Advancing San Diego

Advancing San Diego is a collaborative effort to double the production of skilled workers each year by focusing on the inclusion of historically under-represented populations within the innovation economy.

Through collaboration with leading companies across various industries, Advancing San Diego uses the Talent Pipeline Management® framework to identify the most in-demand jobs and skills in the region. This process results in the creation of Talent Demand Reports, and the recognition of education programs that teach industry-endorsed competencies as Verified Programs. The Advancing San Diego effort is driven by the region’s inclusive growth goal to produce 20,000 newly skilled workers by 2030.

Apply by Feb 28 to host summer interns—at no cost

Program wins to date

68

companies across 6 industries identify skill requirements

52

programs across the region named Verified Programs

9

talent demand reports

100+

companies assisted with interns

employer working groups

Each year, EDC convenes a diverse group of regional employers to address and communicate shared workforce needs. Through a data-driven, employer-led process, Employer Working Groups assess anticipated demand for critical jobs and map relevant skills and competencies to share with local training programs. This collaborative effort aims to effectively communicate overall demand trends and bolster the local pipeline of talent in San Diego, connecting employers with high-quality sources of talent. Insight from these working groups will be used to inform regional workforce development investments.

Participating companies are asked to identify one talent acquisition leader and one subject matter expert or hiring manager to attend meetings and complete two surveys over the course of three to six months.

In 2025, EDC will host an Employer Working Groups focused on healthcare-related roles and is open to companies in San Diego County.

More details to come.

If you are interested in lending your insights, contact:

Bridgette Coleman
Bridgette Coleman

Manager, Talent Initiatives

Talent Demand Reports

The culmination of the information collected in Employer Working Groups is published in the form of EDC’s Talent Demand Reports. While data is aggregated and anonymized to protect the competitiveness of participating companies, the information shared in these reports is valuable for:

  • Companies looking to understand how their needs compare to peers in the industry.
  • Educators and training programs looking to update curriculum in alignment with regional industry needs.
  • Job seekers and career counselors looking to understand hiring trends.
  • Engineering and Manufacturing

  • Computing

  • Healthcare

  • Life Sciences

  • Business

Verified Programs

Verified Programs (formerly referred to as ‘Preferred Providers’) are recognized by employers for offering high-quality training suited to the most in-demand jobs across San Diego County. These education providers also have a track record of proven accessibility for San Diego students.

Every year, education programs with relevant curricula have the opportunity to apply for status as a Verified Program. The application is a combination of written and presented assessments where employers ‘grade’ program performance in five key areas:

  • Technical skills: How well the curriculum addresses the technical skills necessary for entry-level roles.
  • Employability skills: The program’s efforts to cultivate critical employability skills in students.
  • Industry engagement: The extent of ongoing interaction between the program and the industry.
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion: The program’s track record of recruiting and serving a student body that reflects the population of San Diego, which is more than 50 percent people of color.
  • Collaborative history: The program’s past collaborations with industry, local community organizations, and the Advancing San Diego program.

By upholding these rigorous standards, Verified Programs ensure consistent delivery of education that aligns with job market demands, and receive priority referral in EDC’s work with industry and talent.

Current Verified Programs can leverage the toolkit below to recognize their Advancing San Diego verification status.

Verified Programs marketing toolkit

MEET THE advancing san diego VERIFIED PROGRAMS

Below, explore the different industry tabs and program logos to learn more. If you would like to get in touch with a program, contact our team.

  • Able-Disabled Advocacy
  • California State University San Marcos
  • Center for Employment Training
  • Concorde Career College
  • Cuyamaca College
  • General Assembly
  • Grossmont College
  • Health Occupations Center
  • Imperial Valley College
  • MiraCosta College
  • MiraCosta College – Technology Career Institute
  • National Foundation for Autism Research
  • National University
  • Palomar College
  • Pima Medical Institute
  • Point Loma Nazarene University
  • Poway Adult School
  • San Diego City College
  • San Diego College of Continuing Education
  • San Diego Futures Foundation
  • San Diego Mesa College
  • San Diego State University
  • Southwestern College
  • UC San Diego
  • UC San Diego Extended Studies
  • University of San Diego
  • Vista Adult School
  • Workshops for Warriors

Able-Disabled Advocacy

Able-Disabled advocacy provides vocational skills training and educational advancement for youth, military veterans, adults with disabilities and others seeking employment. Able-Disabled Advocacy is recognized by employers as a Verified Program of computing.

Verified Programs

  • Computing Talent

Computing Talent

This CompTIA certified academy received verification in entry-level IT support. It offers free comprehensive training in Information Technology, helping clients to upscale their skills toward a career in Tech.

California State University San Marcos

California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) serves 17,000 students in north county San Diego, the majority of whom are from San Diego. A designated Hispanic Service Institution, CSUSM is recognized by employers as a Verified Program of computing, engineering, and business.

Verified Programs

  • Business Talent
  • Computing Talent
  • Engineering Talent

Computing Talent

CSUSM is recognized as a Verified Program of computing for providing quality training for entry-level software developers, IT support technicians, network and systems administrators, and information security analysts. Their Computer Science and Information Systems program consists of four different bachelor’s degrees, three certification programs, two master’s degree, and one minor all offering a key mix of innovative computer science courses.

Engineering Talent

CSUSM’s Physics and Electrical Engineering program is verified for preparing students to fill entry-level roles as assemblers, engineering technicians, or general engineers. This department offers a bachelor’s degree that teaches techniques, skills, and modern tools necessary for a career in electrical engineering.

Business Talent

CSUSM is recognized as a Verified Program of business talent for providing quality training for entry-level internal-facing and accounting, bookkeeping and auditing business roles. The College of Business Administration at California State University San Marcos offers leading bachelor’s programs, which are shaped by market-driven curriculum and world-class faculty. Its Professional Mentoring Program is improving the professional and soft skill development areas that area employers have identified as a critical need. In addition, the college has established a new mandatory Business Professional Development Program for sophomores and transfer students, guided by volunteer Executives in Residence.

Center for Employment Training

CET’s job training programs teach marketable skills to people of all educational levels and backgrounds, even if there are barriers to overcome. In addition to teaching trade skills in growing fields, we provide supportive services and job placement assistance. The Center for Employment Training is recognized by employers as a Preferred Provider of healthcare talent.

Verified Programs

  • Healthcare Talent

Healthcare Talent

Through the Medical Assistant Program the Center for Employment Training provides hands-on healthcare job training program, provides students with the skills they need to start their career as a medical assistant. Learning in work setting, such as,  perform administrative and clinical duties, including taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, drawing blood, scheduling, and preparing patients for examination.

Concorde Career College

Concorde Career Colleges, Inc. prepares America’s next generation of health care and dental professionals through career-focused, hands-on training, and teaching. Concorde incorporated in 1988, many of their campuses have been serving their local communities for 50+ years. The Concorde Career Colleges is recognized by employers as a Preferred Provider of healthcare talent.

Verified Programs

  • Healthcare Talent

Healthcare Talent

The Medical Assistant program at Concorde Career College prepares students for a diploma with hands-on classes and externships that teach you skills such as scheduling and receiving patients, preparing and maintaining medical records, infection control and much more. The Medical Assistant program is offered at all 16 Concorde campuses.

Cuyamaca College

Cuyamaca College, located in Rancho San Diego, California, is a publicly funded community college. It is affiliated with the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District and is part of the broader California Community Colleges System. Together with Grossmont College, Cuyamaca College caters to the educational needs of the eastern suburbs within the San Diego region. Cuyamaca College is recognized by employers as a Verified Program of computing.

Verified Programs

  • Business Talent
  • Computing Talent

Computing Talent

The Computer and Information Science department prepares students to be entry-level software developers, IT support technicians, network and systems administrators, and information security analysts through its offerings of internal and external certificates, associates degrees, and associate degrees for transfer.

Business Talent

The Business program prepares students for entry level internal-facing business roles and accounting, bookkeeping and auditing roles. The program offers associates of science, associate’s degree for transfer and internal certifications for students.

General Assembly

Since 2011, General Assembly has assisted over 100,000 alumni globally in initiating careers in the technology sector through their acclaimed tech bootcamps. Additionally, they have collaborated with numerous leading companies to establish inclusive and expandable pipelines for tech talent, including adaptable training to meet individual employer needs. General Assembly is recognized by employers as a Verified Program of computing.

Verified Programs

  • Computing Talent

Computing Talent

Designed by industry experts, General Assembly’s Software Engineering bootcamp is verified to train entry-level software developers by teaching modern programming languages, frameworks, and tools to meet industry demand.

Grossmont College

Grossmont College is newly recognized by employers, and serves a diverse learning community, drawing primarily from suburban locations in East County San Diego, as well as surrounding neighborhoods and locations across the state, the nation, and over 50 countries worldwide. Grossmont College is recognized by employers as a Verified Program of computing.

Verified Programs

  • Computing Talent

Computing Talent

The Computer Science and Information Systems program is verified to train entry-level software developers, IT support technicians, network and systems administrators, and information security analysts. It combines computer science and information systems, teaching students to work with and within company IT systems to solve operations issues.

Health Occupations Center

The Health Occupations Center is to provide affordable quality education for those interested in employment preparation, skill advancement, and/or personal fulfillment in health-related fields. Grossmont Adult Education is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The Health Occupation Center is recognized by employers as a Preferred Provider of healthcare talent.

Verified Programs

  • Healthcare Talent

Healthcare Talent

Health Occupations Center is recognized as a Preferred Provider of Healthcare talent for providing quality training for entry level medical assistants. The Health Occupations Center’s Medical Assistant Program is designed to teach students clinical skills such as preparing the patient for exams, giving injections, and performing basic lab tests. As well as, be cross-trained in front office procedures, and 150 hours of required internship at the end of the course gives students hands-on experience in the field.

Imperial Valley College

Imperial Valley College (IVC), established in 1962, is a public community college situated in Imperial County, California, with an annual enrollment of approximately 7,000 students, its primary campus spanning 160 acres in the city of Imperial, complemented by additional campuses in El Centro and Brawley. Imperial Valley College is recognized by employers as a Verified Program of computing.

Verified Programs

  • Computing Talent

Computing Talent

IVC’s Computer Information Technology, Networking, and Cybersecurity program was verified to properly train entry-level IT support technicians, network and systems administrators, and information security analysists. This program teaches skills such as application programming, networking, systems administration, system security, computer hardware and software, and operating systems.

MiraCosta College

MiraCosta College is a public community college serving 17,000 students in North County San Diego. MiraCosta is recognized by employers as a Verified Program of computing, business, healthcare, and life sciences.

Verified Programs

  • Business Talent
  • Computing Talent
  • Healthcare Talent
  • Life Sciences Talent

Computing Talent

The MiraCosta Computer Science program is verified for training entry-level software developers. It offers a variety of specialized associate degrees and certificates, as well as one associate degree for transfer. Students in the program learn basic programming, data structures and architecture.

Business Talent

MiraCosta is recognized as a Verified Program of business talent at the general level for providing quality training for entry level business jobs and internships. Whether students are planning to transfer as a business major or obtain immediate workplace advancement, MiraCosta’s Business Administration program is poised to teach students the skills they need.

Healthcare Talent

MiraCosta is recognized as a Verified Program of Healthcare talent for providing quality training for medical assistant jobs. The Medical Assistant Program prepares students for employment as a medical assistant under the direction of a physician or registered nurse in a clinical or office setting. The curriculum is designed to provide training in administrative (front office) and clinical (back office medical assisting skills). Instruction is given in basic medical office procedures, assisting with examinations, laboratory procedures, electrocardiography, and patient advocacy.

Life Sciences Talent

MiraCosta College’s Research & Development (Certificate/AS) is designed to meet the increasing need for entry-level laboratory technicians. Technicians in this field must be proficient in the application of the scientific methodology to solve problems. They must learn and implement laboratory procedures and use specialized laboratory equipment. Competency in organizational, computational, and communication skills is required. This program is designed to give students the theoretical background and practical experience necessary to be a bench-level scientists in both academic and industrial settings. Graduates of this biotechnology program can expect to be employed in various capacities, including quality control, applied research, product development, analytical testing, and academic (basic) research.

