Impactful Initiatives: STEM, Mental Health, and Climate Resilience
SonyaChristian
I am a little sad that the Olympics are over …. until next time.
Here are a few highlights
The U.S. Women’s 4x100m relay team taking gold, with Sha’Carri Richardson’s phenomenal come-from-behind anchor leg:
United States women’s 4×100-meter relay final team pose for a photo after winning the gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
For the NBA superstars representing Team USA in the Olympics, 1992 will always be the gold standard.
That was the year that American pro players were first allowed to compete in the Games—the year the Dream Team touched down in Barcelona. Jordan, Magic, Bird and Barkley were called the greatest basketball team ever assembled.
Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan and Clyde Drexler during the 1992 medal ceremony. Photo: Mike Powell/Getty Images
The 2024 version of Team USA that beat France in the gold medal game Saturday night, 98-87, isn’t the Dream Team.
That’s because it just might be better.
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The Farm Boy Who Picked Up a Spear—and Became an Olympic Hero to 1.4 Billion People
In a country with 1.4 billion people, there is nobody quite like Neeraj Chopra.
He is the farm boy who became a national hero to the world’s most populous country by picking up a sport that no one else took seriously. He is the strapping Olympian who competes with his flowing dark hair tied back in a black bandanna. And he is the man who secured a breakthrough gold for India by launching a javelin the length of a football field.
That medal was just the start. The shower of real prizes began when Chopra returned home in 2021 as his country’s first ever track-and-field Olympic champion and found some 30,000 people in his village waiting to greet him in an open car. India’s defense minister gave him a stadium. India’s largest airline gave him a year’s worth of free tickets. India’s first individual gold medalist gave him a Golden Retriever named Tokyo.
Neeraj Chopra of India is the reigning gold medalist in javelin. ILLUSTRATION: Timmy Huynh, CHRISTIAN BRUNA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock, iStock
Very much looking forward to when the 2028 Olympics come back to Los Angeles!
Good morning California. It is August 17, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
College of Alameda Holds STEM Pilot Program
On July 24, 2024, College of Alameda hosted Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and his team, including Northern California Regional Liaison Abel Pineda. This visit highlighted the collaborative STEM pilot program with Oakland Natives Give Back, the East Oakland Youth Development Center, and the State Superintendent’s office.
College of San Mateo’s Active Minds Chapter Wins Top Honors
College of San Mateo (CSM) is proud to announce that its Active Minds Chapter has been awarded the Chapter of the Year Award at the 2024 Active Minds Conference in Washington, D.C. This significant recognition is a testament to the chapter’s dedication and innovative approach to mental health advocacy on campus.
Hartnell College Awarded $2 Million Subaward as Part of $71 Million NOAA Regional Climate Resilience Project
Hartnell College will play a crucial role by focusing on workforce development. The college plans to build and offer non-credit certificates and related internships to equip the local workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to address climate resilience effectively. These programs will prepare students and community members for careers in climate adaptation and environmental sustainability.
The power of community was on full display earlier this month at Gavilan College’s second annual Scholarship Ceremony. This heartfelt event brought together generous donors and deserving scholarship recipients. This year, 133 awards were presented, totaling a remarkable $116,600 in scholarships.
In Case You Missed It
California Community Colleges Celebrate Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week in California
Members of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, lawmakers and students were on hand at the state Capitol this week for a formal proclamation celebrating the fourth week of September as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week in California.
I love this time of year! Welcome Day @palomarcomets! Go Comets!
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From Mission College:
STEM students gathered for a day of exploration and support today at STEMVeniDa 2024! The event featured guidance from Mission College team members who provided resources to help students thrive throughout their academic journey
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From College of the Siskiyous:
Happy 85th to Coach Ray! The first Head Football Coach at College of the Siskiyous!
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From Santa Barbara City College:
Check out the KSBY story, “‘Through our lived experiences, we can help someone else’: How one SBCC program is reducing recidivism” here:
And check out this video from Mendocino Peninsula College, showcasing their STEM LEGO Summer Camp:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Offering Free Media Literacy Certificate Program
Bakersfield College is excited to introduce a new three-course, Media Literacy Certification Program for participants to learn how to navigate online environments ethically and confidently. The program will also provide useful tips and instruction on how to effectively utilize mass media sources, artificial intelligence tools, and online safety and privacy techniques.
