Here’s one of his recent videos – “Meet Your College Success Team”:
Good morning California. It is April 25, 2026. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Cuesta College Awarded $1.2M STEM Scholarship Grant
Cuesta College has been awarded a six-year, $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation through its Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program. The grant will support low-income students pursuing degrees in computing and engineering. The project will provide scholarships alongside comprehensive academic and career support to help students persist, transfer to four-year institutions, and succeed in high-demand STEM fields.
Porterville College’s “Entree to Employment” Bridges the Gap Between Classroom & Career
The Porterville College Transfer Center, in partnership with the Office of Instruction and the Career Education Department, recently hosted a groundbreaking event designed to redefine how students and local industries connect. Moving away from the traditional, often impersonal job fair model, the “Entree to Employment” dinner provided a high-contact, low-stress environment where students and business partners could engage in authentic dialogue over a world-class meal.
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.
Why Two-Year Schools Are Higher Education’s Fastest-Growing Sector
When the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center released its final enrollment data for Fall 2025 in January, the headline told a familiar story with a striking new intensity. Total postsecondary enrollment in the U.S. rose by 1.0% in fall 2025, reaching more than 19.4 million students, and growth in undergraduate enrollment was driven by a 3.0% surge in community college enrollment, compared to a 1.4% increase at public four-year colleges. Private four-year institutions, meanwhile, saw enrollment declines.
The scale of the community college resurgence is difficult to overstate. Community colleges added approximately 173,000 more students in Fall 2025, a 3% increase that drove the overall undergraduate gains across all of higher education. Over a two-year span since Fall 2023, the sector has grown by 9.6%, compared to just 4.1% at public four-year institutions.
Insights from ‘Some College, No Credential’ learners
Approximately 43.1 million people in the United States have, at one time, enrolled in postsecondary education but did not complete their intended degree or certificate.
A new report from Trellis Strategies attempts to answer those questions. In spring 2025, researchers surveyed 3,182 former undergraduate students who had been enrolled across 58 institutions – including 33 community colleges – to get to the heart of the matter.
More than a third (36%) of survey respondents were first-generation students, 25% were parenting students and 72% were working while enrolled.
Though a majority of survey respondents said they believe in the value of higher education –73% said that re-enrolling and completing their degree would improve their career earnings and potential – there are barriers to completion.
Check out this photo from the Designing Pre-Apprenticeship Pathways event:
If we do a BCP for FY27-28 for additional funding for ELL Healthcare Pathways, we are considering earmarking the first $25 million to expand community college pre-apprenticeships as mechanism to help scale apprenticeship.
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From Shasta College:
We’re really excited for the student-designed project by the 1100 building! Students from the landscape construction class designed and are landscaping the area into what we think will be nice place to study once it’s done. We can’t wait to see how it turns out!
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From Gavilan College:
Earth Day recap: we touched grass. Literally.
Gavilan broke ground on the Community Garden with campus partners and students.
Good turnout. Great energy. Strong start.
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From Hartnell College:
The Career and Transfer Hub hosted its annual Career and Resource Fair in the Student Center yesterday, bringing together over 85 employers and 300 students to explore careers and connect with employment opportunities. The event also served as a resource hub, where students learned about career pathways, transfer options, and in-demand skills.
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From Moorpark College:
Our final MC Day at Simi Valley High School. Thank you for having us! Great connecting with students and sharing all things Moorpark College!
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And check out this video from Cypress College’s Transfer Fair
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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.
Started my week at ASU-GSV.. in San Diego. What is not to love about San Diego?
And at night –
And a short video during break from the conference:
The Chancellor’s Office showed up to ASU+GSV in full force back in 2024, when we were shaping the concept for the Digital Center, a concept that came before the Board in July 2024 and was adopted.
Now, two years later, in 2026, we returned again in full force, but this time, with a clearer sense of where this work needs to go next.
I also got a chance to present with will.i.am!
Michael Crow, Sonya Christian, will.i.am
Ran into President of National University, Mark Milliron. We have a great partnership with National.
Mark Milliron, Sonya Christian
Evening walk and talk with Lee Lambert planning for the Digital Center.
