California Community Colleges supporting working Californians

Uncategorized October 10, 2026 1 Comment

This week it was off to Orange County for the Vision 2030 Adult Learner Noncredit Summit.

Here is the team from the Chancellor’s Office that attended the summit.

Crystal, Myra, Tony, Sonya, Linda

Byron Breland and I did a fireside chat with State Treasurer Fiona Ma –

The conference participants naturally responded to Fiona Ma and she received a standing ovation. Fiona is smart and funny… and says it as it is.

I loved meeting the students who were doing an AI internship with Merge Opportunity

Structured work experience as part of students’ education, particularly internships, apprenticeships, and campus-based employment, play a decisive role in shaping students’ academic trajectories and long-term economic mobility. While programs differ in design and intensity, when students participate in meaningful, supervised, career-aligned work, they are more engaged academically, more confident in their career direction, and more likely to complete their educational programs. This is a priority we are advancing in Vision 2030.

And here is one of the students asking Fiona a question about internships.

I did a panel with three leading presidents in the adult leaner noncredit space – Valentina Purtell, Tina King, Annebelle Nery

Thank you Annebelle Nery and Santa Ana College for hosting the event. And Rancho Santiago District.

North Orange Continuing Education put together a care package and included this – plantain chips. I grew up on these in Kerala.

NOCE also brought one of their facility dog, Fanta, to serve as an official conference greeter. They partner with Canine Companions to bring trained therapy dogs into their facilities.

Here’s Fanta’s card:

Back when the Board of Governors visited NOCE in September 2025, I got to meet their very first facility dog, Lindon.

I hung out briefly with Julie Schoepf and Annie Cotton, and discovered that Annie has her own podcast. Check it out! Gorgeous & Graceful Life

Good morning California.
It is October 10, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

A Community Partnership Supports Los Angeles Trade-Tech College Basic Needs Students

Through collaboration and a shared commitment to giving back, BMO and United Way of Greater Los Angeles came together this summer to help LATTC students start the academic year with the resources they need to succeed. As part of their annual Employee Giving Campaign, BMO employees commit to volunteer initiatives across North America, supporting local communities and programs like United Way’s Community College Success Initiative. One branch of this initiative is the Student Success Fund, a program created to provide financial support to Los Angeles Community College District students to positively impact their academic success.

» Read more!

Santa Monica College Foundation’s “Launch the Future” Event Raises Over $166,000 Towards $175,000 Fundraising Goal for SMC’s STEM Program

The Santa Monica College Foundation (SMCF) brought together more than 150 community leaders, philanthropists, educators, students and supporters for “Launch the Future”, an immersive celebration of STEM at Santa Monica College (SMC). The event, held Saturday, Sept. 26, raised $166,500 toward the Foundation’s $175,000 fundraising goal, to help expand opportunities for SMC students pursuing STEM pathways. Held throughout SMC’s new 110,000 sq.ft. Math + Science building, “Launch the Future” gave guests an in-depth look at the innovative learning, exploration and hands-on educational experiences taking place across the College’s STEM programs.

» Read more!

MiraCosta College Awarded Nearly $7 Million

MiraCosta College students will have expanded opportunities to train for careers at the forefront of regenerative medicine and cell therapy manufacturing through a nearly $7 million investment approved by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). CIRM’s governing board approved $6.9 million for MiraCosta College’s Hands-On Program for Excellence in Cell Therapy Manufacturing Sciences (HOPE-CTMS), a multi-year initiative designed to prepare students for careers in California’s growing regenerative medicine and life sciences workforce.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Cirian Villavicencio epitomizes a life-long commitment to service and students

Board of Governors member Cirian Villavicencio is being recognized by The Sacramento Bee and Nehemiah Leaders Programs as one of this year’s Change Makers –

Cirian Villavicencio teaches his students at San Joaquin Delta College about American politics and institutions, international political economy and how to compare different governments around the world.

What he actually wants them to take away from his classes is how to become engaged citizens who use their voices to amplify their communities’ needs.

» Read more!

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Skilled trades need 1.7M workers a year

The nation will need to fill about 1.7 million skilled-trades job openings each year through 2035, underscoring a challenge that goes beyond getting more people into training. More students and apprentices also need to finish their programs and land jobs in the trades.