MiraCosta College’s Biomanufacturing Bachelor’s Degree develops the skills, abilities, and knowledge students need to work in the unique environment of biological production. It emphasizes the applied, quantitative analysis of biomanufacturing process design and performance to prepare students for employment in technical or quality positions in the manufacturing sector of the biotechnology industry, which includes biotherapeutics, diagnostics, supplies and services, and industrial products. Students gain hands-on experience with laboratory-scale equipment for the genetic manipulation of cells, culture of microbial and mammalian cells, purification of proteins, and evaluation of products via assay design and deployment. Students also gain experience with Design of Experiments, as well as data trending.

MiraCosta College – Technology Career Institute

MiraCosta College’s Technology Career Institute (TCI) is part of MiraCosta College’s Community Education & Workforce Development department. It offers our local community members the opportunity to enhance their lives and careers with low cost, hassle-free classes, workshops and programs. MiraCosta TCI is recognized by employers as a Verified Program of engineering, and manufacturing.

MiraCosta is also recognized as a Verified Program for Business programs, producing graduates with the skills needed to succeed in internal and external facing business roles.

Verified Programs

  • Business Talent
  • Engineering Talent
  • Manufacturing Talent

Engineering Talent

MiraCosta TCI’s Engineering Technician program is Verified to train entry-level engineering technicians. This 592-hour training program is 75 percent hands-on and trains students in the areas that companies have requested, including OSHA and LEAN certification along with industry exposure.

Manufacturing Talent

MiraCosta is recognized as a Verified Program of Manufacturing talent for providing quality training for entry level engineering technician and machinist jobs. The Technology Career Institute’s Machinist Technology Program is designed to prepare students with skills to shape metal parts on machines such as lathes, grinders, drill presses, milling machines, and shapers. The Engineering Technology Program integrates theory and application in mechanical, electrical and electronic systems, fluid power, automation, robotics and computer software. Students will experience an accelerated program designed to prepare them with the skill sets to qualify for immediate entry into positions with local industry.

Business Talent

MiraCosta’s business programs prepare students for internal and external-facing business roles with program graduates receiving associates of business administration, associate’s degree for transfer, internal or external certification.

National Foundation for Autism Research

Since 2015, NFARs signature vocational training programs have been providing comprehensive, autism-specific training for high-demand jobs of the 21st century. NFAR also partners with companies across a wide range of industries to open the doors to employment for more people with autism, and helps to ensure a higher probability of long-term employment success.

Verified Programs

  • Computing Talent

Computing Talent

The NFAR Cyber program is comprehensive vocational training program specifically designed to prepare young adults on the autism spectrum for entry-level jobs in cybersecurity, IT support, and systems and network administration. The program attracts and recruits individuals who have a strong interest in technical applications.

National University

Founded in 1971, National University is the second-largest private, nonprofit institution of higher learning in California and 12th-largest in the nation. It was among the first to recognize and focus on the unique needs of nontraditional learners. Its distinctive and intensive one-course-per-month format, multiple locations, and onsite and online programs enable students to complete graduate and undergraduate degrees in an accelerated time frame while maintaining family and work responsibilities. National University is recognized by employers as a Verified Program of business, computing, and engineering.

Verified Programs

  • Business Talent
  • Computing Talent
  • Engineering Talent

Engineering Talent

National University’s Electrical and Computer Engineering degree is verified for training entry-level general engineers. National University hosts the only 100 percent online ABET-accredited electrical and computer engineering program in the United States.

Business Talent

National University is recognized as a Verified Program of business talent at the general level for providing quality training for entry-level business jobs and internships. The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree prepares students for career opportunities and advancement in business and industry.

Computing Talent

National University’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program prepares students to become top security analysts, network defenders, and computer incident responders with coursework that gives them a comprehensive understanding of information technology management and security processes. Our curriculum is taught by expert faculty with real-world experience so you can gain the competencies needed in the field. Each course is only four weeks long and the program can be completed in a shorter time frame than a traditional bachelor’s degree.

Palomar College

Palomar College is a public two-year community college located in San Marcos, California. Palomar enrolls approximately 30,000 full-time and part-time students. At Palomar, students may choose from over 200 associate degree and certificate programs, complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree, or enjoy personal enrichment classes for lifelong learning. Palomar College is recognized by employers as a Verified Program of business, computing, and manufacturing.

Verified Programs

  • Business Talent
  • Computing Talent
  • Manufacturing Talent

Computing Talent

Palomar is recognized as a Verified Program of computing for providing quality training to entry level information security analysts through its A.S. Cybersecurity. The program focuses on fostering proficiency in computer, network, and application security to guarantee the safeguarding of enterprise computing and information systems infrastructure.

Palomar is also verified for educating entry level software developers in its Computer Science program. This department offers an associate degree and a certificate, both teaching design of algorithms, languages, hardware architectures, systems software, applications soft­ware, and tools.

Manufacturing Talent

Palomar is recognized as a Verified Program of manufacturing talent for providing quality training for entry level machinist jobs. The Machining Technology Program will provide a foundation of design and manufacturing skills using Computer-Aided Manufacturing software, programming CNC machinery using MasterCAM, and the setup and operations of CNC Lathes, CNC Mills, and 5-Axis CNC Mills. Upon completion of this program, students will be qualified for an entry-level position in Machining and Manufacturing.

Business Talent

Palomar College’s Business programs, including, Accounting, Business, and Advertising, marketing and social media are producing graduates who are ready to fill internal and external-facing business roles along with accounting bookkeeping and auditing entry-level positions.

Program graduates can earn an associate of science, associates of business, or an associate’s degree for transfer. They can also stack additional certifications such as a bookkeeping certification.

Pima Medical Institute

Pima Medical Institute has proudly served the San Diego community at our San Marcos campus since 1998. The Pima Medical Institute is recognized by employers as a Preferred Provider of healthcare talent.

Verified Programs

  • Healthcare Talent

Healthcare Talent

Pima Medical Institute is recognized as a Preferred Provider of Healthcare talent for providing quality training for medical assistant jobs. The Medical Assisting Program provides students with knowledge of anatomy and physiology, routine laboratory procedures and patient care procedures commonly performed in medical offices. Pima Medical Institute prepares its students to begin their careers upon earning their medical assistant certificate.

Point Loma Nazarene University

Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is a Christian liberal arts institution serving 3,179 students in Point Loma. PLNU is recognized by employers as a Verified Program of computing, engineering, and life sciences.

Verified Programs

  • Computing Talent
  • Engineering Talent
  • Life Sciences Talent

Computing Talent

Point Loma Nazarene University’s Computer Information Technology program is verified by employers for teaching entry-level IT support technicians and network and systems administrators. This hybrid bachelor’s degree program equips students with the skills required to link businesses and individuals with IT solutions in a practical manner.

PLNU’s Computer Science program is verified for teaching entry level software developers and network and systems administrators. This bachelor’s degree focused on software engineering teaches students about the functioning of computers, ranging from the fundamental hardware to the utilization of advanced application programs.

Engineering Talent

Point Loma Nazarene University’ Engineering degree is verified for training entry-level general engineers. Providing a general engineering education, this bachelor’s degree intertwines traditional and contemporary principles of physics, chemistry, and mathematics with engineering.

Life Sciences Talent

Point Loma Nazarene University’s Biology-Chemistry, B.S. combines the study of matter (chemistry) with the study of life (biology). This joint major between PLNU’s Biology Department and Chemistry Department is designed to study and understand life at the molecular level. Through courses in cell biology, organic chemistry, immunology, and more, as well as hands-on research labs, students work to uncover how chemical structures, reactions, and interactions affect living things. Students gain the foundation and skills to engage in scientific investigation and become prepared for work or research in industries like pharmacology, biotechnology, biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, and many others.

Poway Adult School

Established in 1965, Poway Adult School  serves more than 10,000 students and 12,000 enrollees annually.

Our Mission

To provide adults with exemplary learning opportunities by offering timely and relevant courses, programs, and services that are responsive to our community’s needs. Poway Adult School works with students to identify and reach their individual goals, including career advancement, college preparation, and life enrichment.

Verified Programs

  • Business Talent

Business Talent

Poway Adult School has received Advancing San Diego Verified Program status for their Accounting Level I program. Students completing the program have the skills needed to succeed in accounting, bookkeeping, and auditing entry-level business roles.

San Diego City College

San Diego City College is a multicultural institution committed to providing open access to all who can benefit from instruction and to meeting the diverse and ever-changing educational, cultural, and economic needs of the urban core and surrounding communities of San Diego. City College is recognized as a Verified Program for computing and manufacturing talent.

Verified Programs

  • Computing Talent
  • Manufacturing Talent

Manufacturing Talent

City College is recognized as a Verified Program of manufacturing talent for providing quality training for entry level engineering technician and machinist jobs. The Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MFET) Program provides students the opportunity to acquire highly valued skills in an innovative, hands-on learning environment. The program features integrating experiences through which students participate in all aspects of a manufacturing enterprise, from materials and processes to safety, design, automation, maintenance, Six Sigma quality, and lean manufacturing. The Machine Technology (MACT) Program prepares students for CNC machining and is also ideal for students who need to upgrade prior machine shop training to comply with the current needs of industry. This program provides students with hands-on learning using state-of-the-art equipment and latest software such as Mastercam.

Computing Talent

City College is Recognized as a Verified program for Computing talent. They train students with the skills necessary for entry-level IT support and cybersecurity roles.

San Diego College of Continuing Education

San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) is the adult education division of the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD). As the largest provider of noncredit education in California, SDCCE’s mission is to provide accessible, equitable, and innovative quality education and career training to adult students. SDCCE has offered free career training and classes continuously for more than 100 years. SDCCE is recognized by employers as a Verified Program of business and computing.

Verified Programs

  • Business Talent
  • Computing Talent

Computing Talent

The College of Continuing Education, Information Technology department offers short, focused programs that result in certificates.

Employers designated the Desktop Technician Certificate as verified for training entry-level IT support technicians. This certificate program teaches the skills necessary to manage and secure computers and basic network infrastructures.

The Network Technician and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) programs are verified for training entry-level network and systems administrators. These are two different information technology certificate programs that elevate an individuals skillset in systems and network administration.

It offers a Security Essentials program that is verified to train entry-level information security analysts. This is an 18 week long certificate program providing students with the knowledge and skills required to manage and secure network infrastructures.

Business Talent

The College of Continuing Education, Business, Accounting and Entrepreneurship department offers programs that prepare students for Internal and external-facing entry level business roles with program graduates earning internal and external certifications.

San Diego Futures Foundation

San Diego Futures Foundation (SDFF) is proud to offer interns seeking a career in the IT field the opportunity for hands-on training and certification preparation through their basic IT programs. The majority of our participants are referred to or are participants of the San Diego Workforce Partnership, Able-Disabled Advocacy, San Diego Continuing College of Education, and other potential pathways to prepare with SDFF for career success. SDFF is recognized by employers as a Verified Program of Computing.

Verified Programs

  • Computing Talent

Computing Talent

San Diego Futures Foundation is verified for training entry-level IT support technicians through its Basic Computer Refurbishing and Repair program. This program is intended to help each individual construct a knowledge base of the skills that are necessary to be a successful entry level IT technician and computer repair skills included in the CompTIA A+ exams.

San Diego Mesa College

Part of the San Diego community college district, San Diego Mesa College serves nearly 25,000 students in central San Diego. A designated Hispanic Service Institution, San Diego Mesa College is recognized by employers as a Verified Program of computing, engineering, and healthcare talent.

Verified Programs

  • Business Talent
  • Computing Talent
  • Engineering Talent
  • Healthcare Talent

Computing Talent

San Diego Mesa College’s Computer Information Science program is verified for training entry-level software developers. This program offers multiple certificates, two associate degrees, and an associate degree for transfer, all emphasizing work-based learning along with traditional learning.

Healthcare Talent

San Diego Mesa College is recognized as a Verified Program of Healthcare talent in the medical assistant specialization for providing quality training for healthcare internships. The Medical Assisting Program provides specialized training for employment in medical offices, clinics, hospitals, and other organizations requiring a background in medical office procedures.

