Tag Archives: Allan Hancock College

Our Time is Now – July 2025

Such a fun week of good work….

The Board of Governors meeting, where the Board approved the July 2025 update to Vision 2030.

Here is the small by mighty executive leadership at the Chancellor’s Office.

Swearing in our new board member Lilian Coral –

I love this photo of senior leadership that was snapped right before the BOG meeting – Chris Ferguson, Rowena Tomaneng, and Kathy Lynch.

The team that works hard and plays hard!

A fun photo snapped by Jennifer Perry on our walk to Mulvaney’s:

Then it was off to Denver for Achieving the Dream’s K-College Institute: Strengthening Pathways Through Dual Enrollment.

What fun reconnecting with Karen Stout at ATD

And the song of the week…..

My Uber driver was playing this song during my ride, and it has been in my head.
Check out This Love by Maroon 5.

Now back home to Neo morning walks. Check out this happy boy… 17-second video:

Good morning California.
It is July 26, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Lake Tahoe Community College Celebrates Successful First Mentorship Program

Lake Tahoe Community College’s inaugural Classified Staff and Director Mentorship Program wrapped up last month with outstanding results. The six-month pilot program paired new employees with experienced mentors for monthly group sessions and one-on-one meetings focused on professional development and campus culture.

» Read more!


San Diego Miramar College Foundation Receives $50,000 Grant
from San Diego Foundation to Advance Health Equity for AANHPI Students

The San Diego Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to the San Diego Miramar College Foundation to support a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving mental health outcomes for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students at San Diego Miramar College. The grant will fund the “Mental Health Equity for AANHPI Students” project, a comprehensive, culturally responsive program designed to destigmatize mental health care and expand access to critical services for AANHPI students.

» Read more!


Four Laureates Selected for Inaugural Cuesta College Music Conservatory Award

Cuesta College has long served as a bright light for music education on the Central Coast. Through a generous gift from Carol and Eric Olsen, Cuesta College builds on that tradition with the launch of the Cuesta College Music Conservatory, a premier program to support a select group of advanced music students.

These students will perform in ensembles, engage with the community, and focus intensively on musicianship and artistic growth. Each student receives $8,000 annually to support their education, participates in mentorship meetings, and contributes to the campus and greater community through music-related service.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

KCRA: 78-year-old defies the odds,
becomes oldest police rookie in California history

The 78-year-old recently attempted a feat that most people half his age wouldn’t dare try. Myers, who was 77 at the time, decided to enlist in the police academy.

“This is the last chance I have to do something like this, period,” Myers said. “I may be too old to do it. I’m certainly close to too old, so I have to do it now or never.”

Last year, Myers enrolled in the POST Academy to become a peace officer. He felt like it was a calling he’d had since he was a boy.

» Read more!

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Adult School Stories: A 70-year-old retiree finds satisfaction in her GED studies

Maria Bernarda De Leon always wanted get an education, but growing up in a low-income family in Honduras, it wasn’t an option.

Now 70-years-old and retired, De Leon is finally acting on her long-time wish by taking classes at Allan Hancock College (AHC), a community college that serves the Santa Barbara region. The school offers students a wide variety of free and low-cost classes, including adult basic education, high school diploma equivalency and even income tax preparation.

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From San Diego College of Continuing Education:

SDCCE & SDCCD proudly marched in the Pride Parade, wearing our “Unbreakable Pride, Unshakeable Power” shirts—designed by talented Digital Media student Jessi Noreault! It was a joyful day of unity and celebration.

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From Woodland Community College:

Eagles Welcome Day at Lake County Campus was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who showed and made it a day full of energy, connection, and Eagle Pride

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From Ohlone College:

Our Summerfest Production was a major hit! Cheers to our students who starred in our Once Upon a Mattress Musical.

