2023 Thanksgiving

Uncategorized November 25, 2023 Leave a comment

Happy Thanksgiving from the marina!

Here is a copy and paste of the email I sent to the Presidents and Chancellors of the California Community Colleges:

As I am winding down my workday and getting into Thanksgiving mode, I thought I would drop you a quick note.  I am at Marina Del Rey today where my daughter lives, enjoying the warmer temperatures, sailing boats and the other sights and sounds of the marina.

My first Thanksgiving was the fall semester, many decades ago, as a foreign student in grad school.  Since then, I have wholeheartedly embraced this American holiday full of blessings and gratitude symbolizing harmony and unity.  For me it has been an annual ritual … where permission is given to take a moment to pause, experience the richness of life, and appreciate how connected we are to each other and to this planet.

Last week we were at the League convention decompressing, catching up, and supporting each other in this cherished California Community College work.  As is the tradition with the fall League gathering, the state Chancellor gives the State of the System address, during which time, I enjoyed being able to share the message that the state of California Community Colleges is strong.  Our people have been focused on outreach, engagement and re-engagement work, coupled with retention initiatives and customized student support.  We see the positive impacts of these efforts on our students:

Alyssa Hernandez’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of dual enrollment, as she took general education classes in high school, saving both time and money on her path to a bachelor’s degree.

For justice-involved individuals like Maurice “Mo” Faulkner, education became a powerful tool for rehabilitation and a journey from a correctional facility to earning an Associate Degree for Transfer a 4.0 GPA and reduced sentence.

Adrienne Navarro’s story echoes the resilience of student veterans, as she pursues her doctorate in nursing at Duke University after starting her journey at a California Community College.

Together, we are shaping the future of higher education in California, and I am excited to continue this journey with you.

A quote from President John F. Kennedy that Barstow Community College shared:

Good morning California.
It is November 25, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Diablo Valley College Student & Team
Secure 1st Place at UC Berkeley’s Cal Hacks Competition

Saurabh (Sunny) Jayaram, a computer science student at Diablo Valley College and his teammates recently won 1st Place at UC Berkeley’s Cal Hacks 10.0, under the InterSystems Challenge, at the Metreon in San Francisco. 

» Read More!

Foothill College Welcomes NASA Astronaut
for STEM Equity Seminar Event

Earlier this month, NASA Astronaut Dr. Yvonne Darlene Cagle went to Foothill College for a “fireside chat” to discuss her academic journey, career path, and what has propelled her in her research. 
» Read more!

Check out the video below:

Sacramento City College
Names Library for Author Joan Didion

Sacramento City College will be renaming the college’s library in honor of renowned author Joan Didion. The building will now be known as the Joan Didion Learning Resource Center, in recognition of a generous $500,000 gift from Didion family and the Sacramento Historical Society (SHS). 

» Read more!

Pasadena City College students explore, commit to HBCUs at college fair

More than 110 students from Pasadena City College and local high schools were admitted to historically black colleges and universities during a traveling college fair, which featured live DJ performances, food, and remarks from actor and producer Yara Shahidi.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

PPIC: A Conversation with California’s Public Higher Education Leaders

How can California’s higher education system efficiently and effectively prepare a broad range of students to meet the challenges of the future? Join us for a wide-ranging conversation with the leaders of California’s public systems—Sonya Christian, Chancellor, California Community Colleges; Michael V. Drake, President, University of California; and Mildred García, Chancellor, California State University.

» Find out more and register at https://www.ppic.org/event/a-conversation-with-californias-public-higher-education-leaders-2023/.

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

East Los Angeles College Music Professor Jesus “Chuy” Martinez played the sousaphone in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. He was among 400 band directors and music educators selected to march in the parade.

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From Cerritos College:

Congrats to our accounting instructor Charles Osaki! He was honored as one of L.A.’s top 100 accountants by @LABJnews Charles founded the Pathway to Success Program at Cerritos College, which supports first-generation and underrepresented college students. https://bit.ly/3SSWY2O

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From Shasta College:

We hope everyone is enjoying their Thanksgiving! Our International students celebrated a special “International” Thanksgiving! Many thanks go to our amazing Food Services and Physical Plant teams as well as the generosity of all the staff who helped. Happy Thanksgiving, Knights!

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From Yovani Jimenez – thank you for sharing this photo of Kern CCD colleagues (including Anthony Culpepper, who is now President of LA Southwest College!)

The @ccleague annual convention was an incredible experience! Witnessing community college leaders from every corner of the state come together to support #Vision2030 and exchange ideas on innovative approaches to enhance our local educational institutions was truly inspiring.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Hosts Vet Fest 2023

Bakersfield College hosted their annual VetFest celebration in honor of veterans on November 15th, 2023 at BC’s Panorama Campus. This event is dedicated to continuing a tradition of showing honor and gratitude to all current and past members of the Armed Forces who have given their time and risked their lives in defense of our country’s freedoms.

» Read more!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

The state of CA CCs is strong

Uncategorized November 18, 2023 Leave a comment

Hello from Marina Del Rey!

Woke up early this morning at the Marina after a hectic and tiring week of travel.
A leisurely walk to the bagel place and back. A great way to start the weekend.

Now on to the week of travel ….

On Friday, I gave the State of the System address at the Community College League of California’s annual convention in Indian Wells. Afterward, I was joined by Board of Governors Vice President Hildegarde Aguinaldo, and Board Members Pamela Haynes, Tom Epstein, and Paul Medina.

It was a wonderful day of seeing great colleagues from across the state.

*****

On the second day in Indian Wells we had consultation council and the CEO meeting. Ran into the Kern team.

Great selfie by Daisy Gonzales with Dr. Young and the Pipelines2Possibilities fellows. The program started as a vision to bring California Community Colleges graduates back to teach at our colleges.

Good morning California.
It is November 18, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Board of Governors Recognizes 2023 Energy and Sustainability Award Recipients

The California Community Colleges Board of Governors has recognized a select group of innovative college leaders and programs with the 2023 Energy and Sustainability Awards for their ceaseless efforts in combatting the impacts of climate change in line with goals spelled out in the recently adopted Vision 2030 strategic plan.

Recipients include:

  • Riverside Community College District
  • Mt. San Antonio Community College District
  • MiraCosta Community College District
  • Solano Community College District
  • Dr. Tonya Huff, Riverside Community College District
  • Hussain Agah, Riverside Community College District
  • Dr. Rueben Smith, Los Angeles Community College District

» Read more!

San Jose City College, Bill Wilson Center Partner
on Guaranteed Income for Unhoused Students

San José’s Bill Wilson Center announced a new guaranteed income program for San José City College Students to help address the statewide issue of youth homelessness. A recent California Community College system survey showed that nearly half of SJCC students have experienced housing, food, or transportation insecurity in the past year.

» Read more!

Mt. San Jacinto College Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

Mt. San Jacinto College invited the public to its inaugural National Apprenticeship Week and Apprenticeship Connection Summit. Nearly 130 local leaders in education, business, government, and community organizations attended the summit.

» Read more!

Moreno Valley College, Riverside Community College District Sponsor Inaugural State of the Black I.E. Symposium

Last month, the Riverside Community College District and Moreno Valley College were honored to support and sponsor the inaugural State of the Black I.E. Symposium, a significant event dedicated to advancing equity, justice, and empowerment within the Inland Empire’s Black community.

» Read more! 

In Case You Missed It

Innovating at Scale: Guided Pathways Adoption and
Early Student Momentum Among the AACC Pathways Colleges

In 2015, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) announced
the AACC Pathways Project, a national initiative designed to support a cohort of
community colleges to implement and scale whole-college guided pathways reforms.

Seven years since the project began, these colleges have made impressive progress
adopting guided pathways practices at scale. Colleges that have adopted the model
more comprehensively are seeing promising trends in leading indicators of success for
their students.

» Read the Report!

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EdSource: Community college students can take classes
in their native language under a new law

Hoping to entice more non-English speakers to enroll in community college, California is making it easier for those students to take courses in their native language. Assembly Bill 1096, which was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and is set to take effect Jan. 1. The law will allow community colleges to offer courses in languages other than English without requiring students to enroll in ESL. 

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Shasta College:

Shasta College is having a blast at STEM Career Day with our regional 9th grade students! Science, Technology, Engineering, Math is in many career pathways including GIS, Natural Resources, Logging, Heavy Equipment Operations, Welding, Machining, Health Sciences, and more!

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Hartnell College shared this update about a former student:

» Read more

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Check out this video of highlights from San Diego City College‘s Day of the Dead Event:

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And I loved this story from Santa Rosa Junior College:

The #SRJC Archives holds an impressive collection of 784 letters alumni serving in the war wrote to President Floyd Bailey during World War II. And the story about them is quite fantastic.

After the Pearl Harbor attack, our flight training school moved to Ely, Nevada, and SRJC was contracted to start special training programs, preparing service men and women for the army, navy, and nursing.

Along with hundreds of thousands of civilians who wanted to support the war efforts, the first President of the college, Floyd Bailey, conducted a “private morale booster” for servicemen. In July 1943, he asked his staff to prepare a mailing list with students, alumni, and instructors who were serving in the various military branches.

As he wrote in the first history of the college, “Nearly 50,000 copies of the student newspaper, the Oak Leaf, went out to servicemen who were eager for new of home and, in addition, some 4,000 birthday cards and more than 10,000 copies of mimeographed letters were sent to some 850 students of the mailing list.” In the first newsletter, President Bailey talked about life at the college and in Sonoma County and asked the alumni to write back. Thousands of cards and letters from all over the world, where our alumni were stationed or fighting, arrived at SRJC before the war ended.

These images are published with the support of the SRJC Archives. Some photos of alumni serving in the war are available online in our Digital Archives Collection. The original letters can be consulted in the Archives, located in Doyle Library, second floor, Santa Rosa campus. https://libraries.santarosa.edu/archives

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Celebrates Grand Opening of
Regenerative Agriculture Education Center with Ribbon Cutting

Bakersfield College hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony November 14, 2023 to celebrate the grand opening of the Regenerative Agriculture Education Center at the Bakersfield College Delano Campus (1450 Timmons Ave., Delano, CA). This space aims to promote sustainable agriculture practices through community education, opportunities for student research, internships, workforce development, and demonstration of emerging technologies.

» Read more!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 
Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

2023 Veterans Day – CA CC finding ways to serve those who serve our country

Uncategorized November 11, 2023 1 Comment

This Veterans Day, I want to take a moment to thank all of our nation’s veterans. To our active-duty military, military veterans, military reservists and dependents – thank you for safeguarding our country and the freedoms we enjoy.

Community colleges have a key role in supporting student veterans as they transition to civilian life. With an estimated 1.8 million military veterans living in California, many are looking to our community colleges for debt-free education and skills training. Each year, approximately 55,000 veterans, active-duty service members and their dependents enroll at a California community college, and can access the many services we provide, including veterans resource centers, priority registration, tutoring, food pantries, credit for prior learning and more.

For this Veterans Day, the American Legion with USAA offers suggestions for how we can “Go Beyond Thanks.” Let’s take a moment to quietly reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of veterans, and to consider how we can all find ways to serve those who serve our country.

Today, I would like to introduce you to Dr. Blas Villalobos, a member of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors.

Dr. Villalobos served in the United States Marine Corps from 1999- 2003. During this time, he was deployed to Iraq where he served as a Squad Leader. He earned several awards during combat operations including: The Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Iraq Campaign Medal with two bronze campaign stars; and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

After his military service, Villalobos attended Long Beach City College. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Long Beach State, and his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Southern California.

Read more at https://lbcc.edu/press-release/lbcc-alum-dr-blas-villalobos-selected-community-college-league-distinguished-alumni?utm_content=271375363&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-1114279671770693632

Spent several hours this morning … yes, I wake up around 4:00 a.m. … reading all my previous Veterans Day blog posts … here is one from 2015. https://sonyachristianblog.com/2015/11/11/veterans-day-vet-fest-and-remembering-americas-best/. With a message from Prof. Paul Beckworth.

“We don’t fight to hold ground.  We fight to win.”  This was said by a Navy SEAL as he reflected on his numerous combat engagements in the current conflicts overseas.  As I look back on another Veterans Day at BC, I think about what we have come from.  I look back with pride at 102 years of Bakersfield College history and how BC alumni have fought in every conflict since World War I. 

I laugh when I read about World War II veterans coming to BC in the late 1940s when it still on the BHS campus, and the high school administrators’ anxiety about the smoking, and bad language the student-veterans used on campus.

I am proud that those vets were called “DARS,” by administrators, which stood for Damned Average Raisers, because they did so well in class that they skewered all the grading curves.  The tide of student-veteran involvement has ebbed and flowed over the decades.  It was very active in the years after the Vietnam War, with the Veterans Club“running the campus,” as the late Vernon Valenzuela remembered.  I saw it resurrect in 2010 thanks to the OIF/OEF veterans agitating for a veteran space.  Not only has the club resurrected, it has thrived.  Now, BC has a new Veterans Education Advisor, a new veterans’ student development class, plans for a larger space for the veterans lounge, and a college president who values what you bring to the table.

After your years of service it is now your time, as Bakersfield College student-veterans, to move forward.  You have a great responsibility.   You have a great responsibility to you; A responsibility to use your military experience to better yourself, your family and your community.  You have a responsibility to get educated, and pursue your goals in a timely, productive manner.  It is indeed frustrating at times.  It isn’t easy.  If it was easy, everyone would do it.  But, you aren’t everyone.  You are the real 1%.  Only 1% ever served in the military.  If you are part of that elite percentage, then college is simply another challenge to overcome before the next challenge.  The fact that you are at Bakersfield College says this about you: You don’t fight to hold ground.  You fight to win.

From the bottom of my heart, I am proud of all of you winners.

Thank you for your service.  Happy Veterans Day.  Job Well Done!

*****

I started my week at the California State Assembly for the Dual Enrollment Oversight Hearing.

On Tuesday, I was at El Camino College for the Vision 2030: Pathways to Equity and Economic Mobility in Healthcare summit. The event explored how innovations in healthcare will transform the earning power of our students.

I ended my week visiting the Home of the Renegades – Memorial Stadium for the last Bakersfield College football game. It was so much fun…. here are a few photos

Good morning California.
It is November 11, 2023. Veterans Day.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Coastline College Veterans Service Coordinator
Earns Veteran of Distinction Award

To commemorate Veterans Day this year, Representative Michelle Steel is awarding Coastline College’s Veteran Services Coordinator Tom Boscamp the Veteran of Distinction Award from her Congressional District. Boscamp, a U.S. Army veteran, is being recognized for his tireless service in aiding active duty and veterans in starting and completing their education at Coastline. 

» Read more! 

College of Alameda Hosts AUSD Educational Summit

On Saturday, October 14, 2023, College of Alameda opened its doors to a remarkable event, “My Sister’s Dynasty and My Brother’s Legacy,” a groundbreaking educational summit designed to empower Black and Multi-Ethnic students. This special event, hosted in collaboration with the Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) Office of Equity, brought together a diverse group of speakers, presenters, and attendees.

» Read more!

Butte College Dual Enrollment Student
Takes Top Honors at National FFA Convention

Joe Schohr, a sophomore at Gridley High School who is concurrently pursuing his education at Butte College, took top honors at the National FFA Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event. The National FFA Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event (LDE) is a highly competitive contest that recognizes exceptional FFA members for their ability to recite and interpret the National FFA Creed and respond to challenging questions.

» Read more!

Folsom Lake College Celebrates Enrollment Milestone

Folsom Lake College, a member of the Los Rios Community College District and a leading institution of higher education in the Greater Sacramento region, is thrilled to announce a momentous achievement in its history. The college has reached a significant milestone with its enrollment surpassing 10,000 students.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

StateScoop: How 1 Billion Data Points Could Improve
Career Outcomes for California Students

In late October, California’s Cradle-to-Career office — which manages a statewide education and workforce data project — collected its first data installment with more than 1 billion data points across 200 different categories, including K-12, college admissions, post-college employment opportunities. Officials told StateScoop it’s a vital step towards building the first longitudinal data system in the state.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From San Joaquin Delta College:

Smiles, hugs, and tears this week at Delta as we dedicated our newly renamed forums in honor of Filipino American historian Dr. Dawn Mabalon, longtime counselor and mentor Tony Fitch, and the legacy of Campesino farmworkers.

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And a Veterans Day Message from San Diego College of Continuing Education President Tina King and Retired US Navy Commander Edgar Lucas:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC at the 37th HACU Conference

Bakersfield College had a presence with faculty, staff, and administrators at the recent 37th annual Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Conference in Chicago, Illinois. This event serves as a crucial platform for collaboration, fostering discussions on policy matters, emerging trends, and impactful opportunities that significantly influence Hispanic community education.

» Read more!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

CA CCs proactively supporting our students

Uncategorized November 4, 2023 Leave a comment

Enjoyed connecting with the legendary George Boggs to write a piece titled Proactive Access.

Here is an excerpt:

Since their founding, our community colleges have been innovative and responsive in providing postsecondary education to millions of Californians, but in Spring 2020, they were faced with a serious challenge to their open access mission. Colleges were forced to close to prevent the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus. Colleges shifted almost overnight to classes and services online, but many students didn’t have access to computers or high-speed Internet.  As colleges struggled to find ways to keep students enrolled, institutions distributed laptop computers to students and set up Internet hotspots in college parking lots.  College leaders understood that access was more than just providing an open door.  It meant finding ways to proactively support students.

Find the 1200-word essay here: https://workforceandeconomicmobility.com/2023/10/26/proactive-access/

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Had fun attending the Colegas Annual Conference themed, “Raices de Excelencia: La Cultura Cura” in Long Beach. Here is a selfie of the all of us who attended from the Chancellor’s Office Ebony Jeffries, Siria Martinez, Lizette Navarette.

Presented to the Cradle to Career Data System Board of Directors with Ben Chida.

Wrapped up my week at Cypress College for the North Orange County Community College District’s Focus on the Future event, where I presented on Vision 2030. Was happy to connect with State Senator Josh Newman who is a huge supporter of community colleges.

The NOCCCD’s Focus on the Future was designed to provide district employees and other educators with a high-level view of the future of education.

A fireside chat with NOCCCD Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland hosting a question-and-answer session with state Senator Newman on workforce development and partnership.

President Joanna Schilling along with Jolena Grande, member of the Board of Governors took Senator Newman and I on a tour of the college’s baccalaureate program in Funeral Service, and the new baccalaureate in Dental Hygiene.

Good morning California.
It is November 4, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Champions of Higher Education

This week the Campaign for College Opportunity revealed this year’s Champions of Higher Education – exemplary and committed California Community Colleges and California State University campuses that are leading the state in conferring the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), enrolling ADT earners on guaranteed pathways to a bachelor’s degree, and intentionally working to support Latinx and Black students on their path to a degree. 

This year’s community college honorees include:

Champions of Higher Education

  • Bakersfield College
  • Berkeley City College
  • Citrus College
  • Clovis Community College
  • East Los Angeles College
  • Evergreen Valley College
  • Grossmont College
  • Madera College
  • Mission College
  • Moorpark College
  • Mt. San Antonio College
  • San Joaquin Delta College

2023 Equity Champions

  • Bakersfield College
  • Berkeley City College
  • Citrus College
  • College of San Mateo
  • College of the Desert
  • Crafton Hills College
  • Evergreen Valley College
  • Glendale Community College
  • Long Beach City College
  • West Valley College

Honorees will be celebrated on November 14th at 10 am on Zoom.

» Read more about this year’s honorees & register for Zoom event!

Rio Hondo College Partners with
Summer Research Program to Empower STEM Students

Approximately 20 Río Hondo College students recently dove into the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) – working in labs, conducting research projects and presenting their findings – through the College’s first-year partnership with Cal Poly Pomona’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Program.

» Read more!

Fullerton, Cypress Colleges Join California Virtual Campus Exchange

Earlier this month, Fullerton College and Cypress College became the 49th & 50th colleges to join the California Virtual Campus Exchange as teaching colleges. The program provides access to online courses for students at community colleges across the state.

» Read more!

2023 California Community Colleges Distinguished Alumni

The Community College League of California announced honorees for this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Jimmy Panetta (Monterey Peninsula College), Advaith Thampi (Irvine Valley College) and Blas Villalobos (Long Beach City College) were selected this year. They will be honored at the League’s Annual Convention later this month.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

KQED: Chancellor Sonya Christian
Has Big Plans for California Community Colleges

This week, I was thrilled to speak with Mina Kim on KQED. We discussed plans to address declining enrollment, ease transfers from community college to the UC and Cal State systems and create more community college baccalaureate degree programs.

» Read more & listen to the interview

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PPIC: Making the Most of State Investments in Dual Enrollment

Daniel Payares-Montoya & Mary Severance spoke with Dr. Sandra Fuentes, Interim Dean of Early College at Reedley College, discussing how dual enrollment can help historically underserved students success in college.

I also think career exploration and internship opportunities are huge. We partner with community businesses to offer internships in aeronautics, agriculture, manufacturing, welding, and so on. Historically, many students would not look for internships until they were completing their junior or senior year in college. And many of our students have changed majors three to five times. We’re hoping that offering internships tied to dual enrollment will help students align their pathways a lot sooner.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Tina Maria King:

Thank you to @chaffeycollege for having me as one of the keynote panelist for the Black and Brown Minds & Mattering, 2nd Annual Conference. A Celebration of Black and Latino Culture. I am so proud of the work thats being done to uplift BIPOC students and employee voices. As an Afro-Latina my advocacy and leadership is predicated on the continuous growth and understanding of how to best engage and support our communities.

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From Madera Community College:

Please join us in wishing a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our President, Dr. Ángel Reyna!

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From Diablo Valley College:

Happy Friday! We would like to end the week with a couple of pictures of our beautiful campus. Next time you are on campus, stop by the lake between the Student Union and Music Building and just relax. 🦋 This a great place to gather your thoughts and to end a busy week. #ourbeautifulcampus#pictureoftheday

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Receives First Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Provided by Grant Funded By Kern COG

Bakersfield College is thrilled to announce the installation of the first of four off-grid electric vehicle charging stations, known as the EVEN Recharge Hub, as part of a groundbreaking initiative funded by the Kern Council of Governments (Kern COG). This delivery underscores Bakersfield College’s commitment to enhancing the educational landscape for future Electric Vehicle Technicians in the State of California.

» Read more!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Wrapping up October 2023

Uncategorized October 28, 2023 Leave a comment

Another week of travel promoting the Vision 2030 plan for California Community Colleges. Started in Santa Ana, then San Diego, on to Chicago and traveling back home today as I blog on my flight.

Chancellor Marvin Martinez of the Rancho Santiago Community College District hosted Vision 2030: A Focus on Workforce and Economic Development, a wonderful one-day summit focusing on various priorities in Vision 2030 – Apprenticeship Programs, the community college baccalaureate, industry partnerships and partnerships with trade unions.

Three Board of Governors members were in attendance- Amy Costa, Bill Rawlings, and Adrienne Brown.

With Academic Senate for California Community Colleges President Cheryl Aschenbach and Community College League of California Trustees President Andra Hoffman

On Thursday, I spoke at the Chief Instruction Officers conference in San Diego. Here is a photo with the CIO Board after my talk.

The Executive team also took the opportunity for a mini planning meeting at the Southwestern Aquatic Center. A beautiful location to work through our next steps.

After San Diego, I headed out to Chicago to present at the HACU conference. Ran into a large group of our very own California Community College students from El Camino.

Caught Hamilton at the Nederlander Theater. Amazing! Enjoy this opening number.

This coming week, California Community Colleges will host a system webinar – “Vision 2030: A Focus on Equity in Support.” Please join us at 9 am on Wednesday – register at https://t.co/iiWEeNJt72!

Good morning California.
It is October 28, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Contra Costa Compass Center Wins Outstanding New Project/Program Award

The Contra Costa Council on Homelessness has awarded Contra Costa College’s Compass Center the “Outstanding New Project/Program” accolade. The Compass Center is designed to provide students with comprehensive support and vital referrals, ensuring they can focus on their academic goals while having their basic needs met.

» Read More!

West Valley College Student Awarded Patti Grace Smith Fellowship


West Valley College student Elizabeth Antoine-Hands has been named one of only two community college students in the country to be awarded a Patti Grace Smith Fellowship, following a rigorous four-round selection process. This year, the fellowship was awarded to thirty-nine exceptional Black students seeking experience in the aerospace industry. The fellowship consists of a summer internship, a scholarship, and a pair of personalized mentors to guide fellows in their career aspirations.  

» Read More!

Sierra College Student Leads Team to Grand Prize at Brembo Hackathon

Sierra College computer science major Serhii Demchuk and his team tied for first place in the 2023 Brembo Hackathon held this month in Sunnyvale, Calif. Brembo is a world leader in manufacturing braking systems for most motorsports and high-performance cars, and according to Demchuk, “The event combined both my passions of cars and coding, so it was a no brainer [to participate].”  

» Read More!

Chaffey College Hosts 700 High School Students for Manufacturing Day

Chaffey College hosted 700 students for National Manufacturing Day, which takes place every October to showcase manufacturing careers to the next generation of workers and positively shift perceptions about the industry. Students toured the center’s industrial electrical and robotics laboratories, participated in welding demonstrations and more.

» Read More!

In Case You Missed It

Vision 2030: Pathways to Equity and Economic Mobility in Healthcare

On November 7, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office will host state leaders, legislators, community college peers, and representatives from labor and industry in a day-long summit exploring how innovation in the healthcare industry will transform the earning power of those entering critical careers.

The event is co-hosted by the El Camino Community College District and will be held at El Camino College in Torrance.

Registration deadline is October 31.

» Find out more and register!

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Reimagining Online Education in California:
A Roadmap for Advancing Access and Quality

California Competes has released the Reimagining Online Education in California: A Roadmap for Advancing Access and Quality report that examines online education at universities and colleges in California.

» Read the Report

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Los Angeles City College:
Mesrobian School High School Students Explore Exciting Opportunities at LACC! On October 6, talented high school students embarked on an inspiring journey to Los Angeles City College (LACC), where they got an exclusive taste of the endless possibilities that await them!

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From Santiago Canyon College:

SCC hosted the 20th USA National Folklorico Competition on Sunday. The organization is the longest-running Folklorico Dance Competition in the United States.

More than 500 Folklorico enthusiasts from across California watched 13 teams – featuring 250 dancers – exhibit their skills in friendly competition.

SCC is excited about the partnership with event co-producers, International Folklorico Institute, as our Dance Department is developing a Folklorico specialty.

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From Citrus College:

On Aug. 10, Citrus College held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the upgraded Educational Development (ED) Center, which reopened with new classrooms and state-of-the-art science laboratories. Check out this brief video recapping the morning’s festivities!

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From Laney College:

The tiny house @laneycarpentry built for @shelterwood_collective got delivered to its home today! So grateful for the collaboration and feels so good to see in its forested surroundings

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And check out these pics from Porterville College President Claudia Habib:

Great discussion at The Central Valley CEO Policy Summit and Legislator Convening sponsored by Central Valley Colleges CEO Caucus and @CVHEC_ Addressing issues concerning our ability to better serve students in effective and equitable way @AsmSoria @AsmArambula @JuanAlanisCA

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Brings Back the BC Alumni BBQ

Bakersfield College was filled with Renegade pride this past Saturday, October 21, at the 63rd BC Alumni BBQ. The event, hosted by the Bakersfield College Alumni Association and the Bakersfield College Foundation, was held in conjunction with Renegade Promenade. The day started with a festival that included community vendors, Bakersfield College exhibits, and live music and performances by talented BC students and alumni. The crowd was in awe of some of these performances by the BC Jazz, BC Choir, BC Drumline, and the BC Ballet Folklorico Ritmo y Sabor.

» Read More!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora