2026.11.10_FINAL_PressRelease_ReachUniversity.docx.pdf
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Full Press Conference Video
Press Conference Photos
Paraeducator Broll.mp4
Media Contact: Miguel Covarrubias, 619-316-4625, mcovarrubias@sandi.net; James Canning, 313-580-2845, Jcanning@sandi.net
OVER 1,500 SAN DIEGO UNIFIED PARAPROFESSIONALS HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO EARN BACHELOR’S DEGREES WITHOUT STUDENT LOAN DEBT FROM REACH UNIVERSITY
SAN DIEGO (Nov. 10, 2026) – San Diego Unified School District (SD Unified) has partnered with Reach University to offer affordable, on-the-job pathways to earning a Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies (BLS) for its over 1,500 paraprofessionals. This partnership is designed to build classroom-ready teachers and remove barriers for aspiring educators with financial support, mentorship and personalized resources, and is part of the district’s innovative initiative TEACH-LEAD San Diego (TLSD).
“This new program recognizes paraprofessionals as a critical part of our local talent pipeline. This group includes attendance assistants, health technicians, para independence facilitators, noon duty aides and others,”said Kimberly N. Moore, executive director of diversity, inclusion and development at SD Unified. “It also advances SD Unified's workforce goals by strengthening employee pathways, developing future educators from within and supporting the recruitment, development and retention of a diverse, highly qualified workforce,”
Designed for working adults employed in the district, the partnership with Reach University requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 15 hours per week of work in an academic classroom setting. After grants and scholarships, the estimated out-of-pocket contribution for full-time undergraduate candidates is $75 per month, or $900 per year, with zero student loan debt. The degree may be earned in two to four years, depending on prior coursework and accepted transfer credits.
“A similar online program at a California State University costs over $5,000 a semester, which is unattainable for many without student loans,” said Miguel Arellano, president of the Chapter 759 Paraeducators (PARA) of the California School Employees Association. “Reach University’s program is more affordable, and its flexibility makes it a great fit for paraprofessionals who are working while pursuing their degrees. Paraprofessionals are at the heart of education, working alongside teachers every day. This program recognizes their impact and gives them a path to become teachers.”
SD Unified paraprofessionals who meet admission requirements may apply to Reach University’s Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program. The pathway and time to graduation depend on an applicant’s prior education and transferable college credits:
|
Prior Degrees or Credits |
Estimated pathway to a bachelor’s degree |
|
Associate degree |
2-Year |
|
30 or more transfer-level college credits |
3-Year |
|
High school diploma or GED |
4-year |
Pathway placement is subject to review of each applicant’s prior coursework and transfer credits.
“We are proud to partner with the innovative leaders at San Diego Unified to expand opportunities for aspiring teachers and strengthen the communities they serve,” said Joe E. Ross, president and co-founder of Reach University. “California holds a special place in our mission. Today, we partner with more than 260 K–12 districts statewide, turning jobs into degrees for more than 1,000 working adults. Together with San Diego Unified, we're building on that impact, creating a seamless pathway for locally-based paraprofessionals to earn a liberal studies degree without student loan debt, pursue a career in teaching, and achieve lasting upward mobility in the communities they call home.”
SD Unified and Reach University will collaborate on recruitment, employment verification and ongoing candidate support to ensure the program aligns with school and District needs. Reach University is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
“Through this partnership we are able to cultivate a diverse, highly qualified educator workforce that supports student success and enriches our local educational community,” said Superintendent Dr. Fabiola Bagula. “Serving more than 93,000 students from a wide range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, we recognize the value of representation in education. Students benefit by learning from educators and leaders who reflect their identities and experiences. This program continues our work to develop a more educated and diverse workforce.”
Applications for Fall 2027 will open in Spring 2027 and can be submitted at reach.edu/apply-now.
“This new Reach University program is more accessible to our paraprofessionals because of its lower cost and compatibility with their work schedule,” said Dr. Sharon Whitehurst-Payne, trustee of the Board of Education of San Diego Unified School District. “We look forward to our paraprofessionals completing this program and having more career opportunities within our district. When we remove barriers from those in the margins, we remove them for all.”
About Teach Lead San Diego
TEACH-LEAD San Diego is our district's “Grow Your Own” educator pipeline, TLSD is committed to developing and retaining talented educators from within the communities SD Unified serves. By investing in local talent, the program helps build a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of SD Unified’s students.
About Reach University
Reach University turns jobs into degrees, serving as our nation’s first and only nonprofit university fully dedicated to advancing on-the-job degrees, known as Apprenticeship Degrees. By fostering upward mobility, building careers and the workforce, and inspiring deeper learning through inquiry, dialogue, collaboration, and on-the-job practice, Reach, its National Center for the Apprenticeship Degree, and partners are actively solving America's labor shortages by creating fully embedded pathways for high-potential individuals to earn degrees, credentials, and professional careers in their home communities. Reach currently operates in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oregon, Texas, Tennessee and Washington.
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Miguel Covarrubias (He/Him)
Mobile: 619-302-0309
4100 Normal Street
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