I started my week in San Diego.
And you know what I am going to say….. what I always say…. What’s not to like about San Diego.
This photo looks surreal. There was a band playing at the amphitheater and people enjoying their Sunday evening.
Another –
On Monday, I spoke at the Veterans Symposium in San Diego, where I called on our
colleges to fully embrace Credit for Prior Learning as a way to recognize and honor the
military experience of our student veterans.
The energy in the room was inspiring—a powerful reflection of the shared commitment to those who have served.
I’m especially proud of the dedicated staff who lead this work across our system, with heartfelt appreciation for Heather McClenahen and her steadfast leadership of our Veterans Program.
Was happy to snap this picture with Marvin Martinez, Pam Haynes, Chris Ferguson
Good morning California.
It is June 28, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!
Calbright College Connects Adult Learners with Work-Based Learning
in High-Growth Tech and HR Careers
California’s only fully online statewide community college focused exclusively on adult learners working through a unique competency-based education model—today announced the launch of the Calbright Career Bridge Program, a new pilot initiative that integrates paid work-based learning experiences into its career support offerings for program completers.
Del Norte Healthcare District Donates $1 Million to College of the Redwoods
College of the Redwoods is happy to announce a $1 million contribution from the Del Norte Healthcare District in support of the college’s vision create a state-of-the-art healthcare training center on their Crescent City campus. This generous investment will fund advanced healthcare training equipment, helping prepare local students for in-demand careers in the healthcare sector.
Cloverlane Foundation Launches New Program
for Nursing Students at Allan Hancock College
The nonprofit Cloverlane Foundation announced the launch of the Nurses Project, a new program to provide textbooks and other educational resources for nursing students with the initial savings for students of $35,000. Allan Hancock College is the first school selected to participate in what is intended to become a multi-college program.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
Check out this selfie of the California Community Colleges executive staff with the EDUCATE. ELEVATE. Podcast’s “Best in Show” award from NCMPR:
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From San Diego College of Continuing Education:
The Cultural Events Taskforce came together for a dynamic summer retreat—reflecting on past successes, brainstorming fresh ideas, and laying the groundwork to strategically plan inclusive, engaging events for the year ahead.
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From Orange Coast College:
OCC students are studying abroad in Kyoto, Japan! They are learning all about drawing, watercolor and architectural history, all while exploring & getting inspiration from the breathtaking city of Kyoto.
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And From the Home of the Renegades
Umoja Celebrates 10th Anniversary
This year, Bakersfield College proudly marked the 10th anniversary of the Umoja Community ASTEP (African American Success Through Excellence and Persistence) program with a vibrant gala that brought together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members in celebration of a decade of achievement, growth, and unity.
Rooted in the Kiswahili word for “unity,” Umoja is more than a student support program — it is a powerful movement grounded in African American culture, identity, and educational equity. Over the past decade, Umoja at BC has helped foster student success by integrating culturally responsive curriculum, dedicated mentoring, and a strong sense of belonging.
Here’s a video message I sent for the event:
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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
