Closing out February in beautiful San Diego 2026

Uncategorized February 28, 2026 Leave a comment

Since we are sill in the month of February, let me re-post my Valentine’s Day message from two weeks ago. Take 3 minutes to read it again and enjoy our California Community Colleges. https://sonyachristianblog.com/2026/02/14/a-love-letter-to-the-california-community-colleges-on-valentines-day-2026/

This week it was back to beautiful San Diego…. what is there not to like about San Diego.

San Diego Feb 24, 2026

We had our Board of Governors retreat at Southwestern College Crown Cove Aquatic Center on Coronado Island.

Board of Governors with Chancellor’s Office Staff

The retreat focused on three interrelated areas where investment and innovation can accelerate meaningful outcomes:

  1. Building, renewing, and modernizing our infrastructure:
    From aging facilities to climate-friendly redesigns and data/technology systems essential for equitable learning and AI-ready campuses.
  2. Deepening our work in equitable baccalaureate attainment:
    Strengthening transfer pathways and expanding community college baccalaureate opportunities so that more of our students access and complete bachelor’s degrees linked to economic mobility.
  3. Scaling internships for our students:
    Reimagining work-based, project-based, and service-based learning so that internships become a default option in every pathway, connecting students to career-relevant experience and workforce opportunities.

Here is a photo with panelists for one of the sessions.

Erin Larson, Cecelia Rios-Aguilar, Michal Kurlaender, Sonya Christian, Daisy Segovia, Terrence Willett

What a fun photo discovered by one of our Board members,

Thank you so much to Southwestern College for hosting us this week. President Mark Sanchez, you rock!

Good morning California.
It is February 28, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Pasadena City College Launches a New Facility to Help Increase
the Skilled Trades Workforce and Support Fire Recovery

Pasadena City College has broken ground on a new construction trades facility that will train students to help rebuild fire-ravaged communities. The groundbreaking for the Construction Trades Lab was held January 14, as Los Angeles County continued its commemoration of the anniversary of the Eaton and Palisades fires. In January of 2025, the fires destroyed 16,000 structures. By the time the Eaton fire was contained on January 31, 2025, it had destroyed or damaged more than 10,000 homes, businesses, schools, and places of worship. Pasadena City College is located minutes from neighborhoods devastated by the fires.

» Read more!

Diablo Valley College Students Shine at Nationwide AAICE Student Works Expo

Diablo Valley College students earned national recognition at the 2025 AAICE Student Works Expo, a nationwide competition celebrating student achievement in Mandarin language and Chinese culture. Five DVC students submitted projects, and four of those projects were selected for display on the organization’s official website.

» Read more!

Science Alive Marks 25 Years of Hands-On Learning at Gavilan College

Gavilan College is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Science Alive, a long-running program that introduces middle school students to hands-on science through interactive labs and experiments. Founded in 2001, Science Alive has served more than 5,000 students from South Santa Clara and San Benito counties. The program invites students to spend a Saturday on campus exploring science by building, testing, observing, and asking questions, often for the first time in a college lab setting. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

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. “Water technology is one of the most popular programs in the division of business and career education,” said Denise Foley, dean of the division. “It’s one of the few and largest programs in the state that teaches water operations in treatment and distribution.”

» Read more!

*****

For many college students, picking a major takes time and revising

For many students applying to college, choosing the right major and career path may seem like the most important decision they’ve ever had to make.

Some students prioritize fields that offer high salaries, while others follow their passions. Some may be inspired by their peers’ careers or influenced by their parents’ wishes. 

But the reality is, many students do not stick to their initial choice. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences reveals that 55% of students who graduated with a humanities degree began their college education intending to major in another field. Roughly 85% of college students change their major at least once, according to the Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm EAB, formerly known as the Education Advisory Board. EAB studies also show that students who delay declaring a major graduate at a slightly higher rate than those who choose a major in their first semester. 

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Skyline College:

Wrapping up Black History Month with the Black Student Union’s Soul Social. We celebrated community with games, local vendors, and campus connections. BSU delivered us soul and gave it a home right here at Fireside Dining.

*****

From Golden West College:

GWC’s Amphitheater was filled with culture, community and celebration today as we welcomed the Year of the Horse! From the Lion & Dragon Dance and Vietnamese fashion show to hands-on activities, performances and delicious food, it was a joyful afternoon all around.

*****

From Imperial Valley College:

Imperial Valley College is proud to share that our Mardi Gras Parade float was honored with the Mayor’s Choice Award at the 2026 El Centro Mardi Gras Light Parade! Thank you to the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and the City of El Centro for this special recognition. This award reflects the creativity and collaboration of IVC’s Associated Student Government (ASG) for envisioning the float, along with Student Affairs, Cheer Club, SSS Club, and the many students and team members who helped decorate and represent the College with pride. Warrior spirit was shining bright on Main Street!

*****

From Madera Community College:

A beautiful blanket of snow has transformed the Madera Community College Oakhurst Campus into a true winter wonderland! The late winter storm has brought stunning views and a peaceful glow to our campus.

*****

From Hartnell College:

the Financial Aid Office welcomed over 60 students and their families to a Cash for College Financial Aid Workshop, providing hands-on support with FAFSA and CA Dream Act applications to help students maximize their financial aid opportunities.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC’s Renegade Motorsports Team Competes at Sonoma Raceway

On Friday, February 13th, 2026, the Bakersfield College’s Renegade Motorsports team traveled to Sonoma Raceway in Northern California to compete in the Lucky Dog Racing League’s 14-hour race weekend. Participating in competitions like this gives students the opportunity to utilize their skills in an authentic racing environment. The team arrived Friday and went straight to work. The team’s practice and qualifying session experienced a minor setback due to a batch of contaminated fuel, but they were able to work through it and complete one hour of practice time. Student drivers Jesus Frias and Aiden Lomeli were able to complete their first laps on the iconic racetrack.

The weather on Saturday morning was beautiful, and BC’s Emanuel Trujillo took the green flag at 9:00AM and drove the first two-hour stint of the race with no issues. At the first pit stop, the team refueled and serviced the car and Aiden Lomeli strapped in to drive the second stint. During his stint, Aiden noticed a mechanical issue with the car that the team was able to repair quickly. After the repairs, Jesus Frias took the wheel for his two-hour stint. Unfortunately, about halfway through his stint, he noticed an issue and brought the car into the paddock for the team to diagnose and repair. The team worked quickly to fix the issue, and Jesus was able to finish the 7-hour race on Saturday.

» 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

The Highs and Lows of February: Love, Loss, and Everything In Between

Uncategorized February 21, 2026 Comments: 4

Two weeks’ worth of content in this blog….

Last Saturday, February 14th, rather than doing my usual “week in review” blog post, I wrote a Valentine’s Day letter to the California Community Colleges.

Here is the link if you would like to take 3 minutes to read it again. https://sonyachristianblog.com/2026/02/14/a-love-letter-to-the-california-community-colleges-on-valentines-day-2026/#comments

Week of February 9th – 13th

Throw Back to Super Bowl Sunday. I was blown away by all the amazing performances.

Brandi Carlisle performing “America the Beautiful.” Check out the video!

Charlie Puth performed the National Anthem. You can see the video here.

And Bad Bunny’s halftime performance was so joyful! I especially loved when he had special guest Lady Gaga for a song.

You can find a video of that part here.

Right after the Super Bowl, I headed out to Washington, D.C., for our annual advocacy event.

It was cold…

A few photos –

Descending to Reagan National Airport:

Can you see the ice in the water?

Another picture for you:

The view from my room:

This is what I fell asleep to:

Here is a photo with the SSCCC delegation.

Lots of photos…. I know. Was absolutely feeling every moment in DC. Last glimpse of the Washington monument as we speeded away to the airport.

Goodbye for now, DC. Until we meet again!

Got this picture of a cherry blossom from a friend – celebrating the birth of Spring 2026 back here in California.

Then there was the Community College Baccalaureate Conference, which was held in Long Beach.

Here is Pam Haynes with the team from the Chancellor’s Office.

The week of February 14th – 21st

February has highs and lows for me.
Highs – My daughter’s birthday, my best friend from high school’s birthday and Valentine’s Day… and I love Valentine’s Day!
Lows – My mom passed away and Bessie, our chocolate lab, passed away.

Pam Christian
Bessie

On Monday, February 15th, I headed back to Sacramento for meetings and the annual Assembly Higher Educational Budget Subcommittee hearing.
Then headed to San Jose to host a CEO tech tour along with the Digital Center.

We had the opportunity to visit the campuses of Google, Zoom, and Adobe. At each stop, the conversations were substantive.  From AI integration and workforce preparation to collaboration tools and the future of digital creativity. What stood out to me was not just the sophistication of the technology, but the speed at which these companies iterate and evolve. That pace challenges us to continue to revise our thinking about agility, partnerships, and how we prepare students for the world they are stepping into.

Good morning California.
It is February 21, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

West Valley College Awarded $3.9 Million Federal FIPSE Grant 

West Valley College has been awarded a $3.9 million grant for development of a new semiconductor certificate program through the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). The four-year grant funding begins immediately and runs through December 2029. West Valley is the only community college in the state — and one of only 18 nationwide — to receive a FIPSE award in this highly competitive national funding cycle, placing the college among a small group of institutions selected across the country. 

» Read more!

Crafton Hills College formally introduces the Captain Mike Orland
San Manuel Fire Department Engine Bay to the public

On Jan. 31, Crafton Hills College unveiled the newly minted Captain Mike Orland San Manuel Fire Department Engine Bay to hundreds in attendance at a naming ceremony hosted by the Yucaipa-based college, including Orland’s mom, Margie, and colleagues. Orland, a Crafton alumnus, last worked with the San Manuel Fire Department until his retirement in 2018.

» Read more!

Santa Ana College Foundation Receives $50,000 Contribution from U.S. Bank

The Santa Ana College Foundation, which raises funding to maintain, expand and enhance the educational opportunities of Santa Ana College (SAC), today announced it has received a $50,000 contribution from U.S. Bank. The grant will be used to support internship stipends for SAC students.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Dual Enrollment Surges to 2.8 Million Students as Equity Gaps Persist

High school students taking college courses through dual enrollment programs now number 2.8 million nationwide, with community colleges serving the majority of these students, according to a new policy fact sheet released by the Community College Research Center at Teachers College, Columbia University. The February 2026 report reveals that dual enrollment has nearly doubled over the past decade, growing from approximately 1.4 million students in 2013 to more than 2.8 million in the 2023-24 academic year. Community colleges enrolled two million of these students, representing 71% of all dual enrollment participants.

» Read more!

*****

To Solve the Student-Attention Problem, Professors Turn to Pencils and Paper

Could students in online classes possibly focus better with less technology? Julie Bernard, an assistant professor of anthropology at East Los Angeles College who teaches a majority of her classes through an online, asynchronous format, encourages students to use whatever medium — analog or digital — is most helpful to their needs. Printed texts can be expensive, and “a lot of our decisions are always being driven by equity, by fairness, by accessibility,” Bernard said of herself and her colleagues.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Los Angeles City College:

Today LACC hosted a Black History Month Celebration in commemoration of BHM’s 100th
anniversary and celebrated the opening of the newly renovated quad area. LACC honors Black culture, history, and community with good vibes and great people!

*****

From Solano College:

Congratulations to our very own Anna Anderson, the youngest and newest member of the Team USA Women’s Karate Team. Anderson took 2nd place in her weight class at the 2026 USA Karate National Team Trials landing her a spot on Team USA . She is on track to potentially compete in the upcoming Olympics. While in Colorado, she visited the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado. Last summer she won Gold for the Women’s Under 21 Elite Point Kumite Division at the U.S. Karate National Championships and U.S. Junior Team Trials, earning her a place on the U.S. Junior Team. Anderson has big goals both on and off the mat, she is currently in our EMT program while preparing for the Fire Academy in hopes of becoming a Paramedic/Firefighter. She also is a part of Ramtown Karate. Let’s show Anderson some support from her Falcon community!

*****

From Ohlone College:

Newark is where we do our best work! In collaboration with @ACWDB, our Ohlone College Tri-Cities Career Center hosted our #STEM and #Startup#CareerFair at the Newark Center. Our Career Ed team joined in by hosting our Professional Skills lab. Cheers to bright futures!

*****

From Clovis Community College:

Still feeling the rhythm. A look back at our West African drumming experience with the Fresno African Drumming Circle energy, tradition, and hands on learning.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Welcomes Former MLB Player Garry Templeton for Black History Month

Bakersfield College is hosting a variety of events and seminars throughout the month of February in celebration of Black History Month. This week, BC welcomed former Major League Baseball player Garry Templeton. Garry played Major League Baseball for 15 seasons, which included tenures with the St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, and New York Mets. He was a three-time All-Star and was inducted into the San Diego Padres Hall of Fame in 2015.

The event took place in the Norman Levan Center, which was filled with students and staff who were eager to hear Mr. Templeton’s stories about his upbringing, career, and post-baseball life. The event began with an introduction from BC Professor Tommy Tunson, who was a childhood friend of Mr. Templeton and shared a few memories from their time growing up together. Mr. Templeton was then welcomed to the front of the room to speak.

» 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

A Love Letter to the California Community Colleges on Valentine’s Day 2026

Uncategorized February 14, 2026 Comments: 12

Dear California Community Colleges:

My introduction to you happened in the late 1990s.

I arrived in Los Angeles, a foreign graduate student, trying to understand America through textbooks and LA’s RTD routes.

And then I met you.

An institution built on virtues I could not quite comprehend.

Infinite hope.
Untiring patience.
Radical non-judgment.
You met people where they were.

Not where they should have been.
Not where someone thought they ought to be.
But where they were.

You were born long before I met you in the Central Valley, where community colleges first took root in California soil.
Practical. Accessible. Close to home. Built for possibility.

And then you spread.

From the Central Valley  – Fresno, Bakersfield, Merced
you reached into the Inland Empire – Riverside, San Bernardino
out to the eastern edge of our state – the Coachella Valley, Palm Desert, Indio
up the North State – Chico, Redding
across the Bay – Oakland, Hayward, San José
down the Central Coast – Monterey, San Luis Obispo
into Los Angeles – every corner, every neighborhood in LA
and all the way to the borderlands – San Diego, Imperial Valley.

Across the Sierra foothills.
Along Highway 99.
Down the 5 and the 101.

Into farmworker towns.
Into port cities.
Into rural mountain communities.
Into urban corridors.
Where opportunity needed a doorway you became that doorway.

You evolved.

You empowered people.
You improved constantly
You innovated for students.
You added programs.
Added pathways.
Added chances.

And over three decades, I have watched you love Californians by taking action in real tangible ways.

I have seen the foster youth who carried everything they owned in a backpack walk across a commencement stage because someone at a community college refused to give up on them.

I have seen the formerly incarcerated Californian who found purpose through education, completed a certificate, earned a degree, and now gives back to their community.

I have seen the veteran, resilient, carrying both visible and invisible weight, find a Veterans Resource Center and a faculty member who said, “You belong here.”

I have seen the student with a disability navigate hallways that were once barriers and find accommodations, allies, and a future not defined by limitation but by capacity.

You do not ask for perfection.
You ask for effort.
You do not require pedigree.
You require courage.

Over two million students a year.

Two million stories of trying again.
Starting over. Leveling up.

You are accessible.
You are practical.
You are relentless in your belief that Californians deserve more.

On this Valentine’s Day, I say it plainly:

I love you, California Community Colleges,
– for your open doors.
– for your stubborn optimism.
– for believing in people before they believe in themselves.

You are California at its best.

And after three decades of watching you in motion … through reform, recession, innovation, and renewal,

I am convinced of this:

If there is an institution built on hope in America,

It is you!

With gratitude, admiration, and love
Your chancellor,
sonya

Grammys, Winter Olympics – life is good

Uncategorized February 7, 2026 Leave a comment

Moments that take our breath away

I watched the Grammy’s on Sunday.  Apparently this is the last year on CBS – next year it will be on a streaming service ….. feels like a sign of the times …. a little bittersweet for those of us who made a night of it. I’ve always loved watching the Grammys. The anticipation, the surprise performances, the talent, the sense that for a few hours we were all tuned in together.

And since Superbowl is tomorrow I thought I would mention the hilarious scene with Trevor Noah and Bad Bunny.

You see, although Bad Bunny won big at the Grammys taking home major awards, he couldn’t officially perform on music’s biggest night because he’s contractually committed to headlining the Super Bowl LX halftime show which I will be watching tomorrow. Trevor Noah cheekily coaxed him into a spontaneous mini performance by singing Bad Bunny’s hit “DtMF” and bringing out a live band. Check it out….

I could not possibly list all my favorite parts….. but here is another – a tribute to Roberta Flack.

My favorite song:

Yesterday, after a loooong work week, I sank into the start of the Winter Olympics. Here are two of the many favorite moments from the Opening Ceremony.

One cool segment – Fantasia.
In this surreal and joyful piece, dancers appeared with oversized heads representing the towering figures of Italian opera history, Rossini, Verdi, and Puccini. Loved the swirling colors, choreographed motion, and references to everything from opera to Renaissance aesthetics. Check it out.
Check out the video on YouTube.

And a performance of Italy’s National Anthem by Laura Pausini. Before the national anthem, the stadium transformed into a runway in celebration of Giorgio Armani. Models moved across the field in silk suits the colors of the Italian flag, their silhouettes unmistakably Armani.
Check out the video on YouTube.

Good morning California.
It is February 7, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Coastline College Launches First Dolphin Tank Pitch Competition
to Support Former Foster Youth Entrepreneurs

Coastline College successfully hosted its first Dolphin Tank Pitch Competition, an innovative, Shark Tank–inspired capstone experience designed to support aspiring student entrepreneurs, with a special focus on students who are current or former foster youth. The event served as both a graduation celebration and a live pitch competition, giving students the opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of experienced community leaders while receiving real-time feedback and mentorship.

» Read more!

Pending Sacramento City College Program Enhancement Will Address
National Air Traffic Controller Shortage

Last month, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) joined leaders from the Los Rios Community College District, Sacramento County, and the aviation industry at Mather Airport to celebrate Sacramento City College’s (SCC) progress toward becoming one of the nation’s only dual-certified Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) programs.  Upon final approval, Sacramento City College would be the first Enhanced AT-CTI program on the West Coast, and one of only two institutions in the country with dual certification to train students for both tower and en route air traffic control careers. 

» Read more!

A First Day, Reimagined: Inside San José City College’s
New Career Education Complex

The Career Education Complex, now open for instruction, represents a significant shift in how San José City College imagines learning spaces. Over the course of the spring semester, 140 class sections will be taught inside the new facility, spanning career education programs and general education courses alike. English classes meet alongside high-tech labs. Students heading to their first lecture pass classmates gathering in open study areas and sunlit corridors.

» Read more!

Long Beach City College And Congressman Robert Garcia
Announce $1.5 Million Community Project Funding

Thanks to the advocacy of Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42), Long Beach City College will receive $1.5 million in Community Project Funding to support the LBCC Child Development Center (CDC) at the Trades, Technology, and Community Learning Campus (TTC). The funding will be used to purchase and install new playground equipment at the TTC CDC. The funding will support a redesign of the center’s outdoor play area, replacing outdated equipment and creating a more functional space tailored specifically to early childhood use. The new playground equipment will serve children ages 3–5.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

How Community Colleges Are Becoming America’s AI Talent Engine

In August 2024, while the technology world fixated on billion-dollar AI startups, something quieter but potentially more consequential was happening in American education. The National Science Foundation announced a $2.8 million grant to establish the National Applied AI Consortium—an initiative placing community colleges, not elite research universities, at the center of America’s AI workforce strategy.

The idea was deceptively simple: if artificial intelligence is going to reshape every industry from healthcare to manufacturing, then the technicians who implement, maintain, and work alongside these systems should come from the institutions that have always served as on-ramps to the American middle class.

» Read more!

*****

Here are 5 reasons why 2026 is an exciting year for community colleges

Rising enrollment in short-term credential courses and community colleges is not a fluke.

Students—including young cohorts—are favoring affordable programs that lead directly to career opportunities, and community colleges are answering the call.

EAB, a higher education consulting firm, recently outlined five macro trends that help explain record-setting interest in the community colleges.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Fresno City College:

Giving tours = our favorite thing. Sharing the tech = even better. Thank you, @toyotausa community!

*****

From Napa Valley College:

Thank you, Congressman Mike Thompson, for taking the time to visit our campus and meet with our student leaders. We truly appreciate the opportunity to share the work happening at NVC and explore ways to further support student success. Your continued dedication to expanding educational opportunities makes a meaningful impact on our community.

*****

From Evergreen Valley College:

Retired judge LaDoris Cordell returned to EVC to speak to the campus as part of Black History Month.

Cordell was the first African American woman to serve on the bench in Northern California, serving on the Superior Court of Santa Clara County. Cordell graduated from Stanford Law School and became a respected jurist and advocate in the Bay Area, generations after her great-great-grandmother was a slave.

Cordell discussed being an “Upstander” and shared stories of those who caused good trouble. She ended with a quote from slave Araminta Ross, who said, Always remember, you have within you the strength, patience, and passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

Ross changed her name to Harriet Tubman and became an American abolitionist, social activist, and upstander herself during the Civil War.

Cordell’s book, “Her Honor,” tells much of her story to readers.

*****

From Allan Hancock College:

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department donated one of its ambulances to AHC’s Public Safety Training Complex February 3.

The ambulance will be used by PSTC’s Emergency Medical Services program, and will help provide EMS students with realistic training.

*****

And Las Positas College shared some photos from their Winter Club & Resource Fair:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Celebrates Recognition as a Black Serving Institution

Earlier this week, faculty, staff, students, and community members gathered on the CSS Lawn to kick off Black History Month and celebrate Bakersfield College’s recent recognition as a California designated Black-Serving Institution (BSI). The distinction is an important milestone highlighting BC’s commitment to advancing equity, access, and student success for Black students.

The event featured remarks from BC administrators, BC faculty, and community members, including BC President Dr. Stacey Pfluger, BC Faculty member Dr. Tommy Tunson, NAACP President of the Bakersfield Branch Patrick Jackson, and others. The event also included a special singing of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ by the Agapeland Christian Academy choir and concluded with food samples and a time for networking. It was an exciting way to kick off Black History Month at Bakersfield College.

» 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

Wrapping up January 2026

Uncategorized January 31, 2026 Leave a comment

I was supposed to be in DC this week …. but between the storm and a wave of flight cancellations, the trip just didn’t happen.

The good news…. got to see a lot more of my boy Neo

Good morning California.
It is January 31, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cerritos College delivers for local communities
with new $850,000 workforce training grant

Cerritos College continues to deliver unmatched value to workers and employers across our local communities with a new $850,000 workforce training grant from the California Employment Training Panel (ETP). As one of the region’s strongest workforce partners, Cerritos College remains the top choice for employers seeking high-quality, industry-responsive training that drives real results. Cerritos College collaborates closely with local employers to design customized, results-driven programs that strengthen the regional economy.

» Read more!

Norco College Rising Scholars Program Celebrates Historic Final Graduation
at California Rehabilitation Center

Norco College’s Rising Scholars Program celebrated its final graduation ceremony inside the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco, marking a profound moment of both achievement and legacy. The intimate ceremony honored 63 graduates—the largest cohort in the program’s history—and recognized students for their perseverance, academic success, and commitment to personal transformation. The ceremony carried special significance as the CRC is scheduled to close in August 2026, marking years of collaboration that expanded access to higher education within the institution. Norco College extends its sincere gratitude to CRC leadership and staff for their steadfast partnership in supporting educational opportunity and student success.

» Read more!

Palomar College Stadiums Win National Award

The new football and softball stadiums at Palomar College have been recognized with a national award from the American Sports Builders Association. The projects received a bronze award in the multi-field facility category, selected from submissions across the country that ranged from schools and universities to health centers and public recreation complexes.

» Read more!

The Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges reaches
Promise Plus endowment goal of $4 million

At the December 16, 2025 Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Board meeting, the Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges announced successfully reaching the Promise Plus endowment campaign goal of $4 million. By achieving this goal, the Foundation will be able to distribute $200,000 in Promise Plus scholarships annually, in perpetuity, benefitting up to 400 East County students each year. Since its inception, the Promise Plus has provided nearly $500,000 to fund more than 900 scholarships for Grossmont and Cuyamaca college students.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

The EduLedger: Higher Ed Staff Embrace AI for Daily Work
Despite Policy Gaps, New Survey Finds

Nearly all higher education employees are using artificial intelligence tools for work tasks, but less than half know whether their institutions have policies governing such use—a disconnect that experts warn could pose significant risks to data security and privacy. According to a new report from EDUCAUSE released this week, 94% of survey respondents said they have used AI tools for work within the past six months, yet only 54% are aware of policies or guidelines meant to guide such use. The survey, conducted in partnership with AIR, NACUBO, and CUPA-HR, drew responses from 1,960 higher education professionals between late September and mid-October 2025.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From College of the Desert:

#Recap of College of the Desert students taking part in the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars program at our Indio Campus.

During the program students:

  • Competed in robotics challenges
  • Connected with STEM professionals
  • Toured Collins Aerospace and UC Riverside
  • Built teamwork and perseverance skills
  • Learned what it takes to meet NASA’s expectations for space missions

Congratulations to our NCAS scholars, and thank you to Professor Pérez, Professor Burns, Professor Blanton, the Indio Campus staff, and all who made this experience possible.

*****

From Cañada College:

Last week, the Cañada College Art Gallery was buzzing as students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members gathered to celebrate the opening of Guy Diehl: A Retrospective. With Guy Diehl himself in attendance, the evening was filled with meaningful conversation, connection, and reflection as guests explored nearly seven decades of his masterful still life work.

*****

From Cabrillo College:

Welcome Seahawks! Cabrillo’s Week of Welcome continues with new Superintendent & President Dr. Jenn Capps working the welcome table in Watsonville!

Bienvenidos, Seahawks! La Semana de Bienvenida de Cabrillo continúa con la nueva superintendente y presidenta, la Dra. Jenn Capps, atendiendo la mesa de bienvenida en Watsonville.

*****

From Santiago Canyon College:

Thank you to Rep. Lou Correa’s staff for visiting SCC’s Veteran Resource Center!

Student veterans led a tour & hosted a powerful Q&A with the Veteran Advisory Council.

The visit ended with a meaningful challenge coin exchange.

*****

From Mission College:

Mission College Nursing and Counseling faculty earlier this month traveled to Vietnam for a weeklong cultural exchange focused on advancing global partnerships and student success.

While in Ho Chi Minh City, the team collaborated with the University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMP) to share best practices and support the development of a Certified Nursing Assistant program. This meaningful exchange highlights the power of international collaboration in strengthening workforce pathways and healthcare education.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC’s Renegade Jazz Combo Performs in New Orleans

Recently, the Bakersfield College Renegade Jazz Combo traveled to New Orleans to perform at the JENerations Jazz Festival at the 17th Annual Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference. The group performed a set of original songs to a panel that consisted of professional artists and educators and received critique and feedback. During the four-day conference, the students also participated in various clinics, concerts, jam sessions, networking opportunities, and more.

Kris Tiner, Music Professor and Director of Jazz Studies at BC, was instrumental in coordinating the trip and getting the musicians ready to perform. “The Renegade Jazz Combo is the top jazz group at BC,” said Tiner, “and each year we try to take the group to a festival. The (JEN Conference) is a four-day conference and they perform a set of their original music, and they get a clinic following the performance from two professional jazz artists.” The conference represented a large part of their trip, but the students also got to experience other aspects of New Orleans. “We got to visit the French Quarter to hear some local music a few times,” said Tiner, “I wanted to take the students to Preservation Hall, because that is where the local musicians present their music. We started off at the gumbo shop to eat some local food and then we visited Preservation Hall – it was amazing.”

» 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

Sonya Christian's Blog