Later in the week, we visited College of the Desert, located in Palm Desert in the heart of the Coachella Valley, surrounded by one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing regions of inland Southern California. Founded in 1958, the college has now been serving students for nearly seven decades and first opened its doors in 1962 on a 160-acre campus. It was created through a local vote by residents who understood that higher education would be essential to the future of the desert communities.
What I appreciate about College of the Desert is how closely its story mirrors the region it serves … entrepreneurial, resilient, and always evolving. Over the years, the college has grown alongside the Coachella Valley, developing strong programs in nursing, agriculture, hospitality, public safety, and transfer education, all aligned with local workforce needs. It is also a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), reflecting the communities around it.
Andrea Reynolds, Tony Cordova, Student Jonathan Garcia (DJ Limon), Sonya Christian, Jesse Melgar, Val Garcia
Jonathan Garcia, who goes by DJ Limón appears to be a College of the Desert student based in Indio, active in student leadership, media, and the local creative scene. He is involved with Associated Students at College of the Desert, connected to COD Roadrunner Radio, and pursuing studies in film, television, and media.
Here we are with the culinary students who prepared an outstanding meal for us. The parfaits, beautifully layered and served in elegant slender tall cups, were as impressive visually as they were delicious. And the biscuits and gravy quickly became the talk of our team. Here’s to all our culinary students across the California Community College system.
The campus itself has a few unique touches. Its library was once a shared facility with both the City of Palm Desert and Riverside County, a reminder that community colleges often become true civic anchors. Today, under President Val Garcia’s leadership, College of the Desert continues to expand opportunity across the valley, including new campus development in Palm Springs and growing access for students throughout the region.
Board Chair Ronald Oden recited the poem “The Man in the Mirror” (also known as “The Guy in the Glass”) by Dale Wimbrow.
When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf, And the world makes you King for a day, Then go to the mirror and look at yourself, And see what that guy has to say.
For it isn’t your Father, or Mother, or Wife, Who judgement upon you must pass. The feller whose verdict counts most in your life Is the guy staring back from the glass.
He’s the feller to please, never mind all the rest, For he’s with you clear up to the end, And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test If the guy in the glass is your friend.
You may be like Jack Horner and “chisel” a plum, And think you’re a wonderful guy, But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum If you can’t look him straight in the eye.
You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years, And get pats on the back as you pass, But your final reward will be heartaches and tears If you’ve cheated the guy in the glass.
After such a busy week, it was great to be enjoying the beautiful back yard. Happy to be back home.
Good morning California. It is April 18, 2026. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Cerritos College’s Innovative High School Credit Recovery Program Earns National Award, Transforming Students’ Futures
Cerritos College transformed the recovery process into an opportunity; the college’s credit recovery program was awarded the 2025-26 League for Innovation in Community Colleges Excellence Award. In collaboration with the Downey Unified School District, the college launched a program in Summer 2025 to help high school students recover credits for missed or failed classes.
San José City College Celebrates the Career Education Complex, Marking Largest Campus Investment in Decades
Students, faculty, classified professionals, elected officials, and community members gathered on the San José City College campus Tuesday evening to celebrate the completion of the Career Education Complex (CEC). This sprawling, four-story building represents the most significant investment in SJCC’s facilities since the college was founded more than a century ago. The new CEC building stands four stories tall and encompasses 91,000 square feet of classroom space, labs, and collaborative learning environments. Its design, led by Steinberg Hart Architects, was intentional from the ground up.
East Los Angeles College’s Sisterhood Expo Celebrates Women Who Lead, Build, and Inspire
On March 24th East Los Angeles College (ELAC) hosted the 2026 Sisterhood Expo, drawing community members to a vibrant marketplace celebrating women’s entrepreneurship. The event spotlighted women-owned businesses from across Los Angeles County, offering attendees the opportunity to shop, connect, and engage with the creative and entrepreneurial talent that defines the East LA community.
