Chessa works at the San Diego Regional Center.
For more than seven years, Chessa has worked to connect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to the resources they need to live full lives. She joined the San Diego Regional Center as a Service Coordinator before moving to its Self-Determination Unit.
In her current role, Chessa supports people to make informed choices and identify services that fit their needs. “We hear the word ‘flexibility’ a lot,” she shared. “That’s what makes this program work for so many people when the traditional model isn’t the right fit.”
Like many coworkers, Chessa wanted to continue her education but struggled with the cost. The Tuition Reimbursement Program opened that door.
As part of this program, qualified employees studying for a degree or certification in a health or human services field could receive up to $10,000 per year for a maximum of three years, to repay education expenses.
Chessa began school in March 2024 and earned her master’s in human behavior and psychology in May 2025 while continuing to work full-time.
“It was definitely a challenge, but I learned so much about time management and self-care,” she said. One of her most rewarding classes focused on communication, which she now applies daily in her work supporting individuals and families.
Jasmine began her career at North Bay Regional Center (NBRC) eight years ago as a client services assistant. “I didn’t even go looking for this position. It found me,” she laughed. “And now, I’ve grown up here.”
Since then, Jasmine has contributed to major initiatives, including supporting individuals transitioning into community homes with the closure of Sonoma Developmental Center. She also streamlined outdated processes and embraced digital tools, earning recognition from her leadership and a recent promotion to Community Services Rate Coordinator.
While advancing at NBRC, Jasmine returned to school in fall of 2022 with the support of the Tuition Reimbursement Program. “With the program I was able to afford classes and books.” she explained. “It motivated me to keep going, even when I was working long hours. Having that support really lit a fire under me.”
Jasmine’s dedication paid off. She completed her studies and earned her degree in May 2025 with recognition on the dean’s list multiple times. The experience gave her new professional skills, a stronger foundation, and greater confidence to keep growing.
Jasmine now plans to continue her education at Cal State East Bay with a goal of pursuing graduate studies in health administration.
Jasmine during her graduation ceremony.
About the Tuition Reimbursement Program
The Tuition Reimbursement Program was created for eligible regional center employees to:
- Strengthen services through more subject expertise
- Support career advancement
- Improve employee retention
The application window closed on June 30, 2024, but the program continues to provide reimbursements for participants who applied and were accepted before that date.
More than 500 regional center staff across California have used this program to help pay for their education.
For both Chessa and Jasmine, the program offered more than financial help. It gave them the chance to grow, reach their goals, and bring what they learned back to the communities they serve.
For more information about the Tuition Reimbursement Program, visit the Regional Center Employee Tuition Reimbursement webpage.