San Diego State University

San Diego State University (SDSU) is San Diego’s oldest university and serves 33,870 students in central San Diego. A designated Hispanic Service Institution, SDSU is recognized by employers as a Verified Program of business, life sciences, computing, and engineering talent.

Verified Programs

  • Business Talent
  • Computing Talent
  • Engineering Talent
  • Life Sciences Talent

Computing Talent

San Diego State University’s Computer Science program is verified for training entry-level software developers. This department provides a variety of minors, majors, and masters programs in the field, all touching on essential skills in computer science including how to store and call upon information and mastery of programming languages.

SDSU’s Management Information Systems program is verified for training entry-level network and systems administrators. This program offers certificates, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in cutting-edge topics like artificial intelligence (AI), advanced analytics, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT), digital innovation, and transformation.

Business Talent

San Diego State is recognized as a Verified Program of business talent at the general level, in addition to the operations and engagement specializations for providing quality training for entry-level business jobs and internships. The following programs were designated:

  • Information systems
  • Marketing
  • International Business
  • Accountancy
  • Finance

Students can earn the following credentials upon completion:

  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, General Business (BSBA)
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS)
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Marketing (BSBA)

 

Engineering Talent

San Diego State University’s Engineering department is verified for training entry-level general engineers. This department offers seven majors, one minor, and many master’s and joint-doctoral programs, all combining traditional engineering education with practical experience.

Life Sciences Talent

San Diego State University’s Biotechnology Certificate offers a rich variety of coursework in cellular and molecular biology, ecology, evolution, and related fields. In a typical semester, undergraduates have access to over 50 courses. Nearly all of these have class sizes less than 30 or have associated laboratory sections with less than 25 students. It has a large number of laboratory and field-based courses compared with Biology departments at other institutions. Because of its emphasis on laboratory courses, hands-on activities, and research opportunities, its graduates are uniquely prepared for a career in biology.

Southwestern College

Southwestern College, the only public institution of higher education in southern San Diego County, provides services to a diverse community of students by providing a wide range of dynamic and high quality academic programs and comprehensive student services, including those offered through distance education. Southwestern College is recognized as a Verified Program of healthcare and engineering talent.

Verified Programs

  • Engineering Talent
  • Healthcare Talent

Engineering Talent

Southwestern College’s Engineering program is verified for training entry-level engineering technicians and general engineers. This program focuses on the application of scientific principles and knowledge of mathematics to create solutions for problems involving human, biological, and mechanical systems.

Healthcare Talent

Southwestern Community College is recognized as a Verified Program of Healthcare talent for providing quality training for medical assistant jobs. The Medical Assisting Program prepares students for careers through three certificates in specific areas of medical assisting, focused on administrative, clinical, and insurance training.

UC San Diego

UC San Diego is a globally recognized research university which serves nearly 40,000 students on the central coast of San Diego County. UC San Diego is recognized by employers as a Verified Program for business, computing, and engineering talent.

Verified Programs

  • Computing Talent
  • Engineering Talent

Computing Talent

UC San Diego’s Computer Science program, housed in the Jacob’s School of Engineering, is verified for training entry level network and systems administrators, software developers, and information security analysts. This program offers three specialized bachelor’s degree tracks along with one minor, introducing students to both traditional and cutting-edge topics in computer science.

Engineering Talent

UC San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering is verified for providing quality training for students to become entry-level general engineers and engineering technicians. This school offers a variety of engineering related degrees including those with a focus in structural, chemical, aerospace, electrical, and more in addition to several specialized masters and Ph.D. programs. The Jacobs School of Engineering is a top-9 engineering school in the nation, and all individual engineering departments rank in the top 20 of their field.

Business Talent

UC San Diego’s Rady School of Management is recognized as a Verified Program for business talent preparing graduate-level students for internal-facing business roles and accounting, bookkeeping and auditing positions.

UC San Diego Extended Studies

UC San Diego Extended Studies, the continuing education arm of UC San Diego, offers more than 4,700 courses and a wide range of certificates. UC San Diego Extended Studies is recognized by employers as a Verified Program of computing, engineering, and business.