Barn Owls Take Flight on Moreno Valley College Campus
Moreno Valley College is advancing its approach to environmental stewardship by welcoming a new team of nocturnal specialists: barn owls. This innovative initiative marks a shift in the college’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, which is an ecosystem-based approach focused on long-term pest prevention through biological controls and habitat manipulation rather than traditional chemical pesticides. A single barn owl is capable of consuming approximately 1,500 rodents per year.
AI is remaking the workforce. How can colleges ensure students thrive?
Though the long-term effects of artificial intelligence on the job market remain to be seen, the rapidly developing technology has already begun changing how employers discuss work and hiring. Colleges now face the daunting task of preparing students for occupations that could look radically different in a relatively short timeframe.
A 2025 report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce found that the rapid implementation of AI could simultaneously ease and worsen skills shortages, reducing the need for workers to complete some routine cognitive tasks but prompting demand for advanced technical and adaptive skills.
For the first time, students ages 18 to 20 made up the largest share of first-time associate degree earners, 32.6 percent, beating out older students ages 21 to 24. More broadly, the number of 18- to 20-year-olds who earned an associate degree was up 47.7 percent compared to a decade ago. A relatively small but fast-growing number of students under the age of 18—52,500—also earned their first undergraduate credentials. Students under 18 who completed their first associate degree tripled, while the number who finished their first certificates quadrupled. The report suggests that these trends reflect a surge in dual enrollment.
A simple conversation at Coastline College led to something extraordinary.
Meet Zekai Wu, a student veteran whose journey took him from the Veterans Resource Center to an acceptance at MIT in just 45 days.
See how the right support and a single moment can change everything. Read his story.
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From Reedley College:
Our Tiger Job Fair was a huge success!
A big thank you to all the employers and vendors who joined us to share valuable career opportunities and insights with our students and community. Your support made this event truly meaningful!
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From Modesto Junior College:
The 2026 Latinx Comic Arts Festival brought creativity, culture, and community together in a big way. Creatives from around the nation showcased their talents on MJC’s West Campus during the two day festival. Cartoonists, artists, writers, animators, and more displayed their work and shared their stories during speaker panels. Saturday guests were treated to an epic lowrider car show, where they could get a close-up of each unique ride and talk with the car builders. This festival is held every other year on MCC West Campus.
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From Santa Rosa Junior College:
An SRJC Culinary Arts student and an alumna just received $1,500 microgrants from the Sonoma Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier, a worldwide philanthropic society of professional women leaders in the fields of food, fine beverage, and hospitality.
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Hien Pham (left photo) began as a cottage baker, working from her home kitchen to serve her Santa Rosa community. Today, she is the founder of Corner Bakehouse, a neighborhood microbakery grounded in whole grains, seasonal ingredients, and slow fermentation. Her work reflects a deep respect for traditional techniques and for the farmers who grow the ingredients she uses, many sourced here in Sonoma County and from her own garden. In addition to her bakery, Hien shares her knowledge through teaching and continues to refine her craft alongside some of the region’s most respected bakeries.
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Carlee Austin (photo on the right) has been building her culinary path from an early age, beginning with cooking classes as a child and continuing through her graduation from Santa Rosa Junior College’s Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management program. Carlee is focused on creating meaningful food experiences through cooking classes, private dinners, and other catered events, while working toward launching her own business through a micro-enterprise home kitchen operation (MEHKO) license.
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And Los Angeles Trade-Tech College shared pics from their 2026 Roots & Royalty Showcase.
On February 26, LATTC proudly celebrated Black History Month with “Roots & Royalty,” an inspiring showcase honoring the achievements, contributions, and rich history of the Black community. From a vibrant Fashion Showcase Extravaganza featuring District and LATTC students, faculty, and classified professional models, to stunning designs by U.S./Ghanaian brand UDefineU, the runway reflected the beauty, resilience, and elegance of African heritage. Guests also enjoyed standout contributions from our Culinary Arts, Fashion Design, and Cosmetology departments. A special highlight of the day was the jollof rice competition, where Culinary Arts students Donald Donaldson, Cherie Jones, and Shannon Jones presented their recipes—with congratulations to Cherie Jones for taking home the win! “Roots & Royalty” was a powerful reminder to honor the legacy of Black pioneers while uplifting the next generation of leaders, creatives, and changemakers.