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From Moorpark College President Dr. Julius Sokenu:

Proud to join the College/Career Readiness STEM Pilot Program at #OxnardCollege, funded by a federal grant to advance participation in #STEM careers for low income & underserved students, facilitated by Dr. Klein Williams of OC, Dr Gonzalez, Pres. of OC & Dr. Anderson, VPAA at VC

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And check out this video celebrating Madera Community College’s 5th anniversary:



And From the Home of the Renegades

Kern Transit Offering Free Rides for BC Students

Kern Transit has announced that it is resuming the Free Rides for Students program, which provides no-cost bus rides for students in elementary school, middle school, high school, and college. Students can catch a ride on any Kern Transit bus and be transported to any Kern Transit stop! The program is effective as of July 1, 2025, and will continue through June 30, 2026. Each student will just need to show a valid student ID to the driver at each boarding. The program also includes Dial-A-Ride Services throughout Kern County.

» 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

Closing out June 2025

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.

Heather McClenahen, Sonya Christian, Gina Browne, Mia Keeley

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. 

» Read more!


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.

» Read more!


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.

» Read more!




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:

» 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

Glorious May 2025

Mama duck with 7 ducklings. If you listen carefully, you will hear Neo in the background.

And for the first time, the Catholic Church is led by an American pope. On Thursday, the cardinals at the papal conclave elected Robert Prevost, who was born in Chicago, as the head of the Catholic church. He has chosen the papal name Leo XIV, and is a dual citizen of the United States and Peru. He is the first pope born in the United States, and the first to hold either U.S. or Peruvian citizenship.

Good morning California.
It is May 10, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Diego College of Continuing Education Breaks Ground on $50-Million Renovation to Historic Theatre

San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the $50-million renovation of its historic 275-seat theatre at the Educational Cultural Complex (ECC). More than 150 people attended the event, including employees, students, community members, partners, and local elected officials.

» Read more!


Butte College celebrates Latinx culture with inaugural
‘Festival de Nuestras Voces’ event

Butte College hosted its inaugural ‘Festival de Nuestras Voces’ (Festival of our voices) on Wednesday, an event dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the diversity and heritage of Latinx and Hispanic cultures. The festival featured a lineup of live music and performances by local artists, offering students a taste of cultural music and dances. Additionally, guests enjoyed authentic cultural foods, art displays that reflected the heritage of the community, and keynote speeches that explored queer identity and immigration.

» Read more!


Long Beach City College Wins National Award For
Advancing Institutional Equity And Belonging

Long Beach City College (LBCC) was named the national winner of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Award of Excellence in the category of Advancing Institutional Equity and Belonging. This distinguished honor was presented at the AACC’s annual national conference in Nashville and recognizes LBCC’s trailblazing efforts to embed equity, belonging, and inclusion throughout its campus culture and operations.

» Read more!


San Jose City College Embraces Diversity At Spring Cultural Festival

San Jose City College students and faculty gathered for the Spring Cultural Festival on April 30. The festival aimed to celebrate cultural pride and connection. Traditional dances were held on stage. The Vietnamese Student Association performed a fan dance, and the Latinx Unity Zone, or LUZ, did baile folklórico. Attendees also participated in water activities hosted by the Burmese Student Association, or BURSA.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

More, but not enough, Californians accessing free money for college, career

Over 3.9 million school-aged children across the state now qualify for at least $500 with CalKIDS, the savings account launched by the state in 2022. It automatically awards at least $500 to low-income students and English learners with the goal of helping families save for college or career training. In 2024, EdSource found that fewer than 8.3% of eligible families had claimed their account, despite fanfare surrounding the launch. 

» Read more!

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Community Voices: Kindness is not political

From Nick Strobel –
“Kindness is not political” is on a magnet being produced by a fellow member of my church to distribute everywhere. This is not some sappy, sweet sentiment message but, rather, a reminder that regardless of your political views, we’re called to treat all people with a sense of human dignity and respect. This used to be a commonly-held expectation but in today’s social climate, it can seem like a radical counter-culture statement at times.

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From San Joaquin Delta College:

Still feeling the joy from our Black Graduate Ceremony last night! It was an evening of pride, culture, and achievement. Congratulations to all the graduates—you inspire us!

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From Los Angeles Harbor College:

Congratulations to the brand new LAHC E-Sports team, led by Professor Nick Garcia, for winning 1st and 2nd place in the first annual Los Angeles Regional Consortia (LARC) SMASH BROS Cup! The students have been practicing and having scrimmages since last Fall. Their hard work and dedication paid off.

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From Shasta College:

As part of our 75th anniversary celebration, we sealed a whole lot of Knight pride into a time capsule — including a commencement booklet and stole, local publications, a letter from President Dr. Frank Nigro, and more!

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From Allan Hancock College:

Thanks to @SBCAG_info for stopping by our Santa Maria campus and celebrating CycleMAYnia with our students, faculty, and staff!

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From Lake Tahoe Community College:

LTCC welcomed Assemblymember @hhadwickAD1 to campus for a tour and a discussion about the student support programs helping Coyotes thrive, shared by LTCC leaders and a student representative. Thank you for supporting our students and community!


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Jazz Combos Releases New Album of Original Compositions

The Bakersfield College Jazz Studies program is proud to announce the release of Funky Orca, a full-length album that features 12 original jazz compositions. The songs on the album are composed by BC Jazz students and were recorded in the PAC music lab on BC’s Panorama campus between 2023-24.

Over 50 songs were recorded for Funky Orca, and the album’s 12 tracks were carefully selected by the program’s faculty and staff. “This album is a really solid and diverse collection of tunes,” says Tiner, “and it’s a very entertaining listening experience from start to finish.”

» 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

California Community College spreading love to our students and communities

I hope you are enjoying some rest and relaxation over the long weekend as we honor Presidents Day. The holiday is officially known as “Washington’s Birthday” and was first implemented in 1879.

Good morning California.
It is February 15, 2o25.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

PC and ZeroNox launch ground-breaking program & EV Tech Center.

This week, Porterville College’s Career Education Division celebrated the grand opening of the new and cutting-edge Electric Vehicle (EV) Technology Center. This innovative classroom space supports a new training program designed to meet the growing demand for skilled EV technicians. Developed in partnership with industry leader Zero Nox, the program offers non-credit, tuition-free instruction, ranging from basic EV fundamentals to advanced maintenance.

» Read more!


Allan Hancock College, SMJUHSD Offer Classes in Guadalupe

Allan Hancock College and the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District have partnered to bring college-level courses directly to students in Guadalupe, expanding access to higher education opportunities within the community. The new classes allow high school students in Guadalupe to enroll in general education courses for college credit. The classes include Communication Studies 101: Introduction to Public Speaking and Psychology 101: Introduction to Psychology and are held at the Guadalupe Senior Center.

» Read more!


MiraCosta College Awarded $116,500 Grant for Student Wellness

MiraCosta College has received a grant from The Prebys Foundation to set up a project to enhance the mental health and wellness of formerly incarcerated and marginalized students through hands-on outdoor experiences. The $116,500 grant to MiraCosta College was among the $5.2 million that The Prebys Foundation awarded 59 nonprofits across San Diego for its Healing Through the Arts and Nature initiative to offer proactive ways to enhance the quality of life in a post-pandemic world.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Reducing Food Insecurity on California Community College Campuses

CalFresh Outreach Week will be held February 24-28, 2025, at college campuses statewide. This bi-annual event provides an opportunity to educate students about the program and encourage them to apply to reduce food insecurity and remove the stigma of applying among qualifying students. These efforts help reduce hunger and poverty and improve health by providing nutrition assistance to millions of low-income households through various vital services.

» Learn more!

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2025-2026 SEM Program: Supporting the Student Journey

If your college is looking for ways to strengthen its SEM efforts, this program is for you! With Vision 2030, recent legislative changes, Guided Pathways, equity planning, and the Student Centered Funding Formula, our approach to serving students throughout their journey continues to evolve presenting both challenges and exciting opportunities. 

