Was in San Francisco this week – and here’s a video from my first Waymo ride!
Good morning California. It is May 16, 2026 A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Cerro Coso Community College Celebrates First CDL Graduate
Cerro Coso Community College proudly celebrates Gavin Hopkins, the first student to complete the college’s new Commercial Driver License (CDL) program, earning his Class A Driver’s License on February 25, 2026. Hopkins successfully passed his licensure examination on his first attempt after completing the college’s two-course non-credit training series. The program is designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the high-demand trucking industry through comprehensive instruction that combines classroom theory and hands-on driving experience.
College of the Redwoods to Launch Flexible 8-Week Course Pilot in Fall 2026
College of the Redwoods is rethinking the traditional college schedule with the launch of a new 8-week course pilot program set to begin in fall 2026. The initiative aims to increase flexibility, improve student success, and expand access to higher education. The pilot emerged from a grant-funded initiative supported by Achieving the Dream and the California Community College Foundation, with a directive to explore shorter course formats. From there, the college had the flexibility to design a model that best serves its students.
Coastline College’s ECHO Conference Unites California Educators Around Equity and Student Success
Coastline College’s ECHO Conference (Equity-Centered Holistic Outcomes in Education), formerly known as the Teaching for Equity Symposium, was a great success, bringing together educators, students, and community leaders from across California. The event focused on collaboration, dialogue, and advancing equity in education. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Hope, Growing in Kinship: Advancing Equity, Empowerment, and Belonging,” invited participants to explore how equity-minded practices can foster community, opportunity, and transformation.
As institutions nationwide navigate the enrollment cliff, new research from the University of Kansas and Florida International University suggests that older, working and commuting students may exhibit characteristics linked to stronger persistence and completion—suggesting ways that colleges can engage with adult learners.
The study examined institutional data from the 2023–24 academic year at a large, four-year Hispanic-serving research institution in the southeastern U.S., including for more than 7,000 undergraduates in the engineering and computing programs.
Researchers found that students older than 25, those working full-time, commuters and students with dependents demonstrated better academic outcomes, including retention, six-year graduation rates and cumulative GPA. The findings suggest that characteristics often viewed as barriers may not necessarily hinder student success.
9.9 Million Students Now Eligible for Pell Grants, According to New GAO Findings
A total of 9.9 million students were eligible for Pell Grants in 2024-25 – 6% more than the prior year, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office, or GAO. The report also found that 31% more students were eligible for the maximum award of $7,395 that year, and that much of the rise in eligibility rates took place for students with household incomes of $60,001-$125,000.
Spring Extravaganza hit different this year – music, food, games, and just good vibes all around. Everyone outside and actually enjoying campus life! Now this is what spring supposed to feel like.
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From Allan Hancock College:
A huge thank you to Chumash Casino Resort for donating more than 600 men’s and women’s suits to Hancock’s Career Closet. These gently used professional clothes will help students show up confidently for job interviews, internships, and new career opportunities.
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From Norco College:
Check out these moments from last week’s Yoga Health session! May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Remember, you are important. Your mental health is crucial. Let’s come together to prioritize our well-being!
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From Shasta College:
Really excited to attend the Scholarship Award Ceremony and celebrate the accomplishments of our Knights who were awarded scholarships to help their academic pursuits! Thanks to the Shasta College Foundation, we were able to give out $904,303 to deserving students. Congrats!
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From Ohlone College:
Hip-hip-hooray! Cheers to our Ohlone College MEChA and Puente graduates for walking the stage at this year’s MEChA/Puente Graduation. We celebrate our #Latinx students for reaching this important milestone and for their dedication to participating in MEChA and Puente.
And From the Home of the Renegades
Industrial Automation Students at BC Showcase Their Senior Projects
The Industrial Automation Department at Bakersfield College recently hosted their Senior Project Open House. The event took place in the robotics lab in the Science and Engineering building on BC’s Panorama Campus. The students proudly displayed their projects and were ready to answer questions while putting their projects into action. The senior projects are part of the requirements to receive a bachelor’s degree in the Industrial Automation program.
The public event attracted students, staff, and community members eager to see the senior projects. The projects focused on a wide variety of subject areas including agriculture, robotics, industrial processes, and more. There were more than a dozen projects on display and each one represented a culmination of an entire semester of planning, preparation, and work.
“After Ann Jarvis’ death, her daughter, Anna Jarvis (1864–1948), set out to honor her mother’s legacy by establishing a national Mothers’ Day on the second Sunday in May, the day her mother had died. Anna, who never married or had children of her own, did not focus the holiday on peace activism but on the idea of honoring one’s own mother. She chose white carnations as an emblem and urged people to write heartfelt letters of gratitude to their mothers (in Anna Jarvis’ eyes, sending a pre-printed card didn’t count). Anna succeeded in her quest for official recognition, and President Wilson issued a proclamation of the first national Mother’s Day just before the start of World War I in 1914. ”
Though the younger Anna Jarvis didn’t intend for the holiday to be a day of florists and greeting cards – I think however we show appreciation to those strong women in our lives is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday.
I love you mom.
Good morning California. It is May 9, 2026. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Río Hondo College Earns Clean California Community Designation
Río Hondo College has been recognized with a Clean California Community Designation, becoming the first community college in California to earn this prestigious statewide honor. The Clean California Community Designation program is part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s $1.2 billion Clean California program, launched in 2021 by Caltrans to clean up, reclaim, transform and beautify public spaces statewide. To qualify, the College met 10 of 15 criteria, including litter assessments, highway cleanups and community education efforts.
Los Angeles Mission College Breaks Ground on Net-Positive Plant Facilities Building
Los Angeles Mission College broke ground Friday, April 3, on a new Plant Facilities Warehouse and Shop, a 27,820-square-foot building that will serve as the central hub for the College’s maintenance and operations. As the District’s first net-positive facility, the building is designed to generate more energy than it consumes. A system of 574 solar PV panels will produce up to 252,560 kW of renewable power—more than 115% of the facility’s average daily energy use—and will be supported by a Battery Energy Storage System to enhance efficiency and resiliency.
Barbershop Talk Builds Community, Conversation & Connection at Laney College
Laney College recently hosted a powerful and energizing Barbershop Talk, bringing together more than 40 students for an evening centered on connection, conversation, and community. Held in the Cosmetology Building, the event featured free haircuts provided by professional barbers, adding to the welcoming, familiar atmosphere that helped spark open and honest conversations.
Chaffey College Rising Scholars Alum Emerges from Prison as a Celebrated Artist, Mentor
Kenneth Webb was just 19-years-old when a judge sentenced him to life in prison. Webb, now 35 and a New York Times-featured artist, survived the horrors of prison violence, and turned his dark fate into a light that shines on himself and others. He credits Chaffey College with giving him the confidence to envision a life beyond prison walls.
Mendocino College launches first-ever Native American language course
Mendocino College has reached a historic milestone with the launch of its first Native American language course, marking the first time in the college’s history that a Native language is being offered as a standalone, credit-bearing class.
The new Northern Pomo language course, taught by Lori Laiwa Thomas, Department Chair of Ethnic Studies, is currently the only opportunity in the region for adult learners to study Northern Pomo. Interest has been strong, with 41 students enrolled, including local tribal leaders, grandmothers, siblings, Mendocino College faculty, and community members of all ages. This intergenerational participation highlights the language’s vibrancy and its essential role in maintaining community continuity.
Community College Daily: Creating bridges, not barriers
About 40% of all U.S. undergraduate students attend two-year colleges, according to the Community College Research Center at Columbia University. Most students come through the door with the intent to transfer, but find their path blocked by credit loss, financial obstacles, or an aggravating lack of reliable information.
Despite surveys indicating that nearly 80% of community college learners aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree, only about one-third transfer to a four-year institution. And less than half of students who do transfer earn a bachelor’s within six years of initial enrollment.
I enjoyed Fresno City College’s nod to Star Wars Day this week:
“Do. Or do not. There is no try. But at Fresno City College, we show up, we learn & we grow stronger each semester.” Yoda Jedi Grand Master #maythe4th
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From Cabrillo College:
Yesterday marked a meaningful milestone for Cabrillo College! Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting of the new Watsonville Wellness Center & Food Pantry.
This space is now open to support students’ well-being and success. Connecting them with essential resources like food, housing, transportation, technology, and holistic wellness services.
Missed it? Stop by and check it out at the Watsonville Center, Building B!
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From Evergreen Valley College:
Our Evergreen community hosted its annual Wellness Fair, which included Hip-Hop artist Jeff Turner, community booths, pizza, paletas and of course, you can’t go wrong with puppies!!!
2026 Wellness Fair2026 Wellness Fair
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From Gavilan College:
We were honored to welcome Luis Valdez to campus for a community meet and greet and screening of American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez. It was an incredible opportunity for our students, employees, and community members to hear directly from one of the most influential voices in Chicano theater and film.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Luis Valdez for his generosity, presence, and lifelong contributions to storytelling, culture, and the arts. We are also deeply grateful to the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival and the Watsonville Film Festival for partnering with Gavilan College to make this event possible.
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And check out this video tour of Cypress College’s community garden:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Library Welcomes Miracle Mutts as Part of De-Stress Week
The Bakersfield College Library hosted a series of events as part of their De-Stress Week. The goal is to help students take a break from their busy schedules and finals preparation to enjoy some down time and reduce stress.
On Wednesday, the Library invited Miracle Mutts to the Panorama Campus for a time of playful interaction with their therapy dogs. Several students stopped by the peace garden outside the library to spend some quality time with the furry, friendly companions. Each dog was happy to share affection with all the participants, including giving hugs and playing. Overall, it was a fun time of connection with the Miracle Mutts, while disconnecting from the busyness of the week.
Back in San Diego and here is my traditional picture for you.
What’s not to love about San Diego?
Pathways to Equity Conference was held in San Diego this year. We had quite a large team from the Chancellor’s Office. Happy that Board members Pam Haynes and Adrienne Brown were able to join us.
The conference started with dance students from San Diego City College. Captured this 15-sec video for you.
Jenny Saechao snapped this photo of me with the dance students and their faculty member from San Diego City College.
And more photos of the student panel I facilitated at the event –
Yahir Melendez, Sonya Christian, Adriana Dorsey, Ana Karina Lomeli-Cadenas
Back home to my boy Neo
Good morning California. It is May 2, 2026. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
New Calbright College and NLET Initiative Will Modernize California’s Skills-Based Economy and Workforce Infrastructure
Calbright College, California’s statewide exclusively online community college, and the National Laboratory for Education Transformation (NLET) today announced a strategic partnership to bridge the gap between workforce policy and practice. By establishing a dedicated “Education to Workforce Working Group,” the two organizations will develop and scale competency-based training in high-demand technical sectors, including emerging technology and AI infrastructure.
Orange Coast College Students Take Second Against Four-Year Universities in Food Science Contest
Orange Coast College’s food science student product development team won second place at the 38th annual Student Product Development Competition hosted by the Southern California Institute of Food Technologists (SCIFTs) on March 3 in Anaheim, California. Morgan Downie, culinary/food science; Anna Jensen, food science; and Hannah Thompson, nutrition and dietetics, made up the first team that OCC has sent to the competition and were the only community college competitors.
West Hills Community College District Joins Fresno State Bulldog Bound Program to Expand Transfer Opportunities
The West Hills Community College District is proud to announce its participation in the Fresno State Bulldog Bound program, expanding access to a clear and supported transfer pathway for students across the Central Valley. Chancellor Dr. Robert Pimentel, Lemoore College President James Preston, and Coalinga College President Dr. Carla Tweed joined higher education leaders from throughout the region to celebrate the launch of the program, which is now being extended to include community college students.
OPINION: As graduation looms, students need pathways that are practical, affordable and connected to opportunity
As we wrap up Apprenticeship Week, I wanted to share my op-ed that was published in Hechinger Report:
For too long, higher education has acted as if learning only counts when it happens inside a classroom. Millions of Americans know otherwise.
Opportunity should not require relocation, excessive debt or navigating systems built for someone else’s life. Our nation needs to broaden its definition of where learning happens and recognize learning wherever it happens.
Apprenticeship is a natural place to begin building that broader network of opportunities. At a time when the nation is debating college costs, workforce shortages, economic security and the future of work, apprenticeship offers something rare: a solution that works for students, employers and communities at the same time. It is a framework to learn, earn and advance.
Community College Reforms Have Improved Student Success in Math
Seven years after the California Community Colleges began implementing placement and remediation reforms, almost all students are enrolling directly in transfer-level math—a key milestone on the path to college completion. In a virtual briefing last week, Marisol Cuellar Mejia outlined the findings of a new report that examines the impact of these reforms and answered audience questions.
Assembly Bill (AB) 705 requires the state’s community colleges to maximize the chances that students take and complete transfer-level courses in math and English within a one-year time frame. Before AB 705 implementation, most students were placed in remedial courses and many dropped out without ever taking a transfer-level course.
“Completion rates have increased consistently since AB 705 took effect,” said Cuellar Mejia. She noted that initial increases were driven mostly by expanded access, but a 7 percentage point improvement from 2022 to 2024—when almost all students were starting in transfer-level math—indicates that changes in the classroom have recently played a major role.
Meanwhile, Board Member Cirian Villavicencio attended the press conference hosted by Assembly Member Mike Fong and Senator Eloise Reyes announcing two bills that establish Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANHPI) designations. Deputy Chancellor Rowena Tomaneng represented our system and spoke at the event.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
From Mission College:
The Rising Scholars Program participated in the Santa Clara County Adult Probation Employment and Resource Fair in recognition of Second Chance Month. Program Analyst Steve Duong and Hospitality Management Instructor Eve Little connected with justice-impacted individuals.
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From Modesto Junior College:
This month, students and community members united to celebrate the 2nd Annual Traveling Around MJC: A Multi-Cultural Event. Everyone came together in the spirit of cultural awareness, inclusivity, and unity.
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From Glendale Community College:
Spring at GCC Garfield Campus is a whole mood. The Jacarandas are in full bloom, turning our daily walk to class into a purple dream. Sometimes you just have to stop and take it all in.
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From Saddleback College:
It was a busy week at Saddleback, but one that showed what a vibrant and energetic campus we are! Discover Saddleback High School Senior Day on April 21 – Over 1,350 local high school seniors came to campus to discover all that Saddleback has to offer!
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From San Diego Miramar College:
We are just about ready to host our Scholarship awards banquet! Over 150 students are about to receive $137,000 in scholarship aid.
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And check out this mini-documentary about the De Anza Auto Tech program! It was produced as part of the California Career Training Showcase.
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC STEM Hosts Physics Olympics for Local High School Students
Last week, the STEM Department at Bakersfield College hosted their annual Physics Olympics for local high school students. The event took place on BC’s Panorama Campus and participants competed in a variety of physics activities. More than 200 students from twelve local high schools competed in the event, and one school went home with an award for earning the most points throughout the day.
Stephen Waller, Dean of Instruction at BC for Math, Science & Engineering, has helped coordinate this event for more than 15 years. “Today, we are hosting our annual Physics Olympics that we coordinate with Kern High School District,” he said, “which includes competitions set up by Physics faculty from the local high schools that cover different areas of physics including catapult launches, egg drop, bridge building, paper airplanes, and more.”
Here’s one of his recent videos – “Meet Your College Success Team”:
Good morning California. It is April 25, 2026. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Cuesta College Awarded $1.2M STEM Scholarship Grant
Cuesta College has been awarded a six-year, $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation through its Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program. The grant will support low-income students pursuing degrees in computing and engineering. The project will provide scholarships alongside comprehensive academic and career support to help students persist, transfer to four-year institutions, and succeed in high-demand STEM fields.
Porterville College’s “Entree to Employment” Bridges the Gap Between Classroom & Career
The Porterville College Transfer Center, in partnership with the Office of Instruction and the Career Education Department, recently hosted a groundbreaking event designed to redefine how students and local industries connect. Moving away from the traditional, often impersonal job fair model, the “Entree to Employment” dinner provided a high-contact, low-stress environment where students and business partners could engage in authentic dialogue over a world-class meal.
Santiago Canyon College’s New Water Sciences Lab Will Enhance Classes in Water Technology
A new, modernized water technology classroom is in final planning stages for the Santiago Canyon College campus that will feature state-of-the-art equipment to help train students for well-paying careers in water districts throughout Orange County and beyond. The new lab will enhance SCC’s substantial Water and Wastewater Technology program.
Why Two-Year Schools Are Higher Education’s Fastest-Growing Sector
When the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center released its final enrollment data for Fall 2025 in January, the headline told a familiar story with a striking new intensity. Total postsecondary enrollment in the U.S. rose by 1.0% in fall 2025, reaching more than 19.4 million students, and growth in undergraduate enrollment was driven by a 3.0% surge in community college enrollment, compared to a 1.4% increase at public four-year colleges. Private four-year institutions, meanwhile, saw enrollment declines.
The scale of the community college resurgence is difficult to overstate. Community colleges added approximately 173,000 more students in Fall 2025, a 3% increase that drove the overall undergraduate gains across all of higher education. Over a two-year span since Fall 2023, the sector has grown by 9.6%, compared to just 4.1% at public four-year institutions.
Insights from ‘Some College, No Credential’ learners
Approximately 43.1 million people in the United States have, at one time, enrolled in postsecondary education but did not complete their intended degree or certificate.
A new report from Trellis Strategies attempts to answer those questions. In spring 2025, researchers surveyed 3,182 former undergraduate students who had been enrolled across 58 institutions – including 33 community colleges – to get to the heart of the matter.
More than a third (36%) of survey respondents were first-generation students, 25% were parenting students and 72% were working while enrolled.
Though a majority of survey respondents said they believe in the value of higher education –73% said that re-enrolling and completing their degree would improve their career earnings and potential – there are barriers to completion.
Check out this photo from the Designing Pre-Apprenticeship Pathways event:
If we do a BCP for FY27-28 for additional funding for ELL Healthcare Pathways, we are considering earmarking the first $25 million to expand community college pre-apprenticeships as mechanism to help scale apprenticeship.
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From Shasta College:
We’re really excited for the student-designed project by the 1100 building! Students from the landscape construction class designed and are landscaping the area into what we think will be nice place to study once it’s done. We can’t wait to see how it turns out!
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From Gavilan College:
Earth Day recap: we touched grass. Literally.
Gavilan broke ground on the Community Garden with campus partners and students.
Good turnout. Great energy. Strong start.
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From Hartnell College:
The Career and Transfer Hub hosted its annual Career and Resource Fair in the Student Center yesterday, bringing together over 85 employers and 300 students to explore careers and connect with employment opportunities. The event also served as a resource hub, where students learned about career pathways, transfer options, and in-demand skills.
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From Moorpark College:
Our final MC Day at Simi Valley High School. Thank you for having us! Great connecting with students and sharing all things Moorpark College!
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And check out this video from Cypress College’s Transfer Fair
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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.
Started my week at ASU-GSV.. in San Diego. What is not to love about San Diego?
And at night –
And a short video during break from the conference:
The Chancellor’s Office showed up to ASU+GSV in full force back in 2024, when we were shaping the concept for the Digital Center, a concept that came before the Board in July 2024 and was adopted.
Now, two years later, in 2026, we returned again in full force, but this time, with a clearer sense of where this work needs to go next.
I also got a chance to present with will.i.am!
Michael Crow, Sonya Christian, will.i.am
Ran into President of National University, Mark Milliron. We have a great partnership with National.
Mark Milliron, Sonya Christian
Evening walk and talk with Lee Lambert planning for the Digital Center.
Later in the week, we visited College of the Desert, located in Palm Desert in the heart of the Coachella Valley, surrounded by one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing regions of inland Southern California. Founded in 1958, the college has now been serving students for nearly seven decades and first opened its doors in 1962 on a 160-acre campus. It was created through a local vote by residents who understood that higher education would be essential to the future of the desert communities.
What I appreciate about College of the Desert is how closely its story mirrors the region it serves … entrepreneurial, resilient, and always evolving. Over the years, the college has grown alongside the Coachella Valley, developing strong programs in nursing, agriculture, hospitality, public safety, and transfer education, all aligned with local workforce needs. It is also a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), reflecting the communities around it.
Andrea Reynolds, Tony Cordova, Student Jonathan Garcia (DJ Limon), Sonya Christian, Jesse Melgar, Val Garcia
Jonathan Garcia, who goes by DJ Limón appears to be a College of the Desert student based in Indio, active in student leadership, media, and the local creative scene. He is involved with Associated Students at College of the Desert, connected to COD Roadrunner Radio, and pursuing studies in film, television, and media.
Here we are with the culinary students who prepared an outstanding meal for us. The parfaits, beautifully layered and served in elegant slender tall cups, were as impressive visually as they were delicious. And the biscuits and gravy quickly became the talk of our team. Here’s to all our culinary students across the California Community College system.
The campus itself has a few unique touches. Its library was once a shared facility with both the City of Palm Desert and Riverside County, a reminder that community colleges often become true civic anchors. Today, under President Val Garcia’s leadership, College of the Desert continues to expand opportunity across the valley, including new campus development in Palm Springs and growing access for students throughout the region.
Board Chair Ronald Oden recited the poem “The Man in the Mirror” (also known as “The Guy in the Glass”) by Dale Wimbrow.
When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf, And the world makes you King for a day, Then go to the mirror and look at yourself, And see what that guy has to say.
For it isn’t your Father, or Mother, or Wife, Who judgement upon you must pass. The feller whose verdict counts most in your life Is the guy staring back from the glass.
He’s the feller to please, never mind all the rest, For he’s with you clear up to the end, And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test If the guy in the glass is your friend.
You may be like Jack Horner and “chisel” a plum, And think you’re a wonderful guy, But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum If you can’t look him straight in the eye.
You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years, And get pats on the back as you pass, But your final reward will be heartaches and tears If you’ve cheated the guy in the glass.
After such a busy week, it was great to be enjoying the beautiful back yard. Happy to be back home.
Good morning California. It is April 18, 2026. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Cerritos College’s Innovative High School Credit Recovery Program Earns National Award, Transforming Students’ Futures
Cerritos College transformed the recovery process into an opportunity; the college’s credit recovery program was awarded the 2025-26 League for Innovation in Community Colleges Excellence Award. In collaboration with the Downey Unified School District, the college launched a program in Summer 2025 to help high school students recover credits for missed or failed classes.
San José City College Celebrates the Career Education Complex, Marking Largest Campus Investment in Decades
Students, faculty, classified professionals, elected officials, and community members gathered on the San José City College campus Tuesday evening to celebrate the completion of the Career Education Complex (CEC). This sprawling, four-story building represents the most significant investment in SJCC’s facilities since the college was founded more than a century ago. The new CEC building stands four stories tall and encompasses 91,000 square feet of classroom space, labs, and collaborative learning environments. Its design, led by Steinberg Hart Architects, was intentional from the ground up.
East Los Angeles College’s Sisterhood Expo Celebrates Women Who Lead, Build, and Inspire
On March 24th East Los Angeles College (ELAC) hosted the 2026 Sisterhood Expo, drawing community members to a vibrant marketplace celebrating women’s entrepreneurship. The event spotlighted women-owned businesses from across Los Angeles County, offering attendees the opportunity to shop, connect, and engage with the creative and entrepreneurial talent that defines the East LA community.
Barn Owls Take Flight on Moreno Valley College Campus
Moreno Valley College is advancing its approach to environmental stewardship by welcoming a new team of nocturnal specialists: barn owls. This innovative initiative marks a shift in the college’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, which is an ecosystem-based approach focused on long-term pest prevention through biological controls and habitat manipulation rather than traditional chemical pesticides. A single barn owl is capable of consuming approximately 1,500 rodents per year.
AI is remaking the workforce. How can colleges ensure students thrive?
Though the long-term effects of artificial intelligence on the job market remain to be seen, the rapidly developing technology has already begun changing how employers discuss work and hiring. Colleges now face the daunting task of preparing students for occupations that could look radically different in a relatively short timeframe.
A 2025 report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce found that the rapid implementation of AI could simultaneously ease and worsen skills shortages, reducing the need for workers to complete some routine cognitive tasks but prompting demand for advanced technical and adaptive skills.
For the first time, students ages 18 to 20 made up the largest share of first-time associate degree earners, 32.6 percent, beating out older students ages 21 to 24. More broadly, the number of 18- to 20-year-olds who earned an associate degree was up 47.7 percent compared to a decade ago. A relatively small but fast-growing number of students under the age of 18—52,500—also earned their first undergraduate credentials. Students under 18 who completed their first associate degree tripled, while the number who finished their first certificates quadrupled. The report suggests that these trends reflect a surge in dual enrollment.
A simple conversation at Coastline College led to something extraordinary.
Meet Zekai Wu, a student veteran whose journey took him from the Veterans Resource Center to an acceptance at MIT in just 45 days.
See how the right support and a single moment can change everything. Read his story.
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From Reedley College:
Our Tiger Job Fair was a huge success!
A big thank you to all the employers and vendors who joined us to share valuable career opportunities and insights with our students and community. Your support made this event truly meaningful!
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From Modesto Junior College:
The 2026 Latinx Comic Arts Festival brought creativity, culture, and community together in a big way. Creatives from around the nation showcased their talents on MJC’s West Campus during the two day festival. Cartoonists, artists, writers, animators, and more displayed their work and shared their stories during speaker panels. Saturday guests were treated to an epic lowrider car show, where they could get a close-up of each unique ride and talk with the car builders. This festival is held every other year on MCC West Campus.
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From Santa Rosa Junior College:
An SRJC Culinary Arts student and an alumna just received $1,500 microgrants from the Sonoma Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier, a worldwide philanthropic society of professional women leaders in the fields of food, fine beverage, and hospitality.
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Hien Pham (left photo) began as a cottage baker, working from her home kitchen to serve her Santa Rosa community. Today, she is the founder of Corner Bakehouse, a neighborhood microbakery grounded in whole grains, seasonal ingredients, and slow fermentation. Her work reflects a deep respect for traditional techniques and for the farmers who grow the ingredients she uses, many sourced here in Sonoma County and from her own garden. In addition to her bakery, Hien shares her knowledge through teaching and continues to refine her craft alongside some of the region’s most respected bakeries.
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Carlee Austin (photo on the right) has been building her culinary path from an early age, beginning with cooking classes as a child and continuing through her graduation from Santa Rosa Junior College’s Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management program. Carlee is focused on creating meaningful food experiences through cooking classes, private dinners, and other catered events, while working toward launching her own business through a micro-enterprise home kitchen operation (MEHKO) license.
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And Los Angeles Trade-Tech College shared pics from their 2026 Roots & Royalty Showcase.
On February 26, LATTC proudly celebrated Black History Month with “Roots & Royalty,” an inspiring showcase honoring the achievements, contributions, and rich history of the Black community. From a vibrant Fashion Showcase Extravaganza featuring District and LATTC students, faculty, and classified professional models, to stunning designs by U.S./Ghanaian brand UDefineU, the runway reflected the beauty, resilience, and elegance of African heritage. Guests also enjoyed standout contributions from our Culinary Arts, Fashion Design, and Cosmetology departments. A special highlight of the day was the jollof rice competition, where Culinary Arts students Donald Donaldson, Cherie Jones, and Shannon Jones presented their recipes—with congratulations to Cherie Jones for taking home the win! “Roots & Royalty” was a powerful reminder to honor the legacy of Black pioneers while uplifting the next generation of leaders, creatives, and changemakers.
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Launches College Corps Career Development Program
This week, Bakersfield College announced an exciting partnership with College Corps which provides a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable professional development while earning money to help pay for college. BC has been awarded a $3.2 million dollar grant through the California Volunteers College Corps program to launch the initiative.
College Corps is a paid service and career training program at colleges and universities across the state. The goal is to connect students with local businesses and non-profit organizations to receive ongoing training, mentoring, and professional development while earning up to $10,000 for college. Participating students will have the opportunity to work in a variety of fields, including K-12 education, climate action, food security, and many others.
The Workforce & Economic Mobility Blog blog shares approaches to workforce and economic development, with a goal of supporting economic mobility for our community while staying committed to the health of our people and the health of our environment.
In the Bhambi & Christian blog, Dr. Brijesh Bhambi join together joined together with the goal of facilitating healing and conversation in our community.
