What a great first week of December!
On Wednesday, we held the final System Webinar for the year: Celebrating the Courageous Leadership of California Community Colleges.

As I wrap up 6 months in my role as state chancellor, I experience this attribute of courage everywhere and anywhere I go….
- I see leaders who stand unwavering in commitment to equity in success, equity in access, and equity in support fearless in the face of adversity.
- I see leaders with a extraordinary ability to listen, to adapt, to learn and to drive change.
- I see leaders who ignite passion and purpose, foster trust and empathy while challenging norms with determination.
It has been an amazing experience working with everyone at the chancellor’s office. We have accomplished so much this year, and I can’t wait to see what the future brings!
I enjoyed writing for the LIFT publication, you can find the 12-page pdf here. https://ed.fullerton.edu/lift/_resources/pdfs/lift_publications/LIFT%20YOUR%20VOICE%20Fall%202023.pdf
Good morning California.
It is December 9, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!
CCC Faculty Selected for STEMSEAS Community College Oceanic Expedition

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Student Experiences Aboard Ships (STEMSEAS) is a multiyear project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF Grants 1701174 and 1701168) to provide students with inspirational opportunities to experience life on an oceanic research vessel.
A recent voyage from Seattle, Washington, to Honolulu, Hawaii, had a STEMSEAS team entirely comprised of community college science educators – including a few from California community colleges!
- Dr. Tess Weathers, an Associate Professor in Engineering at Chabot College
- Roman P. de Jesus, professor of oceanography and Earth science at Fullerton College
- Waverly Ray, professor of geography at San Diego Mesa College
Ohlone College Receives $400K Grant from
National Science Foundation to Boost Regional Innovation
Ohlone College is proud to announce that it has been awarded a significant grant of $400,000 from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) investment. This grant recognizes Ohlone College’s commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening regional partnerships.

Calbright Offers Student Leadership Training With Real Life Opportunities

While all students who come to Calbright learn key technical and career skills, their career aspirations vary widely. For students who want to move into management and leadership roles, Calbright has developed a set of optional leadership programs for them while they are completing their required coursework.
Gavilan College Awarded $1.5M to Create Juvenile Justice Program

Gavilan was awarded $1.5 million by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, over the next five years, to create the “Gavilan College Higher Aspirations Juvenile Justice Program,” a part of the Rising Scholars Network, beginning in January 2024.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
From Mission College:
Mission College’s celebration of Kwanzaa earlier this week was a vibrant occasion that provided all with an opportunity to come together and learn about the celebration of African heritage, unity, and community.

*****
From Allan Hancock College:
Hancock police officers responded to a call of an injured bird, which turned out to be a protected Killdeer Plover. The bird was rescued and turned over to our friends at the Santa Barbara County Animal Control.

*****
Check out these pictures from Cerro Coso Community College‘s Jingle Jog:





*****
Foreign Agriculture Service Administrator Daniel Whitley visited the College of the Desert to speak with faculty, staff and students about USDA internships and careers:

Blast from the Past
Check out this video from 2017, talking about student veterans at Bakersfield College:
And From the Home of the Renegades
Bakersfield College and The Open Door Network
Partner to Serve Vulnerable Populations
Bakersfield College Adult Education and celebrated its inaugural graduation ceremony for students of The Open Door Network on December 4th.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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