About Us

Adult Education: The Key To Creating A New World Of Work

The world of work is constantly changing. Now more than ever, getting businesses back up and running is top priority for our region, and adult education is at the forefront of educating, training, and deploying our students to meet the needs of a “new” workforce.

As the largest adult education consortia in San Diego County, our five adult education campuses along with Palomar College support and train a diverse population of adult learners. Serving more than 15,000 students each year, our mission is to provide students with ongoing learning opportunities by offering high quality, relevant and responsive courses, programs, and services – all for low or no fee.

Our Campuses

Educate. Train. Explore.

Learning has no age limit. Whether a student is looking for career advancement, college preparation or workforce re-entry, we help them gain the necessary skills to reach their individual educational and career goals. From English as a Second Language (ESL) and high school diploma programs, to technical hands-on training and certification programs, our campuses offer classes and programs focused on high paying, in-demand careers to meet today and tomorrow’s industry demands.

Our campuses offer programs and training in:

  • Automotive Technology
  • Business/Accounting
  • Certified Nursing Assistant
  • Construction/Manufacturing
  • Cybersecurity/IT
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Phlebotomy Technician
  • Veterinary Technician
  • Welding
  • And more

In collaboration with our business and community partners, we create pathways of study and training focused on seamless transitions to post-secondary education or the workforce.

  • Leadership Team
  • The Education to Career Network Story
The Education to Career Network of North San Diego County is one of five adult education consortia in San Diego county and one of 70 throughout the state. We work to leverage resources and increase collaboration and partnerships among providers of adult education and
2013

Adult Education Meets AB86
Through Assembly Bill 86 (AB86), the 2013-2014 State Budget appropriated $25 million to the California Community College Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) to allocate funding for adult education to develop two–year planning and implementation grants. The funds were provided to eligible consortia for the purpose of developing regional plans for adult education.

The “San Diego North Adult Education Partnership” is formed
One of 71 consortia across the State, to expand and improve the provision of adult education. Consortia members include Escondido Adult School, Poway Adult School, Ramona Adult School, San Marcos Adult School, Vista Adult School, and Palomar College,

2015

The 2015–2016 State Budget appropriated $500 million to California Community College Chancellor's Office (CCCCO) and the California Department of Education to allocate funding for adult education.

Regional Planning Summits
The San Diego North Adult Education Partnership holds a series of regional planning summits with community stakeholders to help identify gaps and unmet needs in an effort to improve adult education in our region.

2016

SDNAEP Becomes ETCN The San Diego North Adult Education Partnership adopts a new name and launches a branding campaign for the Education to Career Network of North San Diego County (ETCN).

As the AB 86 planning moves to implementation via AB 104, the Adult Education Block Grant (AEBG), the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO), and the California Department of Education (CDE) continue to work in partnership to implement the requirements outlined in the Adult Education Block Grant.

ETCN Hires Staff
Full-time staff are welcomed to the ETCN team, including a data coordinator, technology & integration specialist, support/disability counselor, and job developer.

Community Forum
ETCN hosts its first community forum event titled, “Future Workforce Forum: Shaping the Future of North San Diego County’s Education to Career Network.” Attendees include north county business partners. The event features a panel discussion from leaders from local chambers of commerce and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Department.

2017

“Meet the Employer” Event ETCN holds its first employer-focused event, featuring a discussion from a panel of employers from the healthcare industry regarding entry level opportunities and hiring practices.

“Path to Palomar” Event
ETCN holds its first annual “Path to Palomar” event in which adult education students are invited to participate in an “insider’s tour” of Palomar College while learning about program offerings and the transition process from adult school to college.

Adult Education Week
a proclamation request is submitted to San Diego County to recognize one week in April as “Adult Education Week” across the County. The request is approved, and along with the Cities of Escondido, Poway, Ramona, San Marcos, and Vista, “Adult Education Week” is signed into effect.

2019

Student Spotlight Series
Launched to share the stories and experiences of ETCN students with the community.

Digital Badging Program
This new initiative is rolled out and introduced to ETCN adult schools. Through this program, students earn different levels of badges based on academic achievements.

2020

New ETCN Website Developed
The new and improved site is designed with a focus on providing updated, relevant information to students, business and community partners.