My name is Jinette Albright and I am a single mother with a child who has a disability. My son attends an elementary school in the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD)  to be in this program requires before/after school childcare through the Primetime program. The original class hours for the San Diego Continuing Education's (SDCCE) welding program began at 8:00 am, which allowed me to drop my son off at Primetime and attend my class on time. However, the schedule was changed to a start time of 6:30 am, creating an incredible challenge for me. I am unable to drop my son off at Primetime that early, making me late for class almost daily and jeopardizing my ability to meet the 75% attendance requirement. Now, with the recent decision to reduce the weekly hours. Going from 25  hours a week to 20 hours a week, extending the program's length from 18 to 24 months.  Which further causes  hurdles in completing my peers and I education and finding employment.

The reduction of hours in the SDCCE welding program is not just a minor adjustment but a change that severely impacts the lives of many. This decision particularly affects veterans and their spouses, who rely on their GI benefits to cover education and housing. Here's a link on the benefits  and how they will be effected.                               https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/non-college-degree-programs/

 As well every other student who want to get through the program in a timely matter to gain employment. Alongside single parents like myself, who already struggle to balance family and education commitments.

The welding program's new schedule aligns its timeline with credited courses, but it disregards that this is an hours based program not a credits completed. Many  students  cannot afford the additional burden of prolonged education. Extending the program makes it difficult for those who need to enter the workforce promptly to support themselves and their families.

We urge the administration of SDCCE to reinstate the original program hours.That will accommodate the needs of all students, particularly those who rely heavily on precise scheduling to succeed in the welding program. So they can support their families and themselves.

Changing the course structure without considering the potential ramifications disrupts the lives and futures of many. Reinstating the original hours to 6:30 am to 12:45 pm Monday through Thurday. Which starting in this fall semester the new hours will be 6:30 am to 11:30 am Monday through Thursday. This will  ensure education accessibility and equitable opportunities for all. This change goes against the school's mission statement , which is listed on their website.  https://sdcce.edu/about-us/institution/mission-statement.html

Please join me in urging SDCCE to reconsider their decision and take immediate action by signing this petition. Together, we can advocate for a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students.