Verified Programs

  • Business Talent
  • Computing Talent
  • Engineering Talent

Computing Talent

UC San Diego Extended Studies’ Cybersecurity program is verified for educating entry-level network and systems administrators and information security analysts. This bootcamp-style program adopts a multidisciplinary strategy to achieve expertise in IT, networking, and contemporary information security.

UC San Diego Extended Studies’ Linux System Administration certificate is verified for teaching entry-level IT support technicians and network and systems administrators. This specialized certificate teaches students to create and oversee Linux-based computing and infrastructure systems by offering innovative issue resolution, critical thinking, and advanced troubleshooting across a wide spectrum of secure computing systems and support tasks.

Engineering Talent

UC San Diego Extended Studies’ Embedded Engineering Systems certificate is verified for training entry-level general engineers. This professional certificate covers embedded systems hardware design, fundamental embedded C controller programming, embedded controller programming for real-time systems, and embedded real-time operating system (RTOS).

UC San Diego Extended Studies’ Systems Engineering certificate is verified for training entry-level general engineers. This professional certificate teaches students how to leverage integrating engineering disciplines to resolve intricate challenges.

Business Talent

UC San Diego Extension is recognized as a Verified Program of business talent at the general level, in addition to the operations and engagement specializations for providing quality training for entry level business jobs and internships. The following certificate programs were designated:

  • Professional Certificate in Project Management
  • Specialized Certificate in Supply Management
  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt program
  • Professional Certificate in Marketing
  • Professional Certificate in Business Management

University of San Diego

University of San Diego (USD) is a private, catholic university serving 9,100 students through its central San Diego campus. USD is recognized by employers as a Verified Program of life sciences talent.

Verified Programs

  • Life Sciences Talent

Life Sciences Talent

University of San Diego’s Biochemistry B.A. offers comprehensive approaches to the disciplines and immersion in the process of inquiry. Critical research opportunities and well-equipped labs with the latest instrumentation, such as a confocal microscope, NMR, well-equipped instrument labs, and facilities for organismal experiments prepare students for graduate and professional schools, the biotechnology industry, and teaching in STEM. Small class sizes, numerous required laboratory courses, and a capstone research project mean students are exposed to the authentic process of conducting scientific research. Biology and Biochemistry at USD engage students in real-world ethical, social and environmental issues that impact the life sciences

Vista Adult School

Vista Adult School proudly serves approximately 3,000 adults each year. Offering convenient schedules to fit the needs and lifestyles of adult learners, and welcoming students 18 years of age and older from throughout Southern California.

Vision:  Vista Adult School is committed to providing an exemplary education designed to engage, inspire and empower all students to achieve their goals.

Mission Statement: Vista Adult School prepares all students with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their career, academic and personal goals in a high quality and accessible learning environment.

Verified Programs

  • Business Talent

Business Talent

Vista Adult School has received Advancing San Diego Verified Program status for the Bookkeeping and Accounting Technician training program, with graduates completing with the skills necessary to fill entry-level accounting, bookkeeping, and auditing roles.

Workshops for Warriors

Workshops for Warriors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit school that provides veterans and transitioning service members with industry-leading advanced manufacturing education and job placement assistance.

Verified Programs

  • Manufacturing Talent

Manufacturing Talent

Workshops for Warriors is recognized as a Preferred Provider of manufacturing talent for providing quality training for entry level machinist jobs. The CNC Machinist Program is designed to prepare veterans, transitioning service members, and other students to become well-rounded entry level CNC machinists with upward mobility potential. The curriculum is a combination of machining theory and extensive hands-on training. College credit is not awarded for this program, rather it is designed as an accelerated program of study culminating in industry recognized advanced manufacturing credentials which test the retention and application of the skills needed for a career in machining.

Publicly funded education programs

Advancing San Diego is proud to partner with the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Foundation and others on the Border Region Talent Pipeline K-16 Collaborative to support publicly-funded higher education programs. San Diego’s California State Universities, University of California campus, and community colleges are eligible to receive additional resources for curriculum alignment is pursuit of Verified Program status. If interested in learning more about these resources, please contact Heather Cavazos at heather@k16talentpipeline.org or visit their website.

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Bridgette Coleman
Bridgette Coleman

Manager, Talent Initiatives