College of Continuing Education and Lincoln High Partner to Expand Trade Career Pathways

On the surface, the first day of Oscar Aparicio’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning class at San Diego College of Continuing Education’s Educational Cultural Complex seemed like any other. But this was a milestone moment—more than half of the 33 students in the room were from Lincoln High School, part of a groundbreaking partnership designed to expand career opportunities for inner-city teens.

The significance of the occasion wasn’t lost on the college and high school officials who gathered to witness it. “The way we’ve been doing school within our four walls is not designed for all students,” said Lori Williams, Lincoln High School’s College and Career Pathway coordinator. “We have students who are hungry for career training and eager to get certified for opportunities in the trades and be able to support themselves or help their families.”

A 2024 Gates Foundation report backs this up, noting that more high school students are seeking shorter, more affordable educational pathways that lead directly to jobs. This program fits the bill. Over 11 weeks, 17 Lincoln High students will master key HVAC skills—working with AC and DC currents, troubleshooting with multimeters, wiring fan motors, and installing thermostats, ductwork, furnaces, and heat pumps. Those who pass the course can take a school-funded EPA certification exam, making them licensed HVAC technicians before they even graduate.

And the opportunities don’t stop there. Before summer, the College of Continuing Education will arrange at least one job interview per student. The potential payoff? HVAC mechanics and installers in San Diego County earn an average salary of more than $66,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“This new, innovative program is the result of hard work from a dedicated team at our college, Lincoln High School, and the San Diego Unified School District,” said Continuing Education President Dr. Tina M. King. “It further solidifies our role as a leader in alleviating poverty in the San Diego region.”

For many students, the program’s cost-free structure is life-changing. At Lincoln High, nearly 86% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, and 98% are from minority backgrounds, with 30% being English language learners. Aparicio, a Marine Corps veteran leading the class, knows the value firsthand. “This is a great way to introduce younger people to the trades while providing them with marketable skills,” he said, recalling that he had to pay $30,000 for similar training—something these students are getting for free.

Beyond technical training, the program offers wraparound support. The college provides HVAC students with snacks, beverages, and meals from its on-campus pantry, ensuring they can focus on learning.

Lincoln High senior Kevin Morales jumped at the opportunity after hearing about it from a teacher. “I’m just looking forward to learning new job skills that can help me in the future,” he said. “These are skills that will always be needed and always be in demand.”

Not all Lincoln High students are seeking immediate careers—some have already been accepted to universities. Williams noted that earning an HVAC license gives them the option of good-paying, part-time work while pursuing degrees in electrical engineering or related fields.

Watching from the back of Room C-109 during the first-day orientation, College of Continuing Education Outreach Ambassador Antonio Ybarra felt a sense of pride. “These kids come from diverse backgrounds, some more challenging than others, but when the right opportunities come along, any kid is going to be willing to seize the moment.”

Associate Dean of Outreach Tavaris Franklin sees this as just the beginning. “It’s rewarding because this allows high school students to redefine success on their terms while giving them options for their future. We’re hoping to expand this program to other disciplines and schools soon.”