San Mateo Adult and Career Education prepares adults from diverse backgrounds and educational needs for success in college, career, and community engagement. Our programs provide equitable opportunities to access and acquire academic, workforce, life, and technology skills.
Fully accredited by the schools commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
SCHOOLWIDE LEARNER OUTCOMES
• Students will set and meet academic, career and/or individual goals.
• Students will gain knowledge and apply critical thinking skills to achieve their goals.
• Students will engage with, integrate and utilize technology.
EQUITY & ANTI-BIAS STATEMENT
The Equity and Anti-Bias Committee is searching for ways to support our school’s attempt to raise staff, teacher and student awareness regarding how race and other factors affect our behavior, thinking, curriculum and the environment at our school community. We are committed to open discussion, formulating a clear policy, providing resources and meaningful training to help all staff.
We are confident that the formulation and efforts of this committee will be an opportunity to communicate with one another and understand our own struggles and experiences surrounding bias. We are in this together. And together, we will all put our best efforts towards a common goal- to ensure that we treat others and that we are treated with the dignity and respect we each deserve.
DREAM, BELIEVE, SUCCEED.
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Greetings and Welcome to our 2025 Winter/Spring Semester! At San Mateo Adult & Career Education (SMACE), we are committed to and pride ourselves on "preparing individuals from diverse backgrounds and educational needs for success in college, career and community engagement." Begin or continue your journey with us! Whether you want to learn English, study for the GED, become a phlebotomist, or go to college, the opportunities are endless. Sign up for classes and take that first step toward achieving your educational and career goals. Join SMACE and become part of our exciting school community! We are here and waiting to meet you!
Sincerely, Angela Taylor | Director
Start your
Angela Taylor, Director
CAREER EDUCATION
Through hands-on learning and extensive resources, San Mateo Adult & Career Education will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to advance your career in a high demand industry.
Start your future today!
Scan the QR code or click to learn more and see full class descriptions.
CAREER & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Building Trades Math Prep Program
• CERT (Community Emergency Response Team Training)
• ESL City Government
Invest in yourself!
Take a class to launch a new career or climb the ladder in your current one.
HEALTHCARE EDUCATION
• Clinical Medical Assistant Training Program
• Dispensing Optician Course
• EKG Technician Training (Morning & Evening offered)
• Intro to Healthcare Basics Medical Billing & Coding
Patient Care Fundamentals
Phlebotomy Technician
TECHNOLOGY, BUSINESS, & FINANCE
• AWS Cloud Foundations Training
• AWS Solutions Architect Training
• Basic Data Analytics Using Alteryx
• Introduction to AI
• Intro to Accounting
• Quickbooks Comprehensive
• Computer Lab
• Google Basics
• Microsoft Word & PowerPoint 2019
• Office 365 Cloud Essentials
• Microsoft Excel Certification
• Microsoft PowerPoint 2016
Student Voices
“This center is the best. You can learn and obtain a career in several types of fields and apply your skills to several upstanding companies as I have.” - Hope M.
YOU NEED FOR BUSINESS &
HEALTHCARE EDUCATION
Our healthcare programs offer certifications and hands-on training in high-demand health and medical careers.
NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
If you want a lucrative and rewarding career but have no prior experience, check out our FREE Introduction to Healthcare Basics class! It’s a short course designed to teach students the basics of healthcare careers and help them explore various job opportunities.
Student Voices
“The classes set solid goals for succeeding and I enjoyed every part of my class. With my NHA CCMA credentials, I was ready to take the Phlebotomy Technician Training Program of which Iʼm happy to say I am now dually credentialed and have a full-time job doing what I love.”
Mensure is originally from Türkiye and has been living in the US for four years. When she first moved to the US, it was during the pandemic and she was feeling that there were a lot of challenges in pursuing a career in science and medicine. San Mateo Adult School was her first in-person education center in the US and in the fall of 2022, she participated in the Intro to Healthcare Basics class and met the most passionate instructor, Dianne Patel.
According to Mensure, “My life has changed in a huge positive way with Ms. Dianne as my instructor and mentor. I refreshed my medical knowledge, learned about potential careers, healthcare communication and how the US healthcare system works. My instructor motivated and supported all of us and encouraged us to achieve our career goals!”
“As an SMACE student, I felt I was not alone and I always got support! Since the last day of class, I kept a note from Ms. Dianne on the door of my study room. That note has touched both my heart and mind, and it has motivated me to chase my dream!”
Mensure is on a fantastic career path now as a Research Assistant in Neurosurgery Department at the Stanford University, School of Medicine and wants to encourage fellow students to never stop learning and pursuing their dreams.
Online
Instructor: CalRegional EKG Technician Training (Morning)
M, W TBD* 8:30AM - 12:30PM M, W TBD* 8:30AM - 12:30PM M, W TBD* 8:30AM - 12:30PM
*Please visit the website for additional dates.
Online
Instructor: CalRegional EKG Technician Training (Evening)
M, W TBD* 5:30PM - 9:30PM M, W TBD* 5:30PM - 9:30PM
*Please visit the website for additional dates.
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist
Online
Instructor: Reed/Miles
T, Th 4/15 - 9/4 6:00PM - 7:30PM
In Person, Room 42
Instructor: Heidi Carmen Patient Care Fundamentals T, Th TBD 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Want to learn more about these courses? Visit SanMateoAdultEd.org to read class descriptions and register.
Pharmacy Technician Training Program 1 & 2
Online
Instructor: Career Training Solution
T 2/4 - 6/28 6:00PM - 9:30PM 9:00AM - 12:30PM Sa M, Th 3/10 - 8/4 6:00PM - 9:30PM
EXPLORE A NEW CAREER
Our courses are an excellent way to explore the medical field. Check out our Patient Care Fundamentals class to gain an understanding of medical vocabulary, or enroll in our Clinical Medical Assistant Training Program to learn how to assist a physician in providing quality patient care.
SMACE in Rm 41; Labs will be held offsite at a Cal Regional lab site Instructor: CalRegional Phlebotomy Technician Program M, T, W 1/13 - 2/27 5:30PM - 9:30PM Sa 1/25 - 4/26 8:00AM - 5:00PM M, T, W 3/17 - 5/1 5:30PM - 9:30PM
Scan the QR code or click to get started. Are you ready to enroll?
TECHNOLOGY
AWS Academy
As cloud technologies continue to help organizations transform at a rapid pace, employees with the necessary cloud skills are in high demand. Develop a range of skills in the AWS Cloud! These classes are in partnership with the College of San Mateo.
BUSINESS & FINANCE
Basic finance knowledge and skills are important tools for almost any profession and business. These courses will help anyone who is interested in a career in accounting, bookkeeping, finance, or owning a business.
DESIGNED TO HELP YOU SUCCEED
The last part of the Intro to Accounting course includes an introduction to Quickbooks, setting you up for the next step in your finance career.
QuickBooks Comprehensive meets all the objectives of the QuickBooks Certified User exam.
Hybrid: Online, In Person at Mercury in Smart Center
Instructor: Demetrius Booker
Both Intro to Accounting and Quickbooks Comprehensive are offered at no cost, and a free, one-year trial of QuickBooks Online is available for students.
Scan the QR code or click to view course times, days, and fees.
COMPUTER CLASSES
We offer essential computer classes to help students thrive in any workplace environment.
NEED TO WORK ON YOUR SKILLS?
Our computer lab is set up for individuals who are seeking to build or enhance their basic computer skills, such as typing, Google Basics, using
“The San Mateo Smart Center is state-of-the art. Each student is assigned to an individual computer terminal and full working software is installed, thus providing hands-on experience. I would highly recommend these courses.”
- Kenneth S.
Student Voices
“Studying and volunteering at SMACE has helped me learn and get more involved in the San Mateo community, attend other courses in and out of school. Thanks to SMACE, I was able to find a sense of belonging.”
- Claudia A.
Foreign Languages
Spanish and Italian including vocabulary, grammar, and conversation.
Spanish Level 1
Online
Instructor: Mary Weng
W 2/12 - 4/16 4:00PM - 5:30PM
Spanish Level 2
Online
Instructor: Mary Weng
F 2/14 - 4/18 12:30PM - 2:00PM
Conversational Italian Level 1
Instructor: Tiziana Balestra
Online
M 2/3 - 4/14 6:30PM - 8:30PM
In Person, Foster City Community Center
M 2/3 - 4/14 10:00AM - 12:00PM No class 2/17
Music Appreciation
Designed to teach students how to interpret music and understand the creative process behind musical productions.
Instructor: Washburn West Bay Community Band*
Mills High School
Fee: $140
M 1/6 - 4/21 7:00PM - 9:00PM No class 1/20, 2/17
Afternoon at the Opera: Five Operas You Have To Know!*
Hybrid: Online or In Person at Millbrae Rec Center
Instructor: Deborah Rosengaus
Fee: $125
M 2/3 - 3/10 2:30PM - 4:00PM
Learn about five essential operas with timeless stories, unforgettable melodies, relatable emotions and iconic characters.
PROGRAMS FOR ACTIVE ADULTS
These are classes for adults age 50+ and are designed to encourage the pursuit of knowledge through lifelong learning. Whether it’s developing a passion for painting, learning how to draw, improving your health, or researching your family history, these classes have wonderful benefits for adults.
There’s probably a class near you! Active Adult classes can be found at eight different locations in San Mateo, Millibrae, San Bruno, and Foster City.
APPLIED ARTS & MUSIC
• Drawing and Painting Level 1
• Small Group Drawing and Painting Level 2
• Fundamentals of Fine Art
• Watercolor Painting
• Afternoon at the Opera: Five Operas You Must Know!*
• West Bay Community Band*
*These classes are also part of our Community Classes.
• Fall Prevention 1
HEALTH & FITNESS CURRENT EVENTS, MEMOIRS AND STORIES
• Fall Prevention 2
• Move, Stretch, & Strengthen
• Pilates & Yoga Fusion
• Small Group Tai Chi for Better Balance
• Small Group Tai Chi 101: Beginner
• Small Group Tai Chi 103: Advanced
• Yoga for Health - Online
• Yoga for Health - In Person
• Current Events
• Memoirs and Stories Scan the QR code or click to view more Try something new!
FIND YOUR INNER ARTIST
All skills levels are welcome in our Fundamentals of Fine Art class! Learn about drawing, color, shape, form, value, perspective and texture while working with a variety of art mediums, such as graphite, watercolor, color pencils, water soluble colored pencils, pastels, portraiture, and scratch board. Enhance your art skills and personal style in a judgment-free zone!
QUESTIONS?
Curious about what materials you need for these classes? Email Program Coordinator Jeri McGovern at jmcgovern@smuhsd.org for a material's list.
Applied Arts
Enhance your art skills in drawing and painting! Class sizes are kept small so each student receives personal instruction.
Instructor: Matt Crane Drawing and Painting Level 1 Th 2/6 - 3/6 1:30PM - 3:30PM
Foster City Community Center in the Sail Room
Fee: $105
Small Group Drawing and Painting Level 2 Th 3/13 - 4/10 1:30PM - 3:30PM
Foster City Community Center in the Sail Room
Instructor: Matt Crane
Fee: $105
Fundamentals of Fine Art T 1/7 - 3/25 9:30AM - 11:30AM T 1/7 - 3/25 12:30PM - 2:30PM
Take a class where you can join the West Bay Community Band or learn about the amazing women in the genre of opera.
ITʼS MORE THAN JUST A CLASS!
Community Classes help you meet people who share your interests and offer an inexpensive way to try something new!
Instructor: Washburn West Bay Community Band*
Mills High School
Fee: $140
M 1/6 - 4/21 7:00PM - 9:00PM No class 1/20, 2/17
NO AUDITION REQUIRED
If you’ve been itching to play again, come join the West Bay Community Band! Our band has over 40 fun-loving musicians who enjoy playing music of all styles and periods, performing, and appreciate being part of an ensemble.
For more information, contact Erinn Washburn at erinnwashburnschool@ gmail.com.
Afternoon at the Opera: Five Operas You Have To Know!*
Hybrid: Online or In Person at Millbrae Rec Center
Instructor: Deborah Rosengaus
Fee: $125
M 2/3 - 3/10 2:30PM - 4:00PM
La Bohème, The Marriage of Figaro, Carmen, La Traviata, and Tosca are five essential operas composed by Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, and Bizet that have shaped the landscape of opera for centuries. Whether you're a seasoned opera lover or just starting to explore the genre, join mezzo-soprano Deborah Rosengaus as she colorfully and knowledgeably ushers you through these heart-tugging, spirit-rallying operas.
Health & Fitness
These classes provide learning opportunities to optimize physical and mental fitness, helping to improve your functional balance and overall agility.
Are you ready to enroll?
Scan the QR code or click to learn more and get registered today!
