Launch Your New Career in Tech with the UC San Diego Extended Studies & Google Career Certificates Program
Earn two technical certificates in just 15 months with $0 upfront
Applications are now closed and will open early 2025.
Certificates & Career Pathways
Business Intelligence
Gain skills to make sense of data and numbers to help organizations improve processes and operations.
Learn more
Front-end Development
Learn how to code in HTML, CSS and JavaScript to develop websites and applications.
Learn more
Cybersecurity
Learn how to protect data on electronic devices and networks to prevent and respond to attacks.
Learn more
Download curriculum example pdfs: Business Intelligence | Front-end Development | Cybersecurity
Frequently Asked Questions
Click below to get answers to frequently asked questions.
Who should apply to the program?
Individuals who are interested in a career in technology but lack an affordable and flexible means to pursue it are encouraged to apply. While there is no upfront cost, the program is not free and we are happy help you weigh the features and benefits of this program against other certificate options available to you. We find that individuals with some exposure to technology and/or those who have a few years of consistent work experience are best suited for this program.
What do I need to succeed in the program?
Breaking into the technology sector requires a great deal of resilience and comfort with discomfort. It is not an easy path and will require hard work, persistence and continual growth. Strong time management skills, stable housing and steady access to the internet over the 15-month period also help create a stable learning environment.
How many hours per week will I need to spend on the program?
Participants should plan to commit to 15 hours/week of coursework and 1-2 hours/week of job-readiness preparation.
What if I’m still not sure which certificate path is right for me?
If you are still exploring multiple career options and interested in sectors outside of technology, we recommend you attend a Connecting Interests with Careers workshop, which can be found on our events calendar. If you know you want to pursue a path in technology, but are not sure which program is right, please attend our next information session. If you are ready to move forward with our program, please submit an application.
How will I interact with my instructors and career navigators?
You’ll use online learning and communication tools like Canvas, Slack and Coursera to engage with your instructors, career navigators and fellow students.
What if I’m not sure about the program yet?
Try out the Google and UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies coursework for up to five weeks before committing to the full 15-month program. During this time, we’ll have weekly check-ins to help you achieve your trial period milestones. When these milestones are met, you continue in the program, and if you don’t meet these milestones, you leave the program with no financial responsibility.
What does job-readiness training look like?
Participants build job-readiness skills in addition to technical skills through 1-on-1 counseling sessions and group workshops. While paid work experience and mentorship is not required, they are recommended to everyone in the program to set yourself apart in the job search. With help from our team, you’ll identify ideal jobs, perfect your resume, practice interviewing and complete projects or internships that help you stand out, building skills to support every step of your career journey. Additionally, you will have the support of our community partners to help with barriers that could potentially interfere with your progress.
Am I guaranteed a job at the end of the program?
No. The Workforce Partnership can’t guarantee you a job, but we prepare you for your job search and leverage our employer network to refer candidates to open roles with our partners. We also expect participants to actively apply to jobs after graduating.
What is an outcomes-based loan?
Outcomes-based loans allow organizations like the Workforce Partnership to provide comprehensive education, job-readiness training, access to paid work experience and other wraparound services at no upfront cost to the participant. For participants who are earning the equivalent of at least $40,000 per year, the repayment obligation is to repay the $7,000 outcomes-based loan with zero interest. For those who are not earning the equivalent of at least $40,000 per year, participants can defer payments for up to 60 months. Learn more about outcomes-based loans here.
What if I don’t want to take out an outcomes-based loan?
There are many other technology education options for people interested in these careers. The UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies courses are available to anyone, independent of this program and prospective applicants are welcome to enroll directly through UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies.
As part of our application process, the Workforce Partnership will help you evaluate other potential programs. View a full list of the Partnership’s free or low-cost program and service offerings, or reach out to hello@workforce.org with any questions.
San Diego’s community colleges and San Diego College of Continuing Education also offer classes in these subject areas that may be lower cost, or even free depending on your financial situation, but may not offer the career services that the Workforce Partnership is able to provide.
Student Stories
“I ended up receiving many more benefits than I initially expected.”
Ismael Gutierrez
Front-end Development
With six months left in her certificate program, Ellie received an offer to become a content producer at Petco. She was most recently hired at Evoke Canale as a junior front-end developer.
Ellie Solorio
Front-end Development
“The skills I learned in the course have been put to good use in my new position, and the confidence that comes with earning the certificate has allowed me to quickly become a valued employee.”
Chris London
Business Intelligence
“The classes being offered aligned with my interests and I loved that the whole program could be completed remotely since I was working full time.”
Ernesto Gonzales
Business Intelligence
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