Digital Media and Programming: Expanding Access and Industry Alignment through Certificate Innovation
Submitted By: Jesus Rivas
San Diego Adult Education Regional Consortium
Website: https://sdcce.edu/job-training/digital-media
Type of Practice: Program Development / Curriculum / Classroom
Program Area(s): CTE / Workforce Prep / Pre-apprenticeship
Region: San Diego - Imperial
Consortia Involved: San Diego Adult Education Regional Consortium
The Program of Practice
The Digital Media and Programming Department at San Diego College of Continuing Education identified two interrelated problems impacting student opportunity and success:
1. Limited programmatic options and outdated structures that did not reflect current workforce demands, and
2. Barriers to access and success for diverse and nontraditional students seeking relevant, stackable credentials in digital media and programming fields.
Although enrollment was growing, the department recognized that students needed more targeted certificate options, current content, and culturally responsive instruction to ensure both retention and transition into the workforce.
The Response
The department responded with a multi-faceted strategy rooted in program expansion, instructional innovation, and inclusion:
• Between 2019 and 2024, the department created and/or restructured 12 certificate programs—including in-demand areas like Full Stack Web Development, Python Programming, and Content Management Systems.
• Six new certificate programs have been developed or are in progress (e.g., Python for AI, MongoDB, SQL, and 3D Design), with CIC and State approvals underway.
• Student learning is continuously supported through industry-informed curriculum updates, peer and student evaluations, and the implementation of inclusive, culturally aware teaching practices.
• Faculty professional development has been prioritized through workshops, advisory board participation, and direct engagement with tech industry roles.
• Online learning modalities (Canvas, Zoom, GitHub, and collaborative tools) were leveraged to support access and persistence.
The Unique Features of the Program
This program stands out for its ability to remain agile and responsive to industry trends while supporting diverse learners through intentional design. Notable features include:
• Stackable, short-term certificate programs that reflect real-time labor market needs and student demand.
• Instructor diversity and real-world industry experience, including faculty employed by LinkedIn Learning, Qualcomm, and Spawar.
• Strong DEI integration, with faculty fostering inclusive learning through cultural awareness activities, personalized learning plans, and reflective course design.
• Credit-by-exam agreements and partnerships with local credit colleges to support transition.
• Hands-on technologies and real-world coding practices, including GitHub, repl.it, and Agile-like peer review practices.
• Comprehensive online infrastructure, enabling students to thrive regardless of modality or location.
The Outcome
The department has achieved significant growth and positive impact:
• Enrollment increased from 3,818 to 3,952;
• Headcount rose from 1,081 to 1,265;
• FTES nearly tripled, from 214.90 to 559.93;
• Productivity jumped from 12.9 to 21.2;
• Success increased from 1,343 to 1822 completions.
In addition, access expanded across multiple student groups:
• Enrollment among female students increased from 2,234 to 2,355.
• Gains were noted among African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Latino students.
• The number of students aged 18–24 and 30–39 rose, and more students reported household incomes above $35,000.