates is 36-year-old Elizabeth Santamaria, who previously held a distinguished career as a physician in Mexico City and earned a PhD in hospital administration and public health. Despite her impressive credentials, Santamaria had to restart her professional journey in the United States due to differenc
Thanks to Continuing Education she completed vocational English as a Second Language classes, a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certificate as well as obtained a Health Unit Coordinator certificate. The academic achievement will advance Santamaria from her current caregiver role with the county to becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and thereafter a healthcare education professor. Looking forward to commencement, she shared, “this moment feels full of joy and is empowering because I have accomplished these first steps towards my goals and my loved ones have been part of this entire process.”
“Commencement is more than a celebration, it is a powerful reminder of what equity in education truly means. Our adult graduates have overcome systemic barriers, balanced jobs, families, and responsibilities while pursuing their goals. Their success is proof that it’s never too late to dream,” said Dr. Tina M. King, College of Continuing Education President.
This past spring, the College of Continuing Education and SDUSD launched a groundbreaking partnership permitting high school students to dual enroll in the college’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) certificate program to advance early into the workforce. Sixteen students from Lincoln High School successfully completed the program and will walk across the stage on June 6, earning both a high school diploma and an industry-recognized credential.
Eligibility
To participate in Commencement, a student must have completed or be in progress towards completing one of the following by June 7, 2025:
- High School Diploma
- High School Equivalency (GED/HiSET)
- Advanced ESL/VESL Program
- Career/Technical Education (CTE) Program Speak with a counselor to review your eligibility and completion of requirements.
See the Commencement Eligibility Guide
Commencement Petition
Students can self-report their program completion and planned participation in Commencement by filling out the Commencement Participation Form.
Caps and Gowns
SDCCE is pleased to offer caps and gowns to students free of charge – to take advantage of this offer, please complete the Commencement Petition Form, and indicate your request in the section provided. Supplies are limited, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Distribution will take place during GradFest events in May.
Accommodations
Requests for disability accommodations may be indicated on the online Commencement Petition directly, or by calling the DSPS Office at (619) 388-4812. Accommodations requests must be received by Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Gradfest
Campuses will host GradFest events in May where students can pick up caps and gowns; order additional regalia, class rings, and other recognitions; and connect with the credit colleges of the District for continuing your education. Watch for future announcements regarding the calendar of events.
Rehearsal
Students are highly encouraged to make every effort to attend commencement rehearsal at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 5 at the Organ Pavilion. Rehearsal is your best chance to see and walkthrough the entire venue before the event, and to ask questions about the process.
Parking and Arrival Times
Parking at Balboa Park is very limited. Students are encourages to carpool if possible, and park in the Inspiration Point parking lot, which is accessed via Park Boulevard and Presidents’ Way. Tram service regularly runs between this lot and the area of the Organ Pavilion. Student check-in begins at 3 p.m. Students and guests should arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. to ensure ample time for parking, walking, or taking the tram to the Pavilion.