Rep. Sara Jacobs presents a check for the nearly $2 million in federal funding that she helped secure for a Family Resource Center at Mesa College and for updated facilities at the Police Academy at Miramar College.
Congresswoman Sara Jacobs secures $2M in federal funding for the SDCCD
May 31, 2024 |
Congresswoman Sara Jacobs visited San Diego Mesa College on Friday, May 31, 2024 to present a check for $1,966,279 to the San Diego Community College District for facilities improvements at the college’s Family Resource Center (FRC) as well as at the Miramar College Police Academy.
Rep. Jacobs, whose 51st Congressional District includes both Mesa and Miramar colleges, helped secure the community project funding as part of the FY 2024 federal budget.
“The San Diego Community College District plays an indispensable role in our community, helping to educate and prepare our next generation of leaders, address the skills gap for in-demand local jobs, and promote equity,” said Rep. Sara Jacobs. “That’s why I’m so proud to have secured nearly $2 million in federal funds for SDCCD so our students have all the tools and resources they need to succeed at school and in life after graduation. This much-needed funding will help build family-friendly study centers across SDCCD and update Miramar College’s aging School of Public Safety. I’m so excited to see all the good this funding will do to support our students and their dreams.”
The largest appropriation, $1,466,279, will benefit student parents at Mesa College. The recently opened Family Resource Center is an area for students to go with their children to study, attend student parent workshops, and create community. One in four students at the college are parents and must balance caring for children with their studies. Funding will support the expansion of services through extended hours of operation, additional staff, and more supplies such as diapers and food. San Diego Mesa participated in the Generation Hope’s Family U 2-year Cohort Program to develop intentional supports for student parents. In addition to resources available at the FRC, the campus has added additional lactation spaces, increased family friendly restrooms, made Title IX information more available and will be adding items like highchairs, small furniture in community areas, and outdoor play equipment around campus.
In addition, $500,000 in congressional funding will be spent renovating the Miramar College Police Academy. This includes updated instructional equipment, fitness equipment, and furniture. It will also fund a crime scene investigation room to better prepare cadets. The Miramar College Police Academy serves as the region’s police officer training facility for the San Diego’s law enforcement agencies, including the San Diego County Sheriff.
“The San Diego Community College District is the largest provider of higher education and workforce training in the region with a $4.5 billion annual economic impact, and I applaud Congresswoman Jacobs for recognizing and responding to vital needs and services supporting law enforcement, student-parents and our overall community,” said Chancellor Gregory Smith.