That’s one of the main takeaways from “The State of America’s Skilled Trades,” a new report from the Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades, whose founding members include BlackRock, Carhartt, Ford and Google. The report looks at 124 occupations in construction, production, extraction, installation, maintenance and repair.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Ventura College:

Maker’s Fair

Ventura College Manufacturing students got creative with 3D printers and laser cutters to design and build their own carnival games!

With just 20 hours to build, from concept to completion, they came up with some awesome creations!

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From Cañada College:

Members of the Cañada College team attended Pal Center’s 30th Anniversary event! The evening was a wonderful opportunity to connect with local partners, reflect on shared achievements, and honor Pal Center’s dedication to youth mentorship.

Cañada College remains proud to support Pal Center’s mission of empowering local families and creating clear educational pathways for the next generation.

Congratulations to the entire Pal Center team on this incredible milestone, and thank you for a memorable evening of celebration!

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From College of the Siskiyous:

Some fun looks for “Animal” week in Stage Makeup Class….they also told me this was the most fun class on campus! College of the Siskiyous Theatre Rocks!!

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From East Los Angeles College:

#ELAC marked its 80th anniversary in spectacular fashion as the ELAC Foundation’s President’s Gala raised more than $350,000 to support scholarships, emergency assistance, and technology. Nearly 500 guests attended the sold-out celebration Sept. 26, at the Hilton Arcadia.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Culinary Arts Hosts Olive Tasting Table

This week, the Culinary Arts department at Bakersfield College hosted an olive tasting table on the Panorama campus to let students and community sample olives grown in BC’s edible garden and promote opportunities available through the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Culinary Arts Pathway (ANCA).

Several Culinary Arts faculty and student workers set up tables and tents and presented an assortment of olive samples for everyone to try. They were happy to share their ‘home-grown’ olives and were eager to discuss the benefits of the edible garden and the academic opportunities available through the ANCA Pathway at BC.

» 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

What’s not to love about San Diego 2026

Uncategorized October 3, 2026 Leave a comment

This week, Russian strikes killed 8 in Ukraine, and damaged a maternity clinic.

» Read more

Russia also hit a university in Kyiv – this is where my daughter teaches when she goes to Kyiv.

Let us Pray.

*****

This week, I traveled to the southern part of the state for a variety of meetings and conferences.

What’s not to love about San Diego –

Beautiful moon…I snapped this photo from the Ferry from Coronado to the Convention Center.

And I took this 11 second video of the moon for you:

I snapped this picture on the elevator door at a hotel I stay at in San Diego. It’s an ad letting families know that kids under 10 eat free ….but it’s the expression on this kid’s face that gets me every time.

Every time I stay here, I see that face and laugh out loud…..Pure joy. Pure mischief. And maybe just a little excitement about eating for free.

Don’t you agree?

And another pic …

We had a Board of Governors visit San Diego Mesa College. The college shared these pics:

And here’s a video I took of dancers from San Diego Mesa College:

The next day after the Mesa visit, I spoke at the Nandi conference. Ebony Jeffries snapped this selfie.

Ebony Jeffries, Gina Brown, Sonya Christian

We then launched our internship demonstration project at San Diego CCD – back at Mesa College.

Here is a photo of Chancellor Greg Smith.

Good morning California.
It is October 3, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Diego Miramar College Receives 2026 Excellence
in Mental Health and Well-Being Award

Miramar College’s Mental Health and Wellness Services Department has received the 2026 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award from Insight Into Academia magazine. The Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award is a measure of an institution’s individual programs and initiatives that significantly advance core values of student and employee mental health and well-being through programs, initiatives, and other campus priorities deserving of this national recognition. 

» Read more!

Shasta College Awarded $288,500 Federal TRIO Talent Search Grant

Shasta College has been awarded a $288,500 annual grant from the U.S. Department of Education to continue operating its Federal TRIO Talent Search program, ensuring that 577 students in Shasta County will continue receiving intensive support to prepare for, apply to, and succeed in postsecondary education. The Department awarded the grant through its fiscal year 2026 Talent Search competition. Shasta College will receive approximately $1,442,500 over the five-year grant cycle, subject to continued federal appropriations.

» Read more!

Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara Receives Over $500,000 from State Coastal Conservancy to Launch the Ocean Collective with Santa Barbara City College

The Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara (CFSB) has been awarded $507,500 from the California State Coastal Conservancy to launch the Ocean Collective, a partnership dedicated to building career pathways and shared infrastructure for the region’s Blue Economy. SCC funding comes from the voter approved Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 (a.k.a. “2024 Climate Bond” or “Proposition 4”). The Coastal Conservancy funding builds on a 2024 planning grant to SBCC from Uplift Central Coast, awarded through the California Jobs First Initiative, which kicked off the Ocean Collective’s curriculum and facilities planning process. 

» Read more!

FutureU Podcast – Live from Google: AI Is About People, Not Just Tech

Universities can build all the AI infrastructure they want, but if faculty aren’t on board, none of it lands in the classroom. Recent surveys make clear what many academic leaders already sense but rarely say out loud: there’s a real and widening divide between faculty skepticism and administrative impatience on AI. The question isn’t who’s right. It’s how you close the gap. 

In this episode, I joined Pradeep Khosla (Chancellor, University of California, San Diego) and James Frazee (VP and CIO, San Diego State University) to speak with podcast hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn.

» Listen here!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Kern Community College District:

Kern CCD Trustees Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Kay Meek & Yovani Jimenez joined Chancellor Sean Hancock and others at a luncheon for Latino community leaders at the District Office.

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From Antelope Valley College:

Thanks to everyone who came out for EOPS All-Star Day!

Students stopped by for In-N-Out, games and giveaways, and learned more about the support available through EOPS | NextUp.

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From Victor Valley College:

Hispanic Heritage Month at VVC continues with Wear Your Rebozo, Zarape & Guayabera Day!

Students, staff, and faculty proudly celebrated Día del Rebozo by wearing traditional cultural garments and accessories that honor the rich history, artistry, and traditions of Hispanic and Latino communities. From colorful rebozos and zarapes to elegant guayaberas, our campus was filled with culture, pride, and heritage.

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From College of San Mateo:

CSM students visited AbbVie in South San Francisco to tour the facilities, learn about research and development, and hear directly from scientists about their work.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Seminar Connects Students Through Conversations About Mental Health

Bakersfield College students explored ways to cope with emotional challenges, and found support during a suicide prevention seminar Tuesday, Sept. 29.

The Student Health and Wellness Center hosted “Embracing Life When Life Feels Dark: A Seminar on Suicide Prevention” in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month.

Dave Seymour, a mental health clinician at the Center, led discussions about the pressures college students face and how those experiences can affect their mental health.

» 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

Celebrating daughters

Uncategorized September 26, 2026 Leave a comment

Yesterday, September 25, was National Daughters’ Day.

Here’s to my beautiful, smart daughter, who does extraordinary work caring for children and their loved ones during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

So proud of the person she is, the work she does, and the heart she brings to it every day.

I got my Covid vaccine yesterday. Ninth vaccine so far since 2020. I encourage everyone to keep up on their boosters.

Here’s a throwback to my first Covid shot back in 2020:

Sunrise photo – I haven’t done one of these for awhile:

Another one:


This week was the Collective Equity Institute

Hildy got this video of the recognition of – “Warrior Lady for the California Community Colleges”

Good morning California.
It is September 26, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!


$900,000 Philanthropic Investment will Kickstart New Air Traffic Control Program for Orange Coast College Students

An Orange Coast College Foundation donor has made a strategic philanthropic investment of $900,000 in Orange County’s workforce to kickstart a new Air Traffic Control (ATC) program. The program will create a direct, local educational pathway into one of the nation’s most critical and in-demand aviation professions. The generous gift will fund specialized facilities, state-of-the-art air traffic control simulation equipment, classroom renovations, curriculum development, and instructional technology needed to launch the program. Introductory ATC courses will begin this fall, with the full curriculum available in Fall 2027.

» Read more!

Berkeley City College and LBNL Partner to Expand Quantum Workforce Readiness

Berkeley City College and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) have launched the Boosting Employment Readiness in Quantum (BERQ) program, a three-week summer initiative that introduces community college students to the rapidly advancing fields of quantum information science and technology while preparing them for careers in the emerging workforce.

» Read more!

Measuring – and Proving – the Effectiveness
Of Non-Degree Programs at Calbright College

Certificates and other non-degree credentials are the fastest growing sector in higher education, for very good reasons. They’re faster, cheaper, and often more career focused than traditional college degrees. This makes these types of certificate programs particularly ideal for working-age adults looking to upskill, reskill, and pivot careers.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Citrus College:

Ruby already spoke two languages when she arrived in the United States. Now she speaks three.

A mother and Syrian war survivor, Ruby became acclimated to her new country by taking free, noncredit English language classes at Citrus College.

So can you.

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From San Diego College of Continuing Education:

SDCCE celebrated Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month at Harbor View Campus with an afternoon recognizing the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities!

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From Ohlone College:

Happy #DeafAwarenessMonth and #InternationalDayofSignLanguages! Today, our Ohlone College Deaf Center hosted our Deaf Awareness Month and Welcome Back event with our ASL club to celebrate the achievements of our Deaf community.

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From Norco College:

The Trailblazers Scholars Program kicked off the students’ Trailblazers experience!

First up, we had a warm welcome from Anita Bailey, one of our dedicated counselors.

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And check out this video from Santa Rosa Junior College:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Kern CCD Board of Trustee member Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg shared this from Loteria night at BC:

Lotería night at BC was a blast! Huge congrats to our big winner from last week’s BC Padrinos Lotería Fundraiser. Thank you for supporting the cause!

» Read more about Hispanic Heritage Month at BC!

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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

A week in northern California – Marin & San Francisco

Uncategorized September 19, 2026 Leave a comment

This week was another filled with travel.

Tuesday’s Board of Governors meeting was held at College of Marin, in beautiful Marin County, just north of San Francisco, with campuses in Kentfield and Novato. Founded in 1926, the college is celebrating its centennial this year. It serves about 9,000 students and offers everything from transfer and career programs to ESL and lifelong learning.

College of Marin also takes full advantage of its extraordinary natural surroundings. Its Natural History program turns Marin itself into a classroom, with students studying local ecosystems, plants, insects, birds and marine life through hands-on fieldwork. The college even has a monarch butterfly habitat and a field station in Bolinas …wonderful examples of learning grounded in place.

Linda Vasquez snapped a selfie with Siria, Yanna, Board Member Adrienne Brown and me when we were at the Monarch butterfly habitat.

College of Marin has designed space around belonging. Its learning communities and affinity spaces come together around a large, open common area filled with natural light, with offices and gathering spaces opening directly into it. Students can study, connect with friends, find their community or simply hang out, and support is right there. It is a physical space designed around the idea that belonging and learning go together.

Here is a photo with a student leader Isa… check out the view from the learning space.

On Wednesday, I headed to San Francisco.

I spoke at Dreamforce, Salesforce’s flagship annual conference that brings together the global Salesforce community for learning, connection, philanthropy, and entertainment. It has grown into one of the largest technology and cloud innovation events in the world.

I joined will.i.am and Ron Smith from Salesforce to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping the classroom experience.

Here is 1 minute of Usher performing my favorite song Yeah at Dreamfest later that same evening

Good morning California.
It is September 19, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

SIRENS Lights the Way: Summer Immersion in Research and Experimentation for Next-Gen Scientists at Skyline College

This summer, a new cohort of 24 student scientists spent three intensive weeks living the life of a researcher through the Summer Immersion in Research and Experimentation for Next-gen Scientists (SIRENS) Program supported by Skyline College’s STEM Division and MESA program. Running from May 26 through June 12, the program gave students hands-on experiences across biotechnology, chemistry, engineering, data science, and physics, culminating in a full day of team research presentations.

The program opened with team-building activities before students rotated through skill-building workshops designed to get them comfortable in various STEM labs. In the Fab Lab, students learned basic and advanced soldering techniques, while in the Biotech lab they practiced micropipetting, a foundational skill for any bench scientist.

» Read more!

Fullerton College Dual Enrollment Program Launches Urban Agriculture Pathway

The Dual Enrollment and Horticulture programs at Fullerton College celebrate the success of their urban agricultural pathway with Magnolia High School. A unique opportunity for high school students, the program combines the traditional classroom experience with a paid internship – paving the way for future horticulture professionals.  The internship offers participating students 20 hours of service per week for a rate of $18 an hour. Designed to cultivate professional skills and independence, MACC farm duties address pertinent issues, including food deserts, food insecurity, urban agriculture, environmental sustainability and more. 

» Read more!

Reedley College Awarded Grant From Governor’s Office for FAME Program

As part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative, Reedley College’s Federation for Advanced Manufacturing (FAME) program was awarded over $1.3 million dollars to expand our existing earn and learn training program for advanced manufacturing technicians (AMT’s).  The FAME program helps strengthen sector innovation and supply chains by investing in infrastructure and workforce development.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

A state program now puts $3,000 in the pockets of foster, Covid-bereaved youth entering adulthood

In May, four years after the program was first created by the state Legislature, California launched the Hope, Opportunity, Perseverance and Empowerment, or HOPE, for Children program. More than 56,000 young Californians are eligible for $3,000 in a trust account to use however they choose. The program was created to provide a safety net for two groups of young people who may enter adulthood without parental support.

» Read more!

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Claremont High School student completes two college degrees
through Citrus College dual enrollment before her senior year

Zaira Amara recently began her senior year at Claremont High School with something most people don’t earn until years later: two college degrees. At 17, she is an outstanding example of how high school students can access free Citrus College classes and earn associate degrees while still making the most of their high school years.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

KernCCD Trustee Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg shared this photo from groundbreaking day at Cerro Coso’s new Tehachapi campus, set to open in 2027:

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From Oxnard College:

On Constitution Day, we reflect on the impact this document has had on our democracy over the past 250 years.

Like our nation, the Constitution’s power lies in its enduring promise of a more perfect union. Through the Constitution and its amendments, and through generations of civic engagement, Americans have worked to narrow the gap between the document’s ideals and the realities faced by those too often excluded from its promise.

We honor those who have served and sacrificed to defend our Constitution, as well as those who have worked to help our nation live up to its highest ideals and extend its liberties to all.

That work is part of the American story, and each of us has a role to play in carrying it forward. We can participate in our democracy by being informed, exercising our rights, engaging in our communities, and working together toward that more perfect union.

Thanks to our Associated Student Government for helping bring Constitution Day to life here on campus today by sharing copies of the Constitution and encouraging students to learn more about this important document and our democracy.

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From Saddleback College:

The quad came alive yesterday during the Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month Kickoff event with the vibrant energy of Ballet Folklórico, live music from Tabu, and meaningful memories shared on our community heritage board. Bobcats also spent the afternoon connecting with Success Coaches and the counseling department to explore campus resources, lock in academic goals, and enjoy yummy tacos and aguas frescas together.

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From Crafton Hills College:

This summer, Crafton’s classroom CNTL 238 became the meeting ground for a group of eight determined students to prepare themselves to excel in the upcoming year. From July 27th to August 6th, the Mesa Program and the Mathematics department teamed up to launch Kickstart to Calculus—an eight-day summer bridge pilot program designed to help STEM students jump straight into Calculus I with confidence.

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From Madera College:

Yesterday, our campus came together to celebrate Central American and Mexican Independence! We appreciate all of the faculty, staff, and student organizations who helped plan and host this great celebration!

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College launches 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations

The Bakersfield College (BC) Hispanic Heritage Month Committee hosted the college’s 2026 celebration kickoff Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the Panorama campus. The Student Equity and Achievement Program sponsored the event.

The celebration honored Latino cultures, traditions and contributions. Guests enjoyed food inspired by several Latin American countries, participated in cultural activities and listened to live music. Bakersfield band Velorio performed a mix of cumbia and Latin rock.

“This celebration is especially meaningful to me as the son of Mexican immigrants who came to this country in pursuit of the American dream,” said Dr. César Jiménez, BC’s vice president of student affairs. “It is an opportunity to showcase the richness of Latino culture, our traditions, music and food.”

» 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

Remembering 2,977 lives lost. 9-11. 25 years later.

Uncategorized September 12, 2026 Leave a comment

It is hard to believe it has been 25 years since the horrific events of September 11, 2001. On that tragic day, 2,977 people lost their lives as four planes crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the Pennsylvania countryside.

In the years since, an additional 6,000 deaths have been attributed to toxic dust, air quality, and illnesses contracted by first responders, recovery workers, and survivors at Ground Zero.

As we solemnly remember that day, the victims and everyone affected, here is an excerpt from a poem written by poet and journalist Keven Powell in November 2011, in reaction to the terrorist attacks:

September 11: A Poem

From the remains of this madness

I detect a heartbeat called life

From the remains of this madness

I smell an aroma called love

From the remains of this madness

I embrace a body called humanity

From the remains of this madness

I construct a dream called hope

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Shifting gears…..

This week I was in Santa Clara at the third Futures Summit.

I captured this 1:35 video of the hologram right by the registration desk… kinda fun!

In my speech…. as I usually do I referred to the move The Matrix and my favorite character Trinity…..

One of my colleagues from the audience immediately created this photo and sent it to me.

*****

Good morning California.
It is September 12, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Hartnell College Breaks Ground on Soledad Career Technical Education Facility

Hartnell College recently broke ground on a new career technical education facility in Soledad, beginning construction on a two-level building that will become the dedicated home of the college’s Advanced Diesel Technology program and expand hands-on workforce training in South Monterey County. The roughly 9,700-square-foot building will include a diesel and heavy-equipment training shop, classrooms, a mechanical lab, welding bays, instructional support space, tool and material storage, offices, lockers and restrooms, mezzanine storage, and 40 new parking stalls.

» Read more!

New Student-Created Mural on Display at Mendocino College

A new student-created mural is now on display in the dining area near Schat’s Café in the Lowery Student Center at Mendocino College. Measuring 8 feet high by 16 feet wide, the mural was created by the first cohort of students enrolled in Mendocino College’s new Mural Painting course (ART 224). The project began with a guiding question: What does Mendocino College mean to you, and how would you express that visually? Students Kelly Foutz, Angel Garcia, Patience Gruey, Jessica Hernandez, Thalia Luciani, Sarah Reith, and Brigid Roche collaborated throughout the development of the mural, with guidance and technical support from instructors Lisa Rosenstreich and Jazzminh Moore.

» Read more!

Investing in Wonder: How Chevron’s Support Is Building
the Next Generation of STEM Leaders at Coalinga College, Firebaugh Center

Through a partnership with the West Hills Community College Foundation, Chevron has invested more than $1 million in programs that expand access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. Those investments have helped create opportunities for students from elementary school through college, strengthening STEM pathways and inspiring future scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals, and innovators. One of the most visible examples is the Chevron Science Summer Camp, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in June 2026.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Better coordination needed to meet student basic needs

Colleges must build closer partnerships with community organizations, public agencies and benefit programs to help students navigate an increasingly complex support system, according to a new report from Ithaka S+R.

The report examines how federal and state policies shape students’ ability to access support services and highlights collaboration as a critical component of student success. The report finds that student basic needs insecurity remains widespread across higher education and often reflects broader economic and policy challenges rather than individual circumstances.

» Read more!

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Community colleges: Where the first rung of the career ladder gets rebuilt

Community college leaders should pay attention to something that happened in the youth labor market this summer. After a quarter-century decline, summer employment of 16- to 19-year-olds ticked up to 35.5% from 33.8% last year, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of federal employment data.

The low point came in the summers of 2010 and 2011, when just 29.6% of teens worked for pay. This small gain leaves teen employment nowhere near the peak in 1978, when roughly 58% worked summers. After 25 years of nearly uninterrupted decline, even a small gain is worth noticing.

This suggests that the first rung of the career ladder is starting to get rebuilt, piece by piece, by families, young people, schools and employers acting on their own. The first rung is where everyday, low-stakes work experiences teach young people to show up, take direction and function inside an organization before the stakes get high.  

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From LA City College:

In honor of Founder’s day, LACC celebrated its 97th anniversary with an ice cream social. Thank you to all the students, staff, and faculty that came out to celebrate with us!

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From Norco College:

We launched the Farmers Market yesterday, featuring an amazing array of fresh produce.

Take a look at their happy friends enjoying this beautiful day!

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From Mission College:

Thank you to everyone who joined us today for the Basic Needs and Beyond fair!

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From San Diego College of Continuing Education:

Thank you to our Administrative Services for partnering with College Police to host A.L.I.C.E. Training at West City Campus and help equip our campus community with the knowledge and skills to respond when it matters most.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Fall 2026 Student Involvement Festival

Recently, the Office of Student Life at Bakersfield College hosted their annual Student Involvement Festival. This exciting and engaging event brings together a multitude of campus and community resource booths with representatives ready to provide information and promote student opportunities.

Hundreds of Renegades visited the festival throughout the day and had the opportunity to preview booths from the Umoja Community, Financial Aid, BC STEM programs, Kern Transit, and many more. There were also food trucks on hand so students could get a bite and take a break from their busy days.

» 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