SAN DIEGO CITY COLLEGE STUDENT RECEIVES PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP

San Diego, CA – August 15, 2017 San Diego City College student Twyla Robinson was selected as one of 12 students awarded the prestigious CSU Dominquez Hills Presidential Scholarship for fall 2017. This full-tuition scholarship is the highest academic award granted from CSU Dominquez Hills.

According to CSU Dominguez Hills, Presidential Scholars consistently achieve their academic goals and develop the confidence and skills to become inspiring role models. Upon learning that she had earned the scholarship Twyla said, “I wasn’t expecting it. It is a real blessing. Without the scholarship, I wouldn’t have had the funds to attend.”In addition to tuition, the scholarship provides a book allowance, parking, discounted student housing and Academic Success Counseling.

Completing her studies at City College in May, Twyla Robinsonearned an associate of science degree in Child Development, as well as certificates for Pre-School Teacher and Master Teacher. Continuing her academic journey, Twyla plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in Child Development and then open her own day care or child development center.

Now in her 40s, Twyla shared, “I regret not pursuing my education sooner.” She urges other students to “be persistent and keep trying” no matter the challenges they face. She added, “Tomorrow is not promised. Get an education, as school is always something you can fall back on.”

Twyla worked retail for nearly a decade before carpal tunnel syndrome forced her to leave her job with Target. She also lost her husband and had to overcome injuries from being hit by a car. Working with the City College Disability and Support Program Services, Twyla received help in facilitating computer technology, developing her educational plan, finding job openings, and even obtaining professional clothing for her job interviews through the college’s student clothing store, Fantastique.

“City College is the best thing that ever happened to me,” Twyla said. “They helped me through the whole process – from taking the right classes to helping me find my career.”

Following a celebratory lunch with Twyla, San Diego City College President Ricky Shabazz said, “Helping a student like Twyla overcome life challenges so that she can pursue her educational and career goals is what City College does so well. We are in the business of changing lives.”

Because City College did change her life, Twyla encourages all students to “be persistent, even when times are rough, keep trying.”

According to the Department of Labor, the employment of child care workers is projected to grow five percent from 2014 to 2014. The media pay is over $22,000 per year. For Preschool Teachers, employment is projected to grown 7 percent with a media pay of nearly $29,000 per year. For Preschool and Child Care Directors, the employment is projected to grow 7 percent with a median pay of nearly $46,000 per year.

About San Diego City College: Founded in 1914, San Diego City College celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2014. Serving as the educational cornerstone of downtown San Diego, City College offers 200 degrees and certificates, and more than 1,600 classes. City College is part of the San Diego Community College District, comprised of City College, Mesa College, Miramar College, and Continuing Education. For more information, visit: For graduation information: