The San Diego College of Continuing Education has launched a pilot program to provide free cab rides for students struggling with basic needs.
The college calls the partnership, with United Taxi Workers of San Diego, the first of its kind. Students will receive $100 transportation vouchers.
The initiative, set to begin in early February, includes a small cohort of up to five students. It is expected to expand to 100 students in the following weeks. Only those who have signed up for SDCCE CARES, which offers students basic needs support, are eligible.
The need is profound – 46% of SDCCE students have incomes of less than $10,000 per year and one in three is unemployed, according to the college’s Office of Institutional, Effectiveness and Research.
“It’s critical that we meet the needs of our students and meet the needs of our community,” said SDCCE President Dr. Tina M. King. “It’s also imperative that we work with an organization such as United Taxi Workers of San Diego, whose members live here and also will benefit from this program.”