A Health & Fitness class not only keeps your mind sharp and your body moving, but it can also increase your confidence, improve coordination, and give you a feeling of well being.
Instructor: Jeri McGovern Fall Prevention 1 T 1/14 - 2/11 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Millbrae Recreation Center
Millbrae Recreation Center
Instructor: Jeri McGovern Fall Prevention 2 T 2/18 - 3/15 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Move, Stretch & Strengthen M 1/6 - 4/21 9:30AM - 10:30AM W 1/8 - 4/23 9:30AM - 10:30AM
Millbrae Recreation Center
Instructor: Jeri McGovern
San Bruno Senior Center
Instructor: Juliet Martine Pilates & Yoga Fusion M 1/6 - 4/21 2:30PM - 3:30PM No class 1/20, 2/17
Yoga for Health - In Person
In Person, Foster City Community Center, Port Rm.
Instructor: Juliet Martine
Instructor: Daniela Scott
Foster City Community Center
Instructor: Debbie Au Small Group Tai Chi for Better Balance
Th 2/6 - 3/13 10:15AM - 11:15AM
Th 3/20 - 4/24 10:15AM - 11:15AM
Small Group Tai Chi 101: Beginner
Millbrae Recreation Center, Senior Gym
Instructor: Debbie Au
W 1/8 - 4/23 2:00PM - 3:00PM
Th 1/9 - 4/24 10:30AM - 11:30AM Martine T 1/7 - 4/22 10:30AM - 11:30AM Scott
No class on 11/26, 11/28
San Bruno Senior Center
Instructor: Juliet Martine
Instructor: Daniela Scott
M 1/6 - 4/21 4:00PM - 5:00PM Martine
Th 1/9 - 4/24 10:15AM - 11:15AM Scott
No class 1/20, 2/17
FIND YOUR LOCATION
See a map of our locations on page 23 to find which campus is closest to you.
Student Voices
“Becoming a staff member from a student, I have seen increase in the number of students, the different types of the teaching methods, deepening of cooperation with communities and expansion of career training.” -Bei X.
Memoirs and Stories
In this a small, intimate online class, get all the tips, support, and encouragement you need to explore the art of writing. Work on memoir, poetry, creative nonfiction, fiction, or personal essays in a reflective class that will sharpen your writing skills and tell your story. Whether you have never written a word, or are a long-time scribbler, your instructor and fellow writers will help you hone your writing and storytelling skills.
Writing: Memoirs and Stories
Online Instructor: Judi Leff
F 1/10 - 4/25 10:00AM - 12:00PM F 1/10 - 4/25 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Current Events
Connect with other adults who enjoy engaging in thought-provoking, lively conversations about the world in which we live. New topics weekly, drawn from local, national, and global events. Keep your mind sharp through engagement!
Current Events
Online Instructor: Judi Leff
ADULT SECONDARY EDUCATION
Having a High School Diploma or GED opens up a world of opportunities that may otherwise be unavailable to people who haven’t finished high school or a high school equivalent.
Let us help you take that first step toward earning your diploma or GED!
High School Diploma & GED Programs
With a high school diploma or GED, you can:
Increase job opportunities
Help you prepare for better career opportunities
Prepare you for community college
“SMACE provides a sense of community and belonging. Through class lessons and school activities, students develop skills and abilities to be productive and successful.”
-Katherine G.
Qualify you for financial aid to further your education
We offer quality teacher-led instruction and independent study options across programs, the majority of which are open entry. Get ready to start your future today!
Scan the QR code or click to learn more and enroll today!
High School Diploma Program
The Adult Learning Center at San Mateo Adult & Career Education provides the opportunity for adult students to earn credits toward a high school diploma. Instruction is individualized, so each student works on the specific courses he or she needs. Courses are textbook and computer-based. Teachers are always available to work one-on-one with students. Goal setting, skill building, and career and life planning are incorporated into the classes.
HOW TO REGISTER
To enroll in the High School Diploma Program, you must first attend a mandatory orientation session. Please bring an official copy of your most recent high school transcript to the orientation or email your transcripts to Carlota Zuniga czuniga@smuhsd.org. (Contact the registrar at your most recently attended high school to request an official transcript.)
HSD/GED orientation sessions are in the mornings or evenings at San Mateo Adult & Career Education, offered in English and Spanish. Students should plan to attend the session that corresponds to the time they are planning to attend classes. Check SanMateoAdultEd.org for dates and times.
For more information, please call or email Carlota Zuniga at (650) 558-2116 or czuniga@smuhsd.org.
Our High School Diploma and GED Programs are FREE !
GED Preparation Program
We recommend our GED program to students who need more than 30 credits. They will complete classwork and GED practice tests to prepare for the official GED exams. We’re also excited to offer GED in Spanish classes!
LET
US HELP YOU PASS
THE TEST!
Our preparation classes will get you ready to take your GED. They cover the 4 subjects on the test, which are broken into separate exams: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science & Social Studies. You’ll take one test at a time and we can help you schedule each one.
San Mateo Adult & Career Education (SMACE) is an official GED TEST SITE.
Visit www.ged.com to register for the official GED test(s).
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER CLASSES (ESL)
San Mateo Adult and Career Education's FREE ESL classes teach English vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading, writing, and tech
Thanks so much for teaching me my first words in English! Really very much appreciated! Thanks to all the efforts made by the wonderful teachers! Don't have enough words to thank the wonderful staff! This is where I met who's now my wife 33 years ago! Love you guys!!
-Esteban R.
Orientation & Placement Information
FOR NEW STUDENTS
In-person registration takes two days and you must attend both days. You’ll need a Gmail account to register.
• 50 Students will be selected by lottery to register.
• The lottery starts at 8:45AM and 5:45PM.
• Don’t be late! (No need to arrive more than 15 minutes early.)
Visit our website to view registration dates.
FOR RETURNING STUDENTS
If you attended an ESL class between 2017 and Fall 2024 and want to return, please email your name, date of birth and your preference for a morning or evening class to SMAS_ESLinfo@smuhsd.org and we will contact you with information about registration.
Scan the QR code or click to watch videos and learn how to get started. Learn
Winter/Spring Semester begins on Jan. 13
STUDENT SUCCESS: JENNYFER TORRES KAPPLER
In 2016, Jennyfer migrated from Peru to the United States with a clear vision: to learn English, obtain a higher education, and build a better future. With limited economic prospects back home, she saw the U.S. as a land of opportunity.
Once here, Jennyfer worked tirelessly in hotels and restaurants and then enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at San Mateo Adult School. However, the demands of her work schedule forced her to leave school after six months. Determined to continue her education, Jennyfer returned to San Mateo Adult School in 2018. There, a friend encouraged her to take the next step and enroll at the College of San Mateo, where she was introduced to Upward Scholar, a nonprofit organization that provides support to adult immigrant community college students in the Bay Area.
In January 2020, Jennyfer joined Upward Scholars and received assistance to continue her studies. Unfortunately soon after, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected hardship and she lost her hotel jobs—but it also presented an opportunity. Jennyfer's roommate ran a daycare out of their apartment and Jennyfer helped by translating Spanish to English for the parents of the daycare’s children.
Although she had no prior experience in childcare, she quickly grew to love the work and realized her new dream of opening her own bilingual daycare business. Jennyfer began to pursue a career in childcare by taking online childcare courses, completing the NannyPro program at TIFFAN in partnership with Upward Scholars, and working as a nanny to sustain herself and to help working parents during the pandemic. She diligently chipped away at the licensing requirements and started taking early childhood education (ECE) courses at Skyline College.
In September 2024, Jennyfer proudly opened Rainbow Corner Daycare to serve the San Bruno community, combining all she had learned in hotel hospitality with her new passion for caring for children.
Want to help support Jennyfer’s business? Consider purchasing an item on her wishlist here
LOCATIONS
789 East Poplar Ave. San Mateo, CA 94401
(next to San Mateo High School)
San Mateo Adult & Career Education
789 E Poplar Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401
Central Park Recreation Center
50 E 5th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401
Belle Air Elementary School
450 3rd Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066
Foster City Community Center
1000 E Hillsdale Blvd, Foster City, CA 94404
Foster City Recreation Center
650 Shell Blvd, Foster City, CA 94404
Mills High School
400 Murchison Dr. Millbrae, CA 94030
Millbrae Recreation Center
477 Lincoln Circle, Millbrae, CA 94030
San Bruno Senior Center
1555 Crystal Springs Rd, San Bruno, CA 94066
San Mateo Senior Center
2645 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA 94403
The Navigator NewsBlast is your compass to navigate through the sea of opportunities and resources available at SMACE. Your journey towards personal and professional development starts here with the Navigator NewsBlast!
