Sacramento does do a glorious fall. View from my office. See if you can spot the Capitol off in the distance.
This week was a hectic week for me. Started in Sacramento with the Board of Governors meeting and wrapped up in Anaheim with the League Convention where, as State Chancellor, I got to do my third annual State of the System address.
I was happy to report that the State of the System is strong.
Here are two slides to show the growth we are seeing across our community colleges.
Overall enrollment growth puts us over 2.2 million students.
Dual enrollment grew by 10% this last year. Whoa!
Here is a picture of members from the Chancellor’s Office and the Board of Governors who attended the event.
Then back home to my boy Neo and our walks.
Good morning California.
It is November 22, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!
Los Angeles Valley College Awarded $657,538 NSF Grant
to Launch Cybersecurity Career Pathway
Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) has been awarded a $657,538 grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish “A Pathway to Cybersecurity Careers in California.” This new initiative will develop a comprehensive curriculum and training program to address the urgent demand for skilled cybersecurity technicians in the state. LAVC is poised to be the first community college in California to create Cybersecurity and Network Support certificates that follows the Cybersecurity Model Curriculum for California Community Colleges and aligns with the National Institutes of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) NICE Workforce Framework. This rigorous model curriculum ensures a high-quality education that meets national standards.
Cerro Coso Community College Co-Hosted Sierra Cyber Summit Unites Partners to Build Tomorrow’s Cyber Workforce
The Sierra Cyber Summit, co-hosted by Cerro Coso Community College, the Griffiss Institute, and TechGrid, recently had a full weekend of innovation, teamwork, and discovery that left participants energized about the future of cybersecurity in the Eastern Sierra and beyond. Held October 24–25 at TechGrid in Ridgecrest, the two-day event welcomed students, educators, and community members to explore cybersecurity through hands-on workshops, a career networking session, and an exciting Capture-the-Flag (CTF) hackathon.
‘Paths to Success’ Connects Students to High School
and Skyline College CTE Pathways
On Friday, November 7, the Dual Enrollment Team at Skyline College and the Jefferson Union High School District partnered together to host an event to help 8th-grade students from the district learn and explore Career Technical Education (CTE) opportunities. The event is part of JUHSD’s Middle School Partnership initiative, which introduces students to high-school CTE pathways early in their educational journey and supports a smoother transition into college and career preparation.
In Case You Missed It
Noncredit training at community colleges pays off, study says
Students who take noncredit occupational education courses at community colleges are more likely to be hired for jobs and earn more than peers who didn’t complete the training, according to a study published Tuesday by Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis.
Workers who complete the training generally earn pay raises of about $2,000 a year within two years. Gains are significantly higher for students who trained for jobs in transportation, engineering technology and construction. Students who participated in longer programs, especially those exceeding 150 hours, also generally earned more, according to a press release from the American Educational Research Association.
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Innovations to reduce college costs
A House hearing on innovations at colleges that reduce costs examined a wide range of cutting-edge programs, such as tapping AI to cut operational costs and sharing online programs. But witnesses and several House members cautioned not to forget the importance of federal investments in efforts to improve access and support for students.
Community colleges were frequently mentioned at Tuesday’s House Education and Workforce Committee hearing, starting with testimony from the nation’s first statewide artificial intelligence initiative, housed at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) unites all community colleges and universities in the state to use AI to modernize programs, reduce duplication and expand opportunities in college and the workforce, said Kollin Napier.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
From Los Angeles City College:
Coffee with President Gebru
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From De Anza College:
De Anza’s Future Business Leaders of America (@CAFBLACollege) chapter took home several awards over the weekend at the State Fall Business Leadership Conference in La Jolla!
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From Mission College:
Happy International Education Week! Yesterday we celebrated our incredible international students and the global perspectives they bring to Mission at our International Party on the Plaza. Thanks to everyone who joined us!
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From Citrus College:
Citrus College recently had a very special visitor on campus! Nick Dillenburg, who is currently playing the lead in the North American tour of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” stopped by a few weeks ago to work with Citrus College students on the development of a new play.
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From Mt. San Jacinto College:
The State of the College was a success! We sincerely thank everyone for spending their morning with us last Friday and learning about how MSJC is leading the way in driving transformation for students, families, and the community
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Hosts Vet Fest 2025, Showcasing Support and Gratitude for Veterans of All Eras
Earlier this week, the Veterans Services and Programs Department at Bakersfield College hosted Vet Fest 2025. This annual event gives students, staff, and community members the opportunity to come together and celebrate veterans of all eras. With Veterans Day taking place on November 11th, Vet Fest is the perfect occasion to honor the service and sacrifice of Kern Counties’ veterans.
Attendees to this year’s Vet Fest had the opportunity to preview more than 50 resource booths, including BC services, Get Bus, Kern Health Systems, several colleges and universities, and several others. The day included live entertainment, lawn games, lunch, and an inspirational speech form Michael A. Runningwild, a Native American Veteran who served in the USMC.
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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
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As we head into Thanksgiving week, I give thanks for the California Community College system that lifts up literally millions of students and their families, transforming lives and enabling dreams to be achieved and I’m especially thankful for the faculty, classified staff, and administrators who have the passion to make it happen!
Nick, thank you for this wonderful note. You’ve captured the spirit of our colleges so well. Wishing you a week filled with warmth and maybe even a slice or two of that pecan pie you so love.
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