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Launches College Corps Career Development Program
This week, Bakersfield College announced an exciting partnership with College Corps which provides a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable professional development while earning money to help pay for college. BC has been awarded a $3.2 million dollar grant through the California Volunteers College Corps program to launch the initiative.
College Corps is a paid service and career training program at colleges and universities across the state. The goal is to connect students with local businesses and non-profit organizations to receive ongoing training, mentoring, and professional development while earning up to $10,000 for college. Participating students will have the opportunity to work in a variety of fields, including K-12 education, climate action, food security, and many others.
On Friday, the Artemis II mission around the moon ended with Integrity’s splashdown into the Pacific.
There are so many amazing parts of this mission – when Commander Reid Wiseman’s crewmates asked to name a moon crater after Reid’s late wife Carroll; how they carried a swatch of fabric from the original Wright Flyer – from first flight, to furthest from Earth; an SD card holding millions of names in the “send your name to space” campaign that brought the public along on the journey.
Another fun part has been the daily wake up songs that greeted the astronauts. Every morning, Mission Control would play a song to start their day.
A few of my favorites:
Under Pressure, by Queen & David Bowie:
Working Class Heroes (Work) from CeeLo Green:
Green Light from John Legend and Andre 3000:
On the day of their lunar flyby, the crew also received a special message from Apollo 8 and Apollo 13 astronaut Jim Lovell, who recorded this before he passed in 2025:
“Hello, Artemis II! This is Apollo astronaut Jim Lovell. Welcome to my old neighborhood! When Frank Borman, Bill Anders, and I orbited the Moon on Apollo 8, we got humanity’s first up-close look at the Moon and got a view of the home planet that inspired and united people around the world. I’m proud to pass that torch on to you — as you swing around the Moon and lay the groundwork for missions to Mars … for the benefit of all. It’s a historic day, and I know how busy you’ll be. But don’t forget to enjoy the view. So, Reid, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy, and all the great teams supporting you – good luck and Godspeed from all of us here on the good Earth.”
Spent Easter with my daughter in Toronto and then headed to Sacramento for the CCC Advocacy Day. Here are a few photos from Advocacy Day
Check out these two photos … one from 2024 and the second from 2026. Amy Costa and me in action!
Amy Costa and Sonya Christian April 10, 2024
Sonya Christian and Amy Costa April 7, 2026
Board of Governors
Large Group
I was honored to speak at the Public Policy Institute of California’s “A Conversation with California’s Higher Education Leaders”.
Then it was back to my boy Neo –
Good morning California. It is April 11, 2026. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Merced College Wins Bellwether Award for Leadership in Workforce Innovation
Merced College has been named a 2026 Bellwether Award winner in the Workforce Development category, a national honor recognizing innovative and replicable programs that address critical workforce challenges. The award recognizes the college’s AgTEC Workforce Initiative, a comprehensive agricultural innovation ecosystem designed to prepare farmworkers and future agricultural professionals for a rapidly evolving industry shaped by automation, robotics and data-driven systems.
West Los Angeles College Aviation Team Soars During Women’s History Month, Challenging Gender Norms in Aviation
From March 15 to 18, 2026, the Aviation Women’s Skills Team, led by WLAC Professor Monica Reyes, completed the 2026 specialized skills Training in Texas. The partnership, sponsored by United Airlines, provided our students with high-level professional exposure and technical development. West is the only California Community College that offers a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology, with a focus on the future of aviation technology, including AI, drones, and satellite navigation.
Mendocino College Celebrates $20 million Project on Willits Campus
Local and state leaders recently visited the Mendocino College Willits campus to celebrate a major $20 million investment that will fund a new career training center. U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Ukiah, state Sen. Mike McGuire, D-Ukiah, Mendocino College President Tim Karas, Mendocino County Supervisor John Haschak and other leaders involved in the project spoke about how the infusion of funds will support increasing enrollment at the college and create opportunities for economic development. The planned 19,000‑square‑foot facility will expand hands‑on programs in areas like fire technology, health sciences, construction, and energy technology, supporting both workforce development and local economic growth. Doors are expected to open in spring 2029.
College of the Canyons Earns ‘Bee Campus’ Designation
The college has earned designation as a Bee Campus USA affiliate, becoming the first community college in Southern California to receive the distinction in recognition of its long-standing commitment to pollinator conservation, native habitat restoration, and biodiversity education. As a Bee Campus USA affiliate, COC will further its efforts to conserve native pollinators by providing healthy habitats rich in diverse native plants, protected nesting sites, and landscapes managed with minimal pesticides.
After losing his home in the Palisades fire, he’s learning to rebuild it — literally
Hudson Idov wasn’t excited about any of his college options — that is, until his Los Angeles house burned down in the Palisades Fire his senior year of high school.
Less than a week after graduation, he and one of his classmates enrolled in the carpentry program at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, a community college just south of downtown. Their goal is to start a construction company one day and help rebuild the Palisades. “We have big, big 10-year plans,” he said during a break in his morning class.
While not as severe as the tech sector’s predictions, the index projects that roughly 6 percent of jobs are vulnerable to AI-driven elimination within the next two to five years, amounting to “a wipeout equivalent to the economy of Belgium” or even “just shy of the economy of South Korea,” if adoption of agentic AI tools increases.
Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for the Physical Education & Athletics Building Groundbreaking Ceremony. The P.E. & Athletics Building is the first project out of the Measure P Bond Extension; This was prioritized to attain matching state funds of $34 million for the project.
“It is exciting to see the P.E. & Athletics Building already deconstructed and moving into the construction phase for our Cliff Campus, as this is the first major building project on campus in almost a decade,” said Superintendent/President Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D.
From Santa Barbara City College:
Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for the Physical Education & Athletics Building Groundbreaking Ceremony. The P.E. & Athletics Building is the first project out of the Measure P Bond Extension; This was prioritized to attain matching state funds of $34 million for the project.
“It is exciting to see the P.E. & Athletics Building already deconstructed and moving into the construction phase for our Cliff Campus, as this is the first major building project on campus in almost a decade,” said Superintendent/President Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D.
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From Butte College:
Thank you to Mr. Jim Tanimoto for sharing his remarkable story and wisdom with our campus community. At 102 years old, Mr. Tanimoto offers a powerful and personal connection to history as one of the last survivors of the Tule Lake Segregation Center.
We were honored to host a screening of Mr. Tanimoto’s Journey as part of our U in Butte programming, followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Jesse Dizard, Mr. Tanimoto, and Patrick Gilmore.
We thank Mr. Tanimoto for his time and his words!.
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From Folsom Lake College:
A delegation representing FLC’s Prison and Reentry Education Program (PREP) is attending the 15th National Conference on Higher Education in Prison, April 8–10 in Cleveland, Ohio. The conference is bringing together educators and practitioners from across the country to explore policy developments, emerging trends, and innovative practices in prison education.
By participating in this national convening, the FLC team hopes to gain valuable insights to strengthen and expand educational opportunities for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students, further advancing the college’s commitment to access, equity, and student success.
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From Solano Community College:
Solano Community College Trustees proudly showed their support for Autism and Neurodiversity Acceptance Month by wearing blue—a symbol of solidarity, understanding, and inclusion.
This meaningful gesture reflects our commitment to celebrating the strengths and contributions of neurodivergent individuals, whose unique perspectives help shape our world for the better—on our campus and beyond. Together, we continue to foster an environment where every voice is valued and every individual belongs.
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC’s Jones Art Gallery Hosting 2026 Student Art Exhibit
The Bakersfield College Wylie and May Louise Art Gallery is hosting the 2026 Student Art Exhibit which officially opened this week. This annual event features a diverse collection of artwork by BC students, highlighting their creativity and exceptional talent. There were hundreds of submissions, and each piece included in the exhibit was reviewed and selected by a panel of jurors.
The 2026 BC Student Art Exhibit will be on display in the Jones Art Gallery until April 30th during regular gallery hours (Monday-Thursday, 2:00PM-5:00PM) and is free and open to the public. Please come and enjoy the beautiful artwork created by some of BC’s most talented artists.
This week we watched in awe as Artemis II made its historic journey to orbit the moon. This is NASA’s first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit in over 50 years – the last mission, Apollo 17, launched December 7, 1972, and marked the last time humans set foot on the moon.
Orion, the spacecraft launched in the Artemis II mission, will orbit the moon on its 10-day journey, and is expected to reach a distance of 252,799 miles from Earth.
Here’s a short introduction to the 4 astronauts aboard Orion:
Reid Wiseman, Commander
Reid Wiseman, 50, is a 27-year Navy veteran and Baltimore native. He was selected as an astronaut in 2009.
In 2014, he flew to the International Space Station and spent 165 days in orbit. During that mission, he made two spacewalks.
Wiseman is also an aquanaut – he was a member of NASA’s Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) program, living undersea in conditions similar to those on a spacecraft.
Victor Glover, Pilot
Victor Glover, 49, is a California native, born in Pomona. He was selected as an astronaut in 2013 while serving as a Legislative Fellow in the US Senate.
He piloted the first operational flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon, which flew to the International Space Station in November 2020. During that mission, he spent 168 days in space. He completed 4 spacewalks during that time.
Glover has accumulated 3,500 flight hours in more than 40 aircraft.
Christina Koch, Mission Specialist
Christina Koch, 47, was selected as an astronaut in 2013. She is a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
On March 14, 2019, she launched to the International Space Station, returning on February 6, 2020. During that mission, she and Jessica Meir were the first women to participate in an all-female spacewalk. She also broke the record for longest continuous time in space by a women.
She conducted a total of six spacewalks, totaling 42 hours and 15 minutes.
She also made the first edit to Wikipedia from space.
Jeremy Hansen, Mission Specialist
Jeremy Hansen, 50, is from London, Ontario. As a Canadian, he’s an astronaut with the Canadian Space Agency and is the first non-American to travel beyond low Earth orbit.
In 2013, he participated in the European Space Agency’s CAVES program, living underground for six days.
In 2014, he was a crewmember of NEEMO, living and working on the ocean floor for seven days.
On Friday, NASA released this amazing image taken by the astronauts aboard the spacecraft:
NASA is also sharing a live feed from the Orion capsule:
And back on Earth, another beautiful sunrise.
And my boy Neo
In case you were wondering why my blog post is delayed ……
Spent Easter with my daughter in Toronto. It was a quick hectic and beautiful trip.
Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away
Good morning California.
Happy Easter 2026
It is April 4, 2026. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Lake Tahoe Community College Chef Virat Vij Named Chef of the Year by High Sierra Chefs Association
Chef Virat Vij of Lake Tahoe Community College has been named Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation High Sierra Chefs Association, in recognition of his leadership, mentorship, and contributions to the regional culinary community. The annual award honors culinary professionals who demonstrate excellence in their field. Vij was selected by the association’s Board of Directors for his service on the board and his support for fundraising efforts benefiting aspiring chefs. At LTCC, Vij teaches in the college’s culinary arts program, where students gain hands-on experience in professional kitchens and develop skills for careers in the food and hospitality industry. The program focuses on real-world training, preparing students for jobs that are essential to the Lake Tahoe region’s tourism-based economy.
Mt. San Antonio College, following approval from the Board of Trustees, is moving forward with plans to install a solar energy system that will generate clean electricity on campus, reduce long-term energy costs, and strengthen energy reliability for both the College and surrounding community. The planned system will produce 6.75 megawatts of electricity—enough to power thousands of campus operations—and will include a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to store energy for use during peak demand or outages.
Riverside City College Alumna Sarah Ruyle’s Animated Film Hungry Hollow Gains Global Recognition
Hungry Hollow, an animated short created by Riverside City College alumna Sarah Ruyle, has been selected for screening at both the Slamdance Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying festival, and the New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival in Hokkaido, Japan. The selections mark an exciting milestone for the emerging animator whose creative journey includes time studying animation at Riverside City College during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
HCSB Honors San Bernardino Valley College with 2026 Spheres of Sustainability Visionary Award
The Hispanic Coalition of Small Businesses (HCSB) has named San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) the recipient of the 2026 HCSB Spheres of Sustainability Visionary Award, recognizing the college’s leadership in preparing people and communities for a more sustainable future. SBVC will be honored at the 2026 HCSB Spheres of Sustainability Summit on April 22, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon at the DoubleTree by Hilton Pomona.
Community colleges are rightly being recognized as central to the nation’s skilled trades pipeline. They are nimble, workforce-focused and deeply connected to regional employers. In automotive technology, especially, that role matters. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects about 70,000 openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics each year over the next decade, and the occupation employed about 805,600 workers in 2024.
But if we are serious about strengthening that pipeline, we need to be honest about a problem hiding in plain sight: women remain dramatically underrepresented in the field, and “access” alone is not the same thing as equity. According to recent BLS data, women make up just 4.2% of automotive service technicians and mechanics, placing the occupation among those with the smallest share of women workers.
Four student leaders, dedicated to equity and inclusion on campus and in their communities, have been honored with the California Community College’s annual Student Leadership Award.
Kristopher Evans of Cabrillo College, Ode Tso Kunthar from Contra Costa College, Valerie Pamphile from Barstow Community College, and John Paul Rosales from Moreno Valley College were recognized March 27 at the Student Senate for California Community Colleges 2026 General Assembly in San Francisco.
Río Hondo College kicked off Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month with a special flag-raising ceremony in the Lower Quad today! Student, Brooklyn Decker, led the ceremony.
The Autism Awareness flag will fly proudly all month long, reminding us of our commitment to celebrating neurodiversity, promoting understanding and fostering inclusion across our campus community.
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Monterey Peninsula College’s recent Dress for Success event:
Thanks to generous community donations, MPC students were able to pick out free professional outfits to help them feel confident and prepared for interviews, internships, and career opportunities ahead.
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From San Joaquin Delta College:
Last weekend’s #womeninSTEM celebration honored our students and alumni who are breaking barriers and shaping the future of STEM. Congratulations on your accomplishments! #MESA#sjdeltacollege
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From Los Angeles Mission College:
On Friday, March 20, Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC) hosted a free Student Vision Care Clinic on campus, providing no-cost eye exams and glasses for students.
The clinic reached capacity early, with 150 students registered by 9:45 a.m., and students were seen throughout the day until 2 p.m. The event was presented in partnership with the Power of Sight to bring vision care services directly to students on campus.
Each participating student received a comprehensive eye exam from a licensed optometrist, had their prescription filled on-site, and left the same day with a new pair of glasses.
Funding and support for the clinic were provided by LAMC, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, the Pacoima Chamber of Commerce, Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation (ICON CDC) and Champions in Service.
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And check out this video on Goat Yoga at San Diego City College:
Blast From the Past
Wanted to share this look back at the first 6 months of Vision 2030:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC and Partnering High Schools Receive California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award
Recently, several of Bakersfield College’s high school partners were presented with the 2026 Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award. The statewide honor highlights outstanding dual enrollment programs that provide opportunities to enroll in and earn college credits while still in high school – expanding college access while supporting student success.
The Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award recognizes programs that demonstrate strong collaboration between K–12 and community college partners, academic rigor, and meaningful pathways that support students in achieving their educational and career goals.
The season of roses has started as we wrap up March.
And beautiful sunrises –
I also wanted to share the Educate Elevate podcast episode on the Blue Economy. I’m very proud of this work being led by the California Community Colleges.
Check out this 30-minute video:
Good morning California. It is March 28, 2026. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Congresswoman Linda Sánchez Secures $1.03 Million in Federal Funding for Río Hondo College’s Public Safety Scenario Training Unit
Federal funding secured by U.S. Rep. Linda Sánchez will allow Río Hondo College to advance the development of its Public Safety Scenario Training Unit (PSSTU), a facility designed to expand training for Police Academy cadets and public safety professionals. The $1.03 million in Community Project Funding will support the purchase of technology, equipment and modular furniture to create immersive training environments for cadets. The federal investment marks the second time Congresswoman Sánchez has secured funding for the project following a $963,000 Community Project Funding award in fiscal year 2024.
Irvine Valley College Foundation Receives $50,000 Gift from Irvine Company to Strengthen Teacher Preparation Pathway
The Irvine Valley College Foundation has received a $50,000 gift from Irvine Company in support of the college’s Teacher Preparation Pathway (TPP), a collaborative initiative designed to create a clear, supportive route from community college to the teaching profession. The gift directly supports students pursuing careers in education by removing financial barriers, expanding hands-on learning opportunities, and strengthening program infrastructure. Notably, $10,000 of the donation establishes a new Teacher Preparation Funding Program, creating a sustainable source of support for future generations of IVC teaching students.
Citrus College Construction Program Leads State with Accreditation
The Citrus College Construction Management program has become the first community college in California to earn accreditation from the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), marking a significant milestone for construction education statewide. ACCE serves as the premier accrediting body for construction-related academic programs in the United States. It evaluates curriculum, faculty, facilities and student outcomes to ensure graduates are prepared for leadership and professional excellence in the construction industry.
2025 Energy and Sustainability Award Winners Honored by California Community Colleges Board of Governors
The California Community Colleges Board of Governors this week honored leading innovators and standout programs with the 2025 Energy and Sustainability Awards for their ongoing efforts of to achieve environmental sustainability while advancing the goals of the system’s strategic plan, Vision 2030.
Six awards were handed out at the Board of Governors meeting on Tuesday, March 24 in Sacramento. The honorees, recognized for outstanding achievements in energy and sustainability, include Riverside Community, Sonoma County Junior, and Kern Community College Districts; Shasta College; and leaders from Contra Costa Community College District and Mt. San Antonio College.
Day one of 2026 Weld Camp is a wrap! High school students from across the area joined us for hands-on activities showcasing what our Yuba College Manufacturing and Welding program offers. Plus, they took home a cool souvenir!
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From El Camino College:
As we close out every Women’s History Month, our campus community came together for the 29th Annual Distinguished Women Awards & Reception.
We recognize and honor the contributions these individuals have made for El Camino College and the surrounding community.
The 2026 recipients include: Cynthia Cervantes, Mia Dobbs, Dr. Edith Gutierrez, Germany Kent, Dr. Brandi Odom Lucas, Dr. Lesley Meza, Mauren Barbara O’Donnell (In Memoriam)
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From Fullerton College:
The Business and CIS Division recently hosted a successful Entrepreneurship Week, inviting students to explore how to build their own opportunities under the mentorship of entrepreneur experts. An annual event, attendees explored different activities, including workshops, networking opportunities and insightful competitions.
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From Chabot College:
Last Thursday was ROCK DA MIC! A panel and open mic event that celebrated culture and community while promoting mental wellness for all. Shoutout to the event organizers and coordinators who put together an event where students could connect and express themselves through performing arts.
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From Victor Valley College:
We want to extend a RAMFAM shoutout to the “mayor” of Victor Valley College! The one and only Robert Sewell has received a lifetime achievement award in Washington DC for his 30 years of dedicated service to student leadership at Victor Valley College! Robert serves as the long-time ASB Advisor/Public Information Officer/Marketing Director for all things in the VVC universe! Congratulations Robert!
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And check out this video promoting Cañada College’s Middle College Program:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC’s Marketing & Public Relations Earns National Recognition
Bakersfield College’s Marketing and Public Relations (MPR) team earned national recognition at the 2025 NCMPR (National Council for Marketing and Public Relations) Paragon Awards in Washington D.C., receiving Gold in the Social Media Post/Story (Still) category. The Paragon Awards recognize outstanding achievement in design and communication at two-year community and technical colleges and are the only competition of their kind focused exclusively on marketing and public relations professionals in this sector.
The award-winning piece, ‘Caps Off, Renegades,’ offered a deeply personal glimpse into the pride, identity, and meaning students carried with them at the 2025 commencement ceremony.
The Workforce & Economic Mobility Blog blog shares approaches to workforce and economic development, with a goal of supporting economic mobility for our community while staying committed to the health of our people and the health of our environment.
In the Bhambi & Christian blog, Dr. Brijesh Bhambi join together joined together with the goal of facilitating healing and conversation in our community.
