The San Diego Gateway to College and Career program provides young adults who identify as immigrant, refugee and/or English language learner (ELL) with high-touch and intensive support, stipends and paid internships.

This includes support services to remove barriers to success, such as:

  • Increased academic counseling services
  • Mentorships
  • Civic engagement opportunities
  • Access to transportation

Participants may also receive occupational skills training that leads to industry-recognized certifications and credentials, job-readiness and on-the-job training, and job placement services to increase income and empower you to be self-sufficient.

Recognizing the strength of your diverse ethnicities and languages, students are also supported to achieve their language learning goals, no matter what language you speak.

For more information or any questions, email hello@workforce.org or call (619) 319-WORK (9675).

Who It's For

  • Ages 18–24
  • Immigrant, refugee or English language learner
  • Not currently enrolled in school
  • Unemployed or underemployed

This program offers help:

  • Deciding what career is right for me
  • With starting school or a certificate program
  • Finding a temporary job or internship
  • Finding a long-term job
  • Learning new job skills
  • Removing barriers to your success

How to Apply

Complete the application to begin enrollment. It usually takes 10–15 minutes to complete. After submission, our team will contact you about next steps.

Apply Now

Read about participants’ experience with the program:

Gabriel Souza
Brazilian Student Finds Pathway to a Doctorate Degree in San Diego

Twenty-two-year-old Gabriel Souza left Curitiba, Brazil just over one year ago. Living in San Diego he expected to learn a new language and adjust to new customs but was surprised with a helping hand and a college scholarship through San Diego Gateway to College and Career (SDG2CC).

Sam.thumb
Student is reaching their goals with help from Gateway program

Samvathna Em, who goes by Sam, was attending San Diego College of Continuing Education when he heard about the San Diego Gateway to College and Career program. This program supports immigrants, refugees and English language learners in self-sufficiency and personal empowerment. We asked Sam about his goals, experience with the program and dream job.