Category Archives: Uncategorized

I am feeling good

Uncategorized October 11, 2025 Leave a comment

Spoke at the Collective Equity Institute in Irvine and had a lot of fun with our team from the Chancellor’s Office the Student Senate for the California Community Colleges and other leaders in the state.

The main theme song I used for my speech was Nina Simone’s I am Feeling Good. Was so happy when one of my friends snapped this picture of me walking onto the state with the song blasting through the event ballroom.

Here is the song for you to enjoy.

Good morning California.
It is October 11, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

El Camino College Selected for 2025–2026 National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC) Mentorship Program

El Camino College (ECC) is proud to announce its selection to participate in the 2025–2026 Mentorship Program of the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium (NAAIC). This prestigious opportunity positions El Camino College among a select group of institutions nationwide working to expand access to artificial intelligence education. Through this nationwide program, El Camino College will partner with NAAIC to develop and launch an associate degree in Artificial Intelligence.

» Read more!

$100,000 Investment for San Diego MiraCosta College
Strengthens Pathways for Student-Owned Businesses and Economic Mobility

MiraCosta College Foundation has received a $100,000 grant from San Diego Foundation’s El Camino Fund. The funding will support the Latina/o Entrepreneur Advancement & Contracting Initiative (LEACI), which will expand and enhance the College’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) programs to focus specifically on Latina/o entrepreneurs. 

» Read more!

 Yuba College Earns Silver-Level Caring Campus Certification

 Yuba College has been recognized as a Silver-Certified Caring Campus, marking the first time the college has achieved certification through the Institute for Evidence-Based Change’s (IEBC) Caring Campus initiative. The certification, which lasts three years, highlights Yuba College’s commitment to institutionalizing caring practices that strengthen student belonging, connection and success.

» Read more!

Moreno Valley College Hosts HR Network Business Meeting
to Strengthen Apprenticeship Partnerships

More than 48 industry partners gathered at Moreno Valley College on Sept. 11 to strengthen apprenticeship and career education pathways during the Inland Empire HR Network and Business Meeting, a private event focused on workforce collaboration. The meeting, organized in partnership with the Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire (MCIE), featured presentations on regional workforce development, a networking breakfast, and a guided tour of MVC’s new Industrial Automation classroom. For many attendees, it was their first time on campus, offering an opportunity to expand education-industry connections.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

New Research Shows How Many California College Students Benefit
from CalWORKs and CalFresh benefits

 New research from the nonpartisan California Policy Lab shows how many students in California Community Colleges and in the University of California (UC) system are enrolled in two safety-net programs that help pay for expenses while in college.

One data point focuses on CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids), which provides cash assistance for low income students who are also parents, and for students who are younger than 18.

A second data point focuses on CalFresh, which provides monthly benefits that can be used by low-income students (of any age) to purchase food. CalFresh is much more widely used among college students than CalWORKs.

» Read more!

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California Community Colleges begin rollout of statewide AI tool

The California Community Colleges system is expanding access to an AI platform from an education technology company called Nectir AI.

Eighty-four community colleges participated in a pilot program last year, according to reporting by Axios. And now the technology is expanding statewide.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Orange Coast College:

Yesterday, OCC hosted a vibrant celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival! This festival is a cherished tradition across many Asian cultures. OCC’s event included cultural performances, delicious mooncakes, tea tasting and a resource fair.

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From Oxnard College:

The “Miracle League of the 805” turns every inning into a celebration by bringing the joy of baseball to children of all abilities. Our Condors were honored to coach the Miracle League’s teams over the weekend in Camarillo. It was a beautiful and fun day for all!

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From Gavilan College:

On 9/5, Judy Rodriguez, Hollister Campus Site Director, accepted an award from the Santa Cruz Breastfeeding Coalition. The award recognizes Gavilan’s Hollister Campus for providing dedicated lactation accommodations that support the health and well-being of our campus community.

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From Santa Rosa Junior College:

We are so proud of our SRJC Shone Farm and all the hardworking students and staff! The college farm has earned multiple awards at this year’s Sonoma County Harvest Fair, which celebrates its 50th anniversary. Shone Farm received the Excellence in Local Food Production award. The estate-grown olive oil, Miller’s Blend, was awarded Best in Show. Additionally, the wines won a Double Gold and three Gold medals.

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And check out this video showcasing Las Positas College’s photography program:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Hosts Annual High School Counselor Conference
to Strengthen Regional Partnerships

On Friday, October 3rd, Bakersfield College hosted its annual High School Counselor Conference, bringing together over 100 high school counselors and staff from across the region to strengthen partnerships and support student success for all high school students.

» Read more!

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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

Hello October 2025

Uncategorized October 4, 2025 Leave a comment

I had a wonderful time at the C3CONVERGE: The Community College Climate Summit this week in Anaheim. It was a great discussion on climate leadership and workforce innovation with Josh Fryday, GO-Serve Director.

Check out these pictures from BOG member Dr. Cirian Villavicencio:

We also visited Feather River College this week.

We got a look at their student housing, as well as fire management and equine programs.

Thank you to BOG member Joseph Williams, who shared this video:

As Joseph said, “Feather River College is proof that rural colleges are anchors of opportunity — preparing students, protecting communities, and shaping California’s future.”

Good morning California.
It is October 4, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Golden Globe Foundation Awards Grants to Santa Monica College
Journalism & Film Programs

The Golden Globe Foundation has given the Santa Monica College Foundation two grant awards to support the award-winning Santa Monica College film production and journalism programs. The Foundation provided a renewed grant award of $17,000 for SMC journalism students who work for/intern on the award-winning student-run media outlet The Corsair and $43,000 to help fund the film production program’s capstone class, “Making the Short Film.”

» Read more!

College of the Canyons Faculty Member Honored with NEA Award 

Wendy Brill-Wynkoop, chair of the College of the Canyons photography department, has been named a 2026 National Education Association (NEA) Foundation Global Learning Fellowship Traveler’s Award recipient for California, joining a distinguished cohort of just 48 educators nationwide. Wendy Brill-Wynkoop, chair of the College of the Canyons photography department, has been named a 2026 National Education Association (NEA) Foundation Global Learning Fellowship Traveler’s Award recipient for California, joining a distinguished cohort of just 48 educators nationwide.

» Read more!

Cerritos College Secures $1.25 Million Grant
to Break Barriers for Women in Construction

Cerritos College is breaking new ground for women in construction. The college has secured a transformative $1.25 million Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) grant from the California Department of Industrial Relations to expand pathways into one of the region’s highest-paying and fastest-growing industries. This funding will help women and underrepresented populations access stable, high-wage careers, uplifting families and communities across Southeast Los Angeles.

» Read more!

Riverside City College Donates Backpacks to Central Middle School Students

On Thursday, September 25, the Riverside City College (RCC) Black Faculty & Staff Association (BFSA), in partnership with Umoja, donated backpacks filled with school supplies to students at Central Middle School in the Riverside Unified School District (RUSD). The event highlighted RCC’s ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and community connection.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Contextualizing Completion Gaps for First-Generation Students

irst-generation students are twice as likely to leave college without completing a bachelor’s degree than their peers, even if they come from higher-income backgrounds and come to college academically prepared, according to a new report from the Common App. The findings suggest these factors do make a difference for student success outcomes but don’t erase other barriers first-generation students might face.

The report, released Thursday and the fourth in a series on first-generation students, used data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center to track enrollment, persistence and completion rates for 785,300 Common App applicants in the 2016–17 application cycle. (Students whose parents didn’t complete bachelor’s degrees made up 32 percent of the sample.) The report also took into account how a range of factors could affect student outcomes, including students’ incomes, their levels of academic preparation and how well-resourced their colleges are.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Cabrillo College:

What a celebratory morning! Cabrillo College and UC Santa Cruz broke ground on their 624-bed, affordable student housing project! Special thanks to State Senator John Laird, UCSC Chancellor Cynthia Larive, and all of our project partners and members of the Cabrillo and UCSC housing teams! Leases will be available in Summer 2026 for move-in Summer 2027!

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From San Jose City College:

Yesterday, the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) hosted its Mid-Autumn Festival! The event featured music, tasty food, and even lantern decorating!

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From Cerro Coso Community College:

What a Night Under the Stars! A huge thank-you to everyone who came out and made the Cerro Coso Foundation’s Astronomical Star Party & Barbecue such a success!

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From Columbia College:

Columbia College is happy to welcome over 1,000 High School Juniors and Seniors from 26 different High Schools to Claim Jumper Day! This annual preview day gives prospective students a glimpse of everything Columbia College has to offer with special presentations and tour stops all over campus.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosting Series of Events to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Bakersfield College is hosting a series of exciting events and activities to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The festivities began on September 15th with the Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off and will continue through October 15th. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are coming together to enjoy a variety of Hispanic-themed games, crafts, food, and more.

There will be a Noche de Familia at BC’s Arvin Campus, another Talavera Tile Painting at BC’s Delano Campus, a community mural project celebrating the life of Frida Kahlo at the Panorama Campus, and more!

Please visit the BC online events calendar for a full list of activities and events. We hope you can join us! Somos BC!

» Read more!

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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

September 27, 2025

Uncategorized September 28, 2025 1 Comment

September 24 plan: McDonald’s fries for Mom’s birthday. Reality: work hijacked the day, so I honored mom with bonus potato chips. Happy birthday mom. Miss you everyday.

It was back to Orange County this week as we kicked off the California Adult Education Summit in Anaheim.

This annual event is presented by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the California Department of Education in partnership with the CAEP Technical Assistance Providers, North Orange Continuing Education, the Sacramento County Office of Education, and the Foundation for California Community Colleges.

Good morning California.
It is September 27, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Diego City College Celebrates Grand Opening of AANHPI Connections Center

San Diego City College proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Connections Center on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. The event, held at the Business and Technology Quad, marked the official launch of the college’s newest identity space dedicated to fostering belonging, cultural pride, and student success.

» Read more!

Solano Community College Unveils Solar-Powered Soofa Signs,
Ushering in a New Era of Smart, Sustainable Campus Communication

Solano Community College (SCC) proudly announces the installation of solar-powered Soofa Signs across its Fairfield campus, marking a significant stride toward sustainable innovation and enhanced community engagement. These state-of-the-art digital kiosks, powered entirely by solar energy, provide real-time information on campus events, transit updates, and community news, aligning seamlessly with SCC’s commitment to environmental stewardship and modern communication. 

» Read more!

College of the Siskiyous Partners with NACCE
to Launch Everyday Entrepreneur Program

College of the Siskiyous (COS) is proud to announce its participation in the Everyday Entrepreneur (EE) Program, a national initiative led by the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) that empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to start and grow small businesses in their local communities. The program is designed to serve both students and community members with the ambition and passion to create or expand a small business.

» Read more!

Citrus College Expands Nursing Program

Citrus College is significantly expanding its Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program to prepare more graduates for successful health care careers. This growth is in response to increased student demand and will help address the region’s critical shortage of skilled medical professionals. For more than a year, Citrus College has collaborated closely with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) to grow the scope of the program. Last month, the BRN granted the college its official approval to increase enrollment from 30 to 120 students each year, opening the door for more aspiring nurses to begin their careers.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

OPINION: Rural community colleges are uniquely positioned to tackle complex regional challenges and drive community transformation. Here’s how

Every person deserves a place close to home where they can learn, grow and build a better future. In rural areas, that place is often a community college.  

But in today’s environment, community colleges are under threat. Enrollment has been declining for most of the past 15 years as increasing numbers of Americans question the value of higher education. Recent reductions in federal support for college programs and for low-income Americans will almost certainly create additional pressure on community colleges to deliver education more effectively and efficiently.  

But improving delivery alone will not be enough to regain trust, enrollment and government investment. Rural community colleges must become rural development hubs, delivering value by bridging economic, social and civic sectors to address regional challenges.  

» Read more!

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Santiago Canyon College/UC Irvine Partnership
Streamlines Master’s Degree in Accounting

Students who earn an associate degree in accounting at Santiago Canyon College are well-prepared for a variety of entry-level positions, as well as promotional opportunities, in such areas as accounts receivable/payable, income tax preparation, payroll and more.

However, those seeking to aim higher are encouraged to enter a unique program that will fast-track them toward an eventual master’s degree in this in-demand field.

Created through a partnership between SCC and UC Irvine, the SCC and UCI 2+2+1 Masters of Accountancy Pathway Program closes the gap between a community college and a graduate degree. Students spend two years completing prerequisite courses at SCC, earn a bachelor’s degree at UCI (or another accredited four-year university) over the next two years and complete UCI’s Master of Professional Accountancy Program the final year: hence the term “2+2+1.”

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Fresno City College:

California Native American Day – A celebration with drummers, dancers, cultural practitioners, artists & poets

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From Cañada College:

Womxn of Color Collaborative kicked off Fall 2025 with a powerful Community Circle!
Students, faculty, and staff shared reflections on today’s social and political climate, found affirmation, and wrapped up with food & fellowship. 

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From Ventura College:

La Batalla Esta Aquí We celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a multimedia presentation explaining the Chicano/a Movement. Thank you Dr. Elias Serna for this great discussion about ethnic studies.

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From College of Marin:

Club Fest 2025 is in the books! Thanks to everyone who joined us, here’s to an exciting year ahead!

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From De Anza College:

Welcome Day was a blast! Thank you to everyone who made this day possible. We were so glad to see so many of you back on campus today for the start of fall quarter!

And From the Home of the Renegades

VP of Student Services César Jiménez Named to 20 Under 40

Bakersfield College is proud to celebrate Vice President of Student Services César Jiménez, who has been recognized as one of Bakersfield’s 20 Under 40.

At 39, César has already built a career defined by service and community impact. Born and raised in Chicago, he came to Bakersfield in 2023 and quickly found a home here, embracing the city’s mix of opportunity and small-town connection. “I have been loving every single moment living in this great city,” he says.

» Read more!

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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

BOG at NOCE

Uncategorized September 21, 2025 Leave a comment

This week the Board of Governors headed to the NOCE Anaheim Campus. I love having the opportunity to visit our campuses!

And look who we met – Lindon, NOCE’s first-ever Facility Dog! NOCE does a great job, with innovative ways to keep students, staff and faculty healthy and reduce stress.

We had a wonderful lunch at Cypress Bistro, Cypress College’s student-run bistro, located on the Anaheim campus.

It was a fabulous visit.

*****

My daughter sent me this beautiful Bessie video.  I thought I would share it with you.

Bessie six years old.  Forever young.

Good morning California.
It is September 20, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Laney College Program Builds Bridge to Union Careers for Students

In a bold step toward expanding access to union careers, Laney College is offering students a direct pathway into high-demand construction trades through a new pre-apprenticeship program. Developed in partnership with the Alameda County Building Trades Council (ACBTC) and the Construction Trades Workforce Initiative (CTWI), the program is already transforming lives and strengthening ties between education and labor.

» Read more!

Barstow Community College and IEHP Foundation Launch
a Three-Year, Community-Driven Health Initiative in Barstow

Barstow Community College (BCC) is proud to announce a new partnership with IEHP Foundation to launch Vibrant Villages, a community-driven health improvement initiative in Barstow through a three-year investment of over $600,000. The college will partner with IEHP Foundation to lead a collaborative initiative aimed at improving health and wellness in the region by working with Barstow community members to identify the critical health priorities for students and all residents of Barstow.

» Read more!

Landmark $9.2M State Investment in Merced AgTech Alliance Accelerates
Central Valley Innovation and Economic Growth

Ahistorically underserved region is set for transformation as Merced and California’s Central Valley secure a record $9.2 million California Jobs First investment—the state’s largest agtech award to date. The Merced AgTech Alliance, led by the Community Foundation of Merced County, Merced College, UC Merced, and the Reservoir, will launch immediate, shovel-ready projects to create more than 3,000 high-quality jobs, support over 100 agtech startups, and provide 250 internships for underserved populations.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Transfer Project Update: from CCC ‘demo’ to national stage at CCA

The demonstration status that the Central Valley Transfer Project was conferred by California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian in 2023 has been elevated with the inclusion of the project into the CCC “Vision 2030,” the system announced recently.

Simultaneously, the Transfer Project became formalized when the California State Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom approved state funding for all colleges to align with the “Program Pathways Mapper” software platform that is the Transfer Project’s central feature.  

Now, CVHEC announces that its team will present the Transfer Project at the Complete College America national conference later this fall along with the Central Valley Math Bridge Program presented by College Bridge.

» Read more!

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Clovis Community College Puts Industry 4.0
Into The Hands Of Students & Teachers

Next to the robotic arms, the off-the-shelf miniature smart homes may not appear to be a key part of Clovis Community College’s Automation, Robotics & Mechatronics lab, but this unassuming hardware is providing students and instructors alike with a unique opportunity to build industry-grade automation applications.

Located in Fresno, California, Clovis Community College is well-regarded for its high transfer rate to four-year institutions. Now, by incorporating Ignition into its curriculum, Clovis is giving students in its Automation, Robotics & Mechatronics program the tools to develop a multifaceted skillset suited to both future higher-learning endeavors and local industry.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Napa Valley College:

Yesterday, we were honored to welcome our community to the rededication of Napa Valley College’s Japanese Tea Garden. First established in 1981 as a gift from our sister city, Iwanuma, Japan, the garden has long been a place of friendship, reflection, and cultural connection.

Thanks to the dedication of alumni and community members, the garden has been lovingly restored through NVC’s Cultural Spaces Initiative. During the ceremony, we witnessed traditional blessings, offered incense, and walked together through the beautifully renewed space. We are grateful to all who joined us in celebrating this special place—a lasting symbol of cultural exchange and community at NVC.

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From Mission College:

We were so happy to see everyone at the Pop Over to Counseling event! It was nice seeing students connecting with our counselors and sharing fun moments yesterday.

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From El Camino College:

Shout out to the Transfer Center for putting together a terrific University Fair! Reps from over 50 colleges and universities were on campus to connect with our Warriors for their next chapter after ECC.

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From San Joaquin Delta College Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson:

Happy Latinx Heritage Month! Was reminded once again of Delta’s incredible diversity at our Pachanga Presente flag parade this week

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And check out this video from San Diego Mesa College:

An Exhibit Highlighting African American Women’s Clothing from 1890 to 1963. Curated by Kenneth Green.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Umoja Students Share Stories from Their Study Abroad Opportunity in Egypt

The Umoja program at Bakersfield College recently hosted a discussion panel featuring six students who participated in a study abroad opportunity in Egypt during the Summer. This incredible trip included visits to the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Temple of Karnak, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and more.

Several BC students, staff, and administrators gathered in CC 231, eager to hear amazing stories from the panelists. Dr. Paula Parks, Coordinator of the Umoja ASTEP community at BC, welcomed attendees and expressed excitement that the students had the opportunity to share their experiences in Egypt.

» Read more!

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

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

Chancellor’s AI Fellows Program

Uncategorized September 14, 2025 Leave a comment

This week was the AI Futures Summit in Santa Clara. This year’s theme was Educational Innovation in the Digital Era.

One highlight of the summit was that the Chancellor’s Office AI Fellows Program hosted its first retreat for the inaugural cohort. This group includes 13 AI Fellows that will develop frameworks, guidelines, and resources that support the responsible adoption of AI technologies across all 116 colleges.

Good morning California.
It is September 13, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Butte College Breaks Ground on Chico Center Expansion

Butte College officially broke ground on its Chico Center Expansion Project, a $27.2 million investment that will add nearly 24,000 square feet of new facilities to serve students in Chico and the surrounding communities.

» Read more!

Norco College Sees Success with Disposable Glove Recycling Pilot Study

Last spring, Norco College’s Sustainability and Climate Action Committee launched an initiative to redirect disposable glove waste away from landfills and into recycling centers. The project salvaged nearly six pounds of gloves, masks, and hairnets from the Coral in just one month.

» Read more!

Yuba College Manufacturing Team Wins National Championship
in Project MFG’s Clash of Trades

 Yuba College’s Advanced Manufacturing program is celebrating a national victory after three of its students claimed first place in Project MFG’s Clash of Trades, a televised competition that challenges the best and brightest in advanced manufacturing, computer numerical control (CNC) machining and additive technologies. Competing June 10 to 12 at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, Illinois, students Phoenix Farrell, 19, Adam Davis, 21, and Wyatt Curry, 21, represented Yuba College in the final round against Central Alabama Community College, Everett Community College and Autry Technology Center. The trio walked away as national champions and with $100,000 in prize money. Half will go to support the college’s manufacturing program, while the other half was split among the three students.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

California Community Colleges & Google Launch Nation’s
Largest Higher Education Systemwide AI Partnership

Google today unveiled a major collaboration with the California Community Colleges that will provide more than 2 million students and faculty across the state’s 116 community colleges with free access to AI training, Google Career Certificates, and some of Google’s cutting-edge AI tools including Gemini for Education and NotebookLM. The announcement came during the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Futures Summit 2025, an event designed to drive digital transformation and innovation across the California Community Colleges. The system will also be one of the first members of Google’s AI for Education Accelerator, an initiative specifically designed to help prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow. This announcement with Google represents a significant expansion and investment in workforce development within higher education, positioning California’s community college students at the forefront of the AI-driven economy.

» Read more!

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California Community Colleges Launches Nation’s
Most Ambitious AI Integration Initiative

This week at the Futures Summit 2025, the California Community Colleges – the largest and most diverse higher education system in the country – will officially announce the launch of its Chancellor’s Office AI Fellows program, a bold new initiative aligned with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s statewide AI agenda and designed to make California the national leader in equitable AI education and workforce development.

The inaugural cohort of 13 AI Fellows will develop frameworks, guidelines, and resources that support the responsible adoption of AI technologies across all 116 colleges, which serve 2.1 million students and employ 88,000 professionals. Fellows will specialize in critical focus areas including AI assessment and learning analytics, AI infrastructure, AI professional development, AI research and innovation, AI student support services, AI in teaching and learning, and AI workforce development.

» Read more!

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California faces a nursing shortage. Community colleges can help

The road to becoming a nurse in California has been paved with roadblocks, sharp turns and bottlenecks. Where that education is offered has a lot to do with it.

As someone who has lived every long mile and continued to drive forward, I believe the solution lies in expanding the ability for California’s community colleges to offer bachelor of science degrees in nursing. 

Community colleges are where many nurses start. They should be where we have the chance to finish as we shift into our careers.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Evergreen Valley College:

Many of our original and early faculty (or their families) from our opening in 1975… Walter Soellner, Linda Roy, Ron Fisher, Sami Ibrahim, Evonne Davenport, Karen Strelitz (wife of our first president, Gerald Strelitz), Rose Higashi and Susan Morgado (daughter of Gene Morgado, our original auto faculty)

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From College of San Mateo:

What an incredible Transfer Day at CSM!
Nearly 60 colleges, universities, and private schools from across California and beyond visited campus, providing students with the opportunity to meet representatives, ask questions, and learn about some of their dream schools.
A huge thank-you to our Transfer Services team for organizing this packed event and to our amazing student leaders for helping spread the word and guiding students to the fair.

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From Diablo Valley College:

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 9/11 Tribute Run at DVC Pleasant Hill yesterday! Our amazing DVC student veterans and supporters ran together across campus to honor the lives lost and the heroes who rose in service after September 11, 2001. 🕊️ A special thank you to our DVC student veterans for leading this meaningful tribute and reminding us of the values of unity, resilience, and service.

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From Victor Valley College:

Earlier this month, Victor Valley College’s Workforce Development celebrated the Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (IMM) Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony at the High Desert Training Center!

We proudly honored 10 outstanding employees from employer partners, including Mitsubishi Cement Corporation, Rio Tinto, CEMEX, Church & Dwight, and Exquadrum. These graduates completed their year-long Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI) and are now returning to their organizations with advanced technical skills.

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From Saddleback College:

This summer, the voices of Saddleback were heard around the world. Our Chamber Singers and Emeritus Chorale came together for Saddleback College Choir’s first international tour. From ages 18 to 90, singers shared the stage across four countries, proving that music truly connects generations and cultures.

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From Allan Hancock College:

Cadets in our fire academy climbed the six-story tower at the AHC Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc to memorialize the first responders killed in the September 11th attacks. They made the trip up the tower 19 times, the equivalent of the World Trade Center’s 110 stories.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Transfer Pathways Hosts Transfer Day for Fall 2025

On Monday, September 8, Bakersfield College’s Transfer Pathways department hosted Transfer Day for the Fall 2025 semester. This exciting event brings several colleges and universities to the Panorama Campus, giving students an incredible opportunity to learn more about their academic options once they have completed their time at BC.

More than 50 colleges and universities participated in the event, and representatives were eager to provide students with details about admissions, campus environments, degree options, campus housing, and more. The event drew several hundred student participants over the course of the day, and each attendee walked away with valuable information, and swag, from a variety of local, private, and national institutions.

» Read more!

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

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

Sonya Christian's Blog