» Learn more and apply!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Senator Alex Padilla:

Today,@SenAdamSchiff and I met with California community colleges here in DC.   Our community colleges are a cornerstone of California’s higher education system, and we won’t stop fighting to ensure they receive the federal funding they need.

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From Ohlone College:

This week, our Umoja students celebrated #BlackHistoryMonth with a kickoff featuring BBQ, games, and community! Don’t miss out on Umoja’s upcoming Poetry Reading by Karla Brundage and their movie event. See you there!

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From Palomar College:

Last Wednesday, the Black History Month Kickoff event was a wonderful celebration of culture, history, and community. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this event!

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And check out this video from Laney College about their bistro:


And From the Home of the Renegades

Jones Art Gallery Hosts 2025 Panorama Invitational, Featuring Art
of Kern County High School Students

The Bakersfield College Wylie and May Louise Jones Art Gallery is hosting the 2025 Panorama Invitational, a special exhibition dedicated to showcasing the art pieces of Kern County high school students. The exhibit features more than twenty artistic creations, each composed of a different medium, including two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and multimedia formats.

» 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

Let the sound of music envelope you this week

The musical “The Sound of Music” premiered on Broadway on this date, 65 years ago. This version starred Mary Martin as Maria Von Trapp and won 5 Tony Awards – including Best Musical and Best Leading Actress. Of course we all know that the movie version starred the one and only Julie Andrews.

Rogers & Hammerstein’s website has an archive of photos from the original production – you can see them at https://rodgersandhammerstein.com/production/the-sound-of-music/1959-original-broadway/.

And check out this video of the amazing Audra McDonald performing the song “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” in “The Sound of Music Live!”

Let the sound of music envelope you this week

Good morning California.
It is November 16, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Long Beach, Santa Rosa Receive
Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Awards

Long Beach City College and Santa Rosa Junior College received the 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. As recipients of the annual HEED Award — a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion — the colleges will be featured, along with other recipients, in the November/December 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine. 

» Read more from Long Beach City College

» Read more from Santa Rosa Junior College


San Diego College of Continuing Education Secures Professional Design Award for Historic Educational Cultural Complex Theatre Renovation Plans

Architectural plans for a $35-million restoration of San Diego College of Continuing Education’s historic theatre at the Educational Cultural Complex in southeastern San Diego are being recognized with a prestigious Professional Design Award from the Community College Facility Coalition.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Community College Research Center: Moorpark College’s Innovative Tutoring Program Improves Math and English Completion Rates

When staff at Moorpark College, a community college in Ventura County, California, sat down to brainstorm strategies for improving completion rates in transfer-level math and English courses, we started with a likely subject: tutoring.

» Read more!

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Board of Governors Meeting: Monday, Nov. 18

The November 2024 meeting of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors is Monday, Nov. 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with Closed Session from 9:05 a.m. to 9:35 a.m., in-person and viewable via Zoom.

» View Agenda & Video Link


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Victor Valley College:

VVC took a drive out to our satellite campus, the High Desert Training Center at the Victorville airport, to honor Eric Schmidt and the dedicated Exquadrum team! We proudly dedicated this space to Exquadrum, recognizing their relentless commitment to advancing the workforce and economy of the Victor Valley.

Exquadrum’s impactful partnership with VVC plays a key role in the economic growth of our region and provides hands-on training right here at the High Desert Training Center.

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From Ventura College:

Celebrating GRATIDUDE! Ventura College international students enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal!

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From Palo Verde College:

The PVC Board of Trustees honored our five Palo Verde College retirees. Congratulations to Carrie Mullion, Cecy Garcia, Denise Hunt, Maria Kehl, and Shelley Hamilton!

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From Cuyamaca College:

After four long years, wheelchair basketball has returned to Cuyamaca! Both the Men’s and Women’s teams made an appearance, showcasing incredible talent and teamwork. Go Coyotes!!


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Celebrates Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month and the Native American Student Support & Success Program (NASSSP) at Bakersfield College is hosting a series of exciting events to celebrate. All students, staff, and community members are invited to attend the activities, which includes luncheons, