And We’re Back! Fall 2026 Across California’s Community Colleges

Uncategorized August 29, 2026 Leave a comment

This week, we lost a true icon when Dolly Parton passed at the age of 80.

She was well-known as a legend of country music, but was also a great philanthropist, donating millions of dollars and providing countless children with free books through her Imagination Library foundation.

A few of my favorites:

Of course, I have to include the Whitney Houston version of this gorgeous song ….

Had a great time visiting Golden West College this week. Here’s a fun photo with ASCCC leadership … and me with a Golden West hat.

President LaTonya Parker-Parnell, Sonya Christian, ASCCC Vice President Robert Stewart

And then we were joined by our Board of Governors and student senate leadership.

Board Members Jennifer Perry, Blas Villalobos, Lillian Coral joined us.

Golden West College is located in Huntington Beach, the college has a beautiful 122-acre campus and serves more than 19,000 students, with strong transfer programs and a wide range of career education—from nursing and automotive technology to business and the arts. What stood out to me during the visit was how much is happening at once: expanding dual enrollment, impressive progress with zero-textbook-cost courses, strong transfer pathways, and career programs that connect students directly to employers and universities.

And you cannot spend much time at Golden West without seeing how proud President Meridith Randall is of the college. She greeted us in Golden West gear and took us around campus with the enthusiasm of someone who genuinely loves the place, including, I learned, a favorite tree!

We were also joined by Coast Community College District Chancellor Whitney Yamamura, who talked about the culture of innovation across the district and the freedom the colleges have to try new things. It was a fun visit, full of ideas, great people, and a very clear sense that this is a college and district that like to keep moving.

I then headed out to LA City College for their convocation.

Board Past President Pam Haynes, President LACC Amanuel Gebru, Sonya Christian

Los Angeles City College has such a remarkable history. Founded in 1929, LACC sits on the original site of UCLA before UCLA moved to Westwood and the campus later also played a role in the early history of what became Cal State LA. Today, “The City’s College” remains right in the heart of Los Angeles, serving a diverse community and continuing its long tradition of creating pathways to transfer, careers, and economic mobility. There is something pretty special about walking a campus that has been part of the educational life of Los Angeles for nearly a century.

And it was wonderful spending time with President Amanuel Gebru, whose pride in LACC and its students comes through immediately. Amanuel brings a warmth and energy to the college that fits the place, deeply connected to its history but very much focused on where it is going next. I especially enjoyed being there for Convocation, seeing the faculty and staff coming back together for the new academic year, and feeling that unmistakable sense of possibility that comes when a college community gathers to begin again.

I spent the night in downtown LA at the urging of Amanuel who warned me about the LA traffic and getting to the convocation on time. Snapped this appetizer at the hotel restaurant…. plantain chips and guava jam. just delicious. two of my favorite items growing up in Kerala.

Good morning California.
It is August 29, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

De Anza College and Tesla Launch Hands-On
Engineering Technician Training Partnership

De Anza College, in partnership with Tesla, announced the launch of a structured, hands-on training program for the company’s incoming engineering technicians, marking the college’s growing role as a workforce training partner for Silicon Valley employers. Co-developed with Tesla, the 480-hour curriculum draws on De Anza College’s expertise in Automotive Technology and Design and Manufacturing Technologies. Participants receive applied instruction in safety, mechanics, instrumentation, electrical systems, and diagnostics, preparing them to support Tesla’s test engineering, R&D, and manufacturing environments. 

» Read more!

College of the Canyons Team Wins Second Place at NASA Orbit Challenge

College of the Canyons student team CARE-D3 earned second place and a $25,000 prize at the 2026 NASA ORBIT Challenge, held in July at Space Center Houston in Texas. Led by students Sophia Cranshaw and Tatiana Torrecampo, CARE-D3 was the only community college team competing in the challenge’s Space Track and one of more than 100 teams from colleges and universities nationwide. CARE-D3 is a clinical decision-support system designed to help astronauts assess health risks during long-duration space missions where communication delays and limited medical resources can complicate care. The technologies developed for CARE-D3 also have the potential to support healthcare providers in rural, remote, and other resource-limited environments on Earth.

» Read more!

West Los Angeles College Levels Up Game Design & Esports Program

West Los Angeles College (WLAC) is expanding educational pathways in game programming, game art, game design, and esports through new industry partnerships, dual enrollment opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for careers in Southern California’s thriving interactive entertainment industry. One of the program’s most exciting opportunities is its collaboration with IndieCade, the internationally recognized festival celebrating independent game developers. Students enrolled in GAD 210: Capstone Game Development are recently participated in IndieCade’s annual Climate Jam, a six-week game development challenge that invites teams to create original games inspired by this year’s theme, “Plant a Seed.”

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

USGBC California helps expand green career pathways for more than 2.5M students

Los Angeles-based U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC California) has announced partnership agreements with California State University (CSU) and the Foundation for California Community Colleges, the official nonprofit partner to the California Community Colleges (CCC).

These partnerships bring together more than 2.5 million undergraduate, graduate and community college students across 22 CSU campuses and 116 CCCs—amplifying access to green career pathways, technical training, hands-on internships and robust professional networks.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Mission College:

Summer highlight reel: Mission College students were recognized by the Santa Clara City Council for earning the Silicon Valley Power Sustainable Futures Scholarship, each awarded over $2,000. Huge congrats to these future leaders.

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From Cabrillo College:

Sammy the Seahawk has been busy welcoming students and staff this week. Sammy is taking a break here with the Mariachi Santa Cecilia, who made an appearance on Wednesday August 26, 2026 during the Week of Welcome. Looking forward to the new semester!

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From Santa Monica College:

New students, new connections, and a whole lot of SMC spirit! VIP Welcome Day was the perfect way to kick off a new journey at SMC.

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From College of San Mateo:

College of San Mateo MESA students took their research to Stanford University!

Through Stanford’s Community College Outreach Program (CCOP), these dedicated students gained hands-on experience conducting research in university labs alongside Stanford mentors before presenting their findings to members of the scientific community.

The partnership between CSM’s MESA program and Stanford CCOP began in 2021, spearheaded by two former community college students who went on to become graduate scholars at Stanford. What began with mentorship has grown into a powerful pathway connecting community college students with paid research internships, academic enrichment, and new possibilities in STEM.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Excited to Welcome Students Back to Campus for Fall 2026

All Bakersfield College’s campuses were brimming with excitement and student activity as students returned for the Fall 2026 semester. During the first week of classes, there will be a variety of Welcome Week activities and events to help kick off the start of the new academic year.

Throughout the week there will Welcome Tents on all BC campuses that will have representatives available to help students find their classes and provide other information. Each booth will have BC swag, and on select days, free coffee and donuts! Other events include a Bright Future Crafting workshop, a Renegade Rally of Belonging, Lip Sync Battle, and more.

» 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!

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Wrapping up summer 2026

Uncategorized August 23, 2026 Leave a comment

This week the Chancellor’s Office gathered for our annual retreat.

And a colleague sent me this ….

Good morning California.
It is August 22, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Merced College Secures $1.5 Million for Fire Training Facility Expansion

Merced College has secured $1.5 million in federal funding to support the expansion of its fire training facilities at the Hawk Regional Training Center, advancing efforts to strengthen workforce development and public safety across the region. Awarded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Project Funding program, the funding will support Phase II development of the training center and was secured with the support of Senator Adam Schiff.

» Read more!

Palomar College Television Wins Awards for Documentary Film

 A moving documentary about a wildlife photographer directed by Bill Wisneski, director/producer at Palomar College Television, recently received a Gold Telly Award, a worldwide competition for video and streaming pieces that received more than 13,000 entries. It also won an Emmy for best documentary from Pacific Southwest Emmy Awards, which honors professionals in the southern California and Las Vegas markets. The film was also nominated for best musical composition and best audio recording and mixing. The 48-minute film, My Wild Life, tells the story of wildlife photographer Suzi Eszterhas, who has faced life-threatening challenges to capture intimate images of newborn animals and family life in the wild.

» Read more!

Chabot College Leads Hub as California Medicine Scholars Program
Expands to LA and Bay Area

The California Medicine Scholars Program (CMSP), a program of the Foundation for California Community Colleges, is expanding its innovative Regional Hubs of Healthcare Opportunity (RHHO) model to the Bay Area and Los Angeles. As part of this expansion, CMSP is launching three new regional hubs: two in Los Angeles, led by the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science , and one in the Bay Area, led by Chabot College.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

An Earn-While-You-Learn Path Into Teaching

As a new academic year begins, teacher shortages remain a challenge for K–12 districts nationwide. Addressing those workforce needs will require long-term strategies, including building new pathways into the profession, researchers say.

A new report from New America’s Center on Education & Labor examines one such pathway: teacher degree apprenticeships. These programs allow aspiring educators to earn a paycheck while completing their degree and teaching certification.

» Read more!

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From survival to success: Kristofer Evans’ remarkable path through Cabrillo College

Kristofer Evans hit rock bottom before he decided to get sober and create a stable life in his late 20s. 

Since graduating from continuation high school about a decade ago, he had been mostly unemployed, was in and out of jail and his health was tanking from years of alcohol abuse. About six months into sobering up and working, he learned he was going to be a father. 

Four years later, as a new Cabrillo College graduate on his way to Morgan State University in Baltimore, having earned one of four statewide California Community College Student Leadership awards, he’s full of emotion and joy at what he’s accomplished for himself and his son, Ke’vion. 

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Monterey Peninsula College:

First day of class funsies

Campus is officially back in action. Welcome back, Lobos!

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From Ventura College:

We love the Mini Horses

Thank you for coming to Ventura College. You always make the day better.

Thank you for coming back to visit us Reins of H.O.P.E.

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From Citrus College:

So great to see so many smiling faces at Welcome Day! Congratulations to all of our new Owls — wishing you the best as we prepare to start the fall semester!

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From Río Hondo College:

Students, staff and community members, as well as our Board of Trustees President and Student Trustee, came out today for a meet and greet to say good bye to the herd of goats that has been working hard at fire prevention on the Río Hondo College campus.

Thank you to Fire Grazers and their hungry goats for helping make Río Hondo College a little safer for upcoming fire seasons.

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And from Cañada College:

The whole leadership team is hyped for this semester. Whether you’re back for more or just getting started, welcome to Cañada College

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Annual New Student Convocation

Earlier this week, hundreds of new students and their families gathered together on Bakersfield College’s Panorama Campus for this year’s New Student Convocation. This annual event welcomes incoming freshman, first-time students and family members to celebrate the new academic year, preview various campus resources, meet faculty, staff and fellow Renegades, and more.

The event started with a resource fair where attendees could get more information about the services, programs, activities, and campus clubs available to BC students. Each program had an information booth with representatives available to provide information, answer questions, and hand out swag to new students. Students could get information from the Student Health & Wellness Center, the BC Rodeo Club, Financial Aid, the BC Industrial Automation program, and several others.

» 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

August 15, 2026

Uncategorized August 15, 2026 Leave a comment

Last Saturday was one of those wonderful Los Angeles evenings… a trip to the Pantages to see The Phantom of the Opera. Nearly four decades after the musical first opened, the combination of spectacle, romance, darkness and that extraordinary score still works its magic. The current North American production had been playing at the Pantages through August 9.

My favorite.  Turn up your volume, click the video, and close your eyes and immerse yourself in the Phantom of the Opera.

The Phantom’s story began long before Andrew Lloyd Webber.

French journalist and novelist Gaston Leroux published Le Fantôme de l’Opéra in 1910, setting his tale inside the magnificent Palais Garnier in Paris. The story went on to inspire numerous adaptations, including the famous 1925 silent film starring Lon Chaney.

Then came Andrew Lloyd Webber.

In the 1980s, already riding the enormous success of Cats, Lloyd Webber became interested in creating a musical from the story. The turning point came when he found an old copy of Leroux’s novel at a secondhand bookstall in New York and read it that afternoon. He saw something beyond the Gothic horror.  He saw a love story. That insight became the emotional center of the musical. The Phantom of the Opera opened in London’s West End on October 9, 1986. Michael Crawford was the Phantom and Sarah Brightman was Christine.

I first saw The Phantom of the Opera when it came to Los Angeles in at the Ahmanson Theatre. Michael Crawford had crossed the Atlantic with the role he had created in London and then performed on Broadway. Playing Christine in Los Angeles was Dale Kristien. 

And today is August 15th….. one of those dates that has always done double duty for me.

Growing up in India, of course, it was Independence Day. And growing up in our Catholic household we also celebrated the Feast of the Assumption of Mary.

Today, six years ago, I did this blog post…. August 15, 2020

http://sonyachristianblog.com/2020/08/15/bakersfield-college-a-blessing-to-our-community/

Good morning California.
It is August 15, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

NASA Brings Out of This World Summer Experience to Reedley College

Reedley College was awarded a $50,000 NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) grant through NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP). The program was led by Physics Instructor Kurt Shults, Engineering and Computer Science Instructor Dr. Emmanuel Abioye, and MESA Director, Dr. Jacquelyn Rubalcaba-Muniz. Together, the team oversaw a three-mission program designed to introduce students to NASA careers, hands-on science, and robotics.

» Read more!

Two Mt. San Jacinto College Honors Students Selected
for Prestigious National Partners in Peace Program in Oslo, Norway

Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) students Danela Young and Marisa Salazar have been selected to participate in the highly competitive Partners in Peace (PiP) program, a national initiative of the National Collegiate Honors Council in collaboration with the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway. The Partners in Peace initiative challenges honors students from across the United States to examine the work and strategies of Nobel Peace Prize laureates and to develop projects that promote peace, understanding, and conflict resolution in their own communities.

» Read more!

Building a Legacy: Celebrating Southwestern College’s Mariachi Program

For nearly three decades, mariachi has been part of the Southwestern College experience. Students have studied the music, developed their performance skills, and strengthened their connection to a cultural tradition that continues to resonate across generations. But the college’s mariachi program began with a vision to create new educational opportunities for students.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Finding the best ways to stay in touch with students

 Prospective students don’t lack information; they’re buried in reminders about applications, financial aid and registration across a dozen platforms. The challenge instead is to help that person believe the message applies to them.

Research in psychology, neuroscience and behavioral science offers colleges a practical framework for doing just that. For community college leaders, the takeaway may be less about adopting new technology than rethinking how communication fits into the student experience. From a student’s first website visit to the post-graduation years, the messages institutions send — and the relationships behind them — can shape whether students enroll, persist and remain connected long after they leave campus.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Cerro Coso Community College:

Thanks to our dear friends at SSUSD for inviting us to attend last week’s “Party In The Parking Lot”! We had a wonderful time connecting with all of the fellow organizations and informing the community members of our many services, resources, and educational opportunities.

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From Butte College:

Roadrunner Rush 2026 is in the books!

Our newest Roadrunners spent the day getting to know campus, discovering resources and connecting with the Butte College community.

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From Las Positas College:

Yesterday’s Special Programs Orientation brought our newest Hawks together to connect, learn, and get ready for the semester ahead.

Students heard directly from campus programs and communities including Puente, MESA, the Honors Program, Basic Needs, Umoja, Movement API, the Cultural Community Center, and more. The day also featured a student panel, interactive activities, campus tours, and a resource fair where students could connect with even more campus support and resources.

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From Sierra College:

Yesterday, we gathered on the football field to celebrate our 90th Anniversary! Sierra College, originally called Placer Junior College, was established in 1936 sharing a location with Placer High School. We moved to our current location in Rocklin in 1961. Thanks to everyone who joined us, and we’re looking forward to seeing what the next decade brings.

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And check out this video from Moorpark College celebrating 60 years:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Hosts EOPS Freshman Day

This week, the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) department at BC hosted their annual Freshman Day. Each year, new EOPS students are invited to the Panorama campus to connect with peers, meet EOPS staff, learn about programs and services, participate in workshops and activities, and much more.

Freshman Day was first launched in 2017 and has been an annual event ever since. This year, more than 200 students participated in the event which included workshops, a Cal Grant information session, lunch and keynote speaker Zach Gowen from Coolspeak. Zach shared his inspirational story of athletic achievement despite losing his leg at a young age. He encouraged students to believe in themselves and pursue their educational goals.

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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

August 8, 2026

Uncategorized August 9, 2026 Leave a comment

Pausing for a moment to remember all those affected by the devastating wildfires that hit Hawaii – predominately on the island of Maui- 3 years ago today. Over 100 people were killed, making it the deadliest wildfire and natural disaster in Hawaii in its statehood.

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On another more uplifting note …. did two fun things this work week.

Checked out the On-running On-cloud shoe store as well as The Butcher’s Daughter cafe on Abbot Kinney in Venice.

We shared the seasonal White Pizza with peaches, kale, pistachios, smoked mozzarella, and aged balsamic; the Japanese sweet potatoes with miso butter; and the grilled chipotle watermelon topped with whipped feta and a touch of honey. As my friend remarked, the flavors were simply exquisite.

Good morning California.
It is August 8, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cuesta College Renewable Energy STEM Camp Gives High School Students
Hands-On Learning and College Credit

Twenty-five local high school students spent four days exploring energy technologies, environmental science, and STEM career pathways while earning college credit through Cuesta College’s Renewable Energy STEM Camp, held June 22-25 at Arroyo Grande High School. Now in its third year, the camp has evolved into an official offering connected to Cuesta College’s PSCI 220: Energy, Electricity, and Environment course. The program allows participating students to earn college credit while gaining hands-on experience with real-world energy concepts and technologies.

» Read more!

Disney Imagination Campus Becomes a STEM Classroom
for Moreno Valley College MESA Scholars

For a group of Moreno Valley College MESA scholars, a Saturday at the Disneyland Resort was not a break from their STEM education. It became one of the most immersive extensions of it. On May 2, MVC MESA students traveled to Disney Imagination Campus at Disney California Adventure Park for the “Physics of Disney” workshop, joining students and faculty from Riverside City College and Norco College for a day of applied science in one of the most imaginative environments on Earth.

» Read more!

Santiago Canyon College and Orange Unified School District
Celebrate First Certified Nursing Assistant Cohort

 Santiago Canyon College (SCC), in partnership with Orange Unified School District (OUSD), is proud to celebrate the completion of the first-ever OUSD/SCC Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) cohort, marking a major milestone in expanding college and career opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare. Through this innovative partnership, OUSD students successfully completed rigorous CNA coursework and hands-on clinical training while still enrolled in high school, earning industry-recognized skills and preparing for immediate entry into postsecondary education pathways and the healthcare workforce as Certified Nursing Assistants.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Some California students may begin receiving Workforce Pell federal aid this fall

For the first time, California students in short-term career training programs may begin to receive federal aid through a pilot program this fall, according to the California Student Aid Commission.

During the commission’s Thursday meeting at Cal State Los Angeles, executive director Daisy Gonzales and other state agencies discussed a timeline for implementing the new Workforce Pell program. Under the program, students can now use federal aid for workforce training programs lasting between eight and 15 weeks.

» Read more!

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Lawmakers will decide on these 10 bills affecting California students and schools

California legislators returned from their summer recess this week for the final stretch of the legislative season, with the fate of several education bills still undecided. Lawmakers have until Aug. 31 to pass bills and send them to Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto the measures.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Allan Hancock College:

Congressman Salud Carbajal recently visited Hancock’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc to tour the facility and learn more about how Hancock is preparing the next generation of firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs, and other first responders.

We appreciated the opportunity to showcase the hands-on training and dedicated faculty helping students build the skills they need to serve communities throughout the Central Coast and beyond.

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From San Diego College of Continuing Education:

Take a look at more moments from our Digital Textile Experience Day, where participants explored digital textile arts through hands-on activities including textile printing, industrial embroidery, and more.

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From Gavilan College:

We’re proud to celebrate Gavilan College Board President Alicia Cortez, who received the Global Community Innovator Award at Global Tassels’ 12th Annual Founder’s Gala in New York City.

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From College of the Desert:

We are so proud of our COD students and production staff for receiving 17 nominations from the Desert Theatre League this year!

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Project HireUp’s Summer 2026 Graduation Ceremony

It was a day of celebration and hope as Bakersfield College hosted the 18th Graduation Ceremony of the Project HireUP and CityServe Educational Collaborative Cohort on July 22, 2026. The Renegade Event Center was filled with community members, local agencies, and program partners who came to show support to the graduates. For the Summer 2026 cohort, fifteen students participated in and completed the program.

» 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

Epic Day – July 28, 2026

Uncategorized August 1, 2026 Leave a comment

An epic day, an epic month, an epic year – July 28, 2026. Much love to my amazing family, friends and colleagues.

A friend sent this to me…

It is always a treat to visit my daughter and to visit Toronto.

July 28 began with a visit to St. Peter’s Cathedral on Bathurst Street, followed by a short walk to Nadège Patisserie on Bloor … both just a pleasant stroll from my daughter’s place.

Founded in 2009 by fourth-generation French pastry chef Nadège Nourian, who grew up in Lyon, Nadège has become one of Toronto’s favorite destinations for authentic French pastries, bringing a little taste of France to Canada.

And then… my favorite.

The croissant.

American croissants and French croissants have developed different personalities over the years. The American version is a bit more bread-like. The French croissant is flakier.

As I happily worked my way through mine, Eisha pointed out that a respectable collection of croissant flakes had found their way into my hair.

When I visit my daughter in Toronto, one of my favorite places is Lake Ontario.

I have now seen it in the middle of winter and in the middle of summer, and I love both.

No matter the season, Lake Ontario has a way of inviting you to slow down and simply enjoy the moment.

And …. my daughter is always finding fun things for us to do. Here are a few photos from the day.

Life Is Not Measured By the Number of Breaths We Take,
But By the Moments That Take Our Breath Away


Good morning California.
It is August 1, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Norco College Team Takes First Place at National 3D Printed Aircraft Competition

A team of Norco College engineering students earned first place at the 10th Annual 3D Printed Aircraft Competition, hosted by the University of Texas at Arlington on July 11. Competing against 21 colleges and universities from across the country, the team outperformed institutions including Virginia Tech, Tennessee Tech, Texas A&M University, and Purdue University. Throughout the 2025–26 academic year, the students designed, manufactured, tested, and refined a primarily 3D-printed aircraft in preparation for the national competition.

» Read more!

East Los Angeles College’s Zero Textbook Cost Program
Saves Over $4.7 Million in 2025–2026

East Los Angeles College’s Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) program delivered significant financial relief to students during the 2025–2026 academic year, with an estimated $4,780,800 in savings generated across all four terms. The program saw strong participation across all terms, with 727 ZTC course sections offered in Fall 2025 and 623 in Spring 2026, representing the two largest terms by section count. Summer 2025 and Winter 2026 contributed 199 and 116 sections, respectively.

» Read more!

HealthRIGHT 360 Invests $15,000 to Support Behavioral Health
Training Course at City College of San Francisco

HealthRIGHT 360 announced a $15,000 investment in City College of San Francisco (CCSF) to support HLTH 99: Group Counseling for Treatment and Recovery, a required course in CCSF’s Addiction and Recovery Counseling Certificate Program. The course, which is offered on a limited basis due to funding constraints, is a prerequisite for students seeking certification as Addiction and Recovery Counselors.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Commentary: Not every California student can afford to transfer.
Community college bachelor’s degrees could help

Since the implementation of state Assembly Bill 927 in 2021, students have faced an unexpected barrier to expanded educational opportunist — one that runs in direct opposition to the bill’s intent.

The bill authorized community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees, so long as those programs don’t duplicate those offered by a California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC).

Yet as community colleges have looked to expand bachelor’s degree programs to meet workforce needs, many proposals have faced opposition from CSU campuses, stalling the growth of new degree offerings.

CSU leaders have argued that bachelor’s degree programs should not duplicate existing university offerings, and have expressed concern that expanding community college degrees could blur the distinct missions of California’s higher education systems.

Those concerns deserve consideration, but they should not outweigh the needs of students who cannot realistically access a CSU campus because of cost, work or family obligations. 

The real question is not which public system awards a bachelor’s degree. It is whether California is giving students a realistic opportunity to earn one.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Folsom Lake College:

As Folsom Lake College prepares to launch its Puente Program in Fall 2026, co-facilitators–Counselor Celina Navarro and English Professor Josh Fernandez–recently completed the week-long Puente Summer Institute at UC Berkeley.

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From Cañada College:

Cañada College officially deepened our partnership with Pal Center signing an MOU (partnership agreement) to strengthen youth pathways to higher education in North Fair Oaks and Redwood City. Our missions have always been aligned: empowering students and families to transform their lives through education.

This MOU also serves as a formal recommitment to an even deeper level of partnership, allowing Cañada College to be more present, more mindful and more active in our community. Thank you to the Pal Center team for co-creating this partnership with us. This is just the beginning.

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From Santa Rosa Junior College:

Congratulations, HEP Class of 2026! Nearly 40 students graduated this week from the SRJC High School Equivalency Program. The program will begin its 15th year at SRJC, and during the past years has enrolled more than 1,100 migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their families with the goal of obtaining a High School Equivalency Certificate. Over 95% of SRJC HEP graduates have matriculated into English for Multilingual Students (credit/non-credit) pathways or into other credit classes.

The SRJC HEP program serves students in Sonoma and Napa County. Most students are heads of household who work long hours, holding two plus jobs to sustain their families. After obtaining their high school equivalency, they pursue higher education and improve their economic status.

Funding for SRJC HEP is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Migrant Education.

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And check out this video from KEYT-TV showcasing Santa Barbara City College’s Summer Jazz Seminar:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Hosts ‘Bridge to BC’ to Jump Start Student Success

Each Summer, Bakersfield College invites more than 3,000 incoming students to participate in Bridge to BC. The interactive, one-day, in-person course is designed to help new students prepare academically, socially, and personally as they transition to college.

During the program, students get a tour of the campus, participate in workshops that introduce various student resources like Canvas and STARFISH, learn about the BC website, meet one-on-one with an educational advisor, and much more. Bridge to BC first launched in 2014, making this the 12th year that the program has been offered. Since its inception, more than 20,000 students have participated in the program.

More than 3,000 new students are expected to attend Bridge to BC this Summer. We are excited to welcome these new students and look forward to supporting them throughout their academic journey. Thank you to all the Bridge to BC directors, coordinators, instructors, mentors and everyone who helps make this program a huge success.

» 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