Recovery is about more than treatment hours. School, work and steady support all help build a life that feels worth protecting. This page collects local options our clients ask about most: places to study near Clairemont, where to look for entry-level jobs and job help in San Diego, and mutual-support meetings close to Refresh Recovery and in Pacific Beach. Your care team is happy to talk through any of them with you.
Last checked: November 2026. Programs, addresses and schedules change, so confirm details with each organization before you go.
On this page: School opportunities · Entry-level jobs and job help · Meetings near Refresh and in Pacific Beach
School Opportunities Near Refresh Recovery
Going back to school can add structure to the week and a goal to work toward. San Diego has low-cost and free options for adults at every starting point, from finishing high school to earning a degree.
Community colleges
- San Diego Mesa College, 7250 Mesa College Dr, 92111: associate degrees, certificates and transfer preparation, about 3 miles from Refresh.
- San Diego Miramar College, 10440 Black Mountain Rd, 92126: degrees, certificates and transfer programs, including public safety and technical fields.
- San Diego City College, 1313 Park Blvd, 92101: degrees, certificates and transfer programs downtown.
Free classes and finishing high school
- San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE): tuition-free noncredit classes for adults, including career certificates and English as a second language. Nearby campuses include SDCCE at Mesa College (7350 Armstrong Pl, 92111) and West City (3249 Fordham St, 92110).
- SDCCE High School Diploma and Equivalency: free classes for adults 18 and older to earn a high school diploma or prepare for the HiSET or GED tests.
- UC San Diego Extended Studies: fee-based courses and professional certificates for adults, in person and online.
Universities
- San Diego State University, UC San Diego and University of San Diego offer bachelor’s and graduate degrees. Many adults start at a community college and transfer.
Support for students in recovery
- SDSU Collegiate Recovery Program: recovery coaching, student SMART Recovery meetings and the Recovery at State student group, for enrolled SDSU students.
- UC San Diego Collegiate Recovery Program: student-led peer support meetings and sober social events for UC San Diego students.
- University of San Diego: on-campus AA and NA meetings listed by the university’s wellness office.
Paying for school
- FAFSA: the federal application for Pell Grants, work-study and loans, also used for California aid.
- California Dream Act Application: the state application for students who cannot file a FAFSA.
- Cal Grant: state grants for college costs, based on the FAFSA or Dream Act application.
- California College Promise Grant: waives community college enrollment fees for eligible California residents.
- San Diego Promise: up to two years of free tuition at City, Mesa or Miramar College. Former SDCCE students and justice-involved students are among the groups that can apply.
Entry-Level Jobs and Job Help in San Diego
A first job in recovery does not have to be a forever job. These free services help with job search, résumés, interviews and training. Openings change daily, so we link to the job boards rather than individual listings.
- San Diego Workforce Partnership career centers (America’s Job Center of California): free job search help, career coaching and training referrals for job seekers 16 and older. The closest center is Metro, 4389 Imperial Ave, 92113.
- CalJOBS: California’s statewide job board and job-seeker account.
- California Department of Rehabilitation: free career counseling, job training and placement for people whose disability makes it hard to get or keep work. Mental health and substance use conditions can qualify when they create a barrier to employment; a DOR counselor decides eligibility.
- Goodwill San Diego Community Employment Centers: free one-on-one help from career advisors in English or Spanish, job-readiness workshops and computer access.
- Second Chance: job readiness training and job placement help for adults with justice involvement.
- Government jobs: City of San Diego, County of San Diego and State of California (CalCareers).
- California Fair Chance Act: a plain-language guide to the state law that limits when most employers can ask about conviction history.
Current entry-level openings with the City and County of San Diego
Openings come from the City and County of San Diego public job feeds and update about twice a day. Listings are chosen by job title, so always read the full posting for requirements.
See current openings on the City of San Diego and County of San Diego job pages.
Find Meetings Near Refresh Recovery and Pacific Beach
Live meeting data from AA San Diego, NA San Diego-Imperial and Al-Anon San Diego. Filter by distance, fellowship, day and time, and always confirm details with the fellowship before you go.
Meeting data is pulled live from AA San Diego, NA San Diego-Imperial and Al-Anon San Diego. Days, times and locations can change, so please confirm on their sites before you go. These fellowships are independent and are not affiliated with Refresh Recovery. For SMART Recovery, use the SMART Recovery meeting finder.
Outdoor meetings can move or pause in bad weather. If you are not sure where to start, ask your counselor which meetings other clients have found welcoming.
Talk It Through With Your Care Team
Choosing a class, applying for a job or walking into a first meeting can feel like a lot. Your Refresh Recovery team can help you plan the next step at a pace that fits your treatment. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.