College 2 Career
About the College to Career (C2C) Program
What is College to Career (C2C)?
College to Career (C2C) is a three-year program that supports students with intellectual disabilities or autism in pursuing community college as a pathway to employment.
Participating Colleges
- San Diego Mesa, San Diego Miramar, and San Diego City College
- San Diego Continuing Education (Mesa, Miramar, ECC, CE Chavez, West City, Mid City, and North City Campuses)
Why College to Career (C2C)?
Students with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder with postsecondary experiences are 26 times more likely to be successfully employed and earn 73 percent higher wages than their peers without postsecondary education. The program offers individualized educational coaching, academic and career planning, and connects students to hands-on work experiences to help students gain independence and job readiness.
Who is Eligible for College to Career (C2C)?
- Students must have a documented diagnosis of Intellectual Disability or Autism
- Students must have an open case OR be willing to open a case with the Department of Rehabilitation
- Students must have a HS diploma, GED, or recognized certificate of completion
- Students must have functional independence to navigate independently on a college campus without supervision
- Students must have the ability to engage in college-level work as all students in the program are pursuing a traditional college certificate or associate degree
- Students must demonstrate the motivation to pursue a traditional college experience and desire to utilize their college education to work in their field of interest
What is the program structure?
Year 1
Focus: Transition from high school to college
Key Activities:
- Academic planning
- College navigation support
- Career interest exploration
- 1:1 educational coaching
- Social and academic adjustment
Year 2
Focus: Building confidence, career readiness, and work experience
Key Activities:
- Continued 1:1 educational coaching and support
- Internships, volunteer work, or part-time employment
Year 3
Focus: Transition to entry-level employment
Key Activities:
- 1:1 career coaching
- Job placement assistance
- On/off-site work retention support
Apply or Learn More
Limited Enrollment – the program has the capacity to serve up to 20 students max per academic year. It is encouraged for students to apply in their senior year of high school.
The program currently has a waiting list for the 2025–2026 academic year. Applications for Fall 2026 will open on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Please contact the College to Career Program Coordinator for any additional information:
Rachel Martinez, M.S.
College to Career Program Coordinator/Counselor
Email: rmartinez@sdccd.edu
Phone: 619-388-6808
Frequently Asked Questions
College 2 Career (C2C) is a 3-year program within the San Diego Community College District designed to develop employment skills for students with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder. C2C offers specialized supports and services related to self-management, employment preparation, one-on-one educational coaching, career exploration and job placement assistance.
To be eligible for C2C, participants must:
- Have a documented diagnosis of an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder.
- Be age 18+ with a GED or high school diploma equivalent OR be age 22+ and fully exited from any high school transition program.
- Be willing to open a case with the Department of Rehabilitation or have an active case open.
- Be able to adhere to the SDCCD Student Code of Conduct.
- Be motivated to participate in the college experience and maintain enrollment within the San Diego Community College District.
- Be motivated to acquire vocational skills and actively pursue competitive integrated employment.
Enrollment is limited, so please contact us for information about our referral process and deadlines.
Students or families interested in the C2C program should contact their San Diego Regional Center coordinator, Department of Rehabilitation counselor, or their DSPS counselor to begin the referral process.
C2C is a competitive application process. Admissions interviews are typically offered in the fall semester and decisions are made early in the spring semester with program participation beginning the following fall semester. C2C admits approximately 15 students each year and all student selection decisions are final. C2C students must pursue a Plan of Services with the Department of Rehabilitation.
Please see the C2C Referral Flier (PDF) for more information.
C2C is a three-year program outlined as follows:
Year One: Transition to college environment and adult expectations. Activities that serve as the foundation for college and career success such as time management, organization, problem-solving, and decision-making, in addition to practicing how to access campus services and self-advocate.
Year Two: Focus on work experience and exposure to the world of employment. Monthly workshops include workspace readiness and etiquette, networking at a community career fair, mock interviews with real employers, work experience/internship, work site tour, and money management.
Year Three: Employment experiences are established throughout the course of the program, however, it is in the third year that the student enters the job development phase. During this phase, the C2C vocational specialist works one-on-one with the student to provide job readiness and job search assistance. The C2C staff support students in maximizing their skills and abilities in order to pursue integrated competitive employment opportunities in environments that align with the student's Individualized Plan for Employment.
College 2 Career | SDCCDC2C@sdccd.edu
Rachel Martinez, C2C Coordinator | rmartinez@sdccd.edu | (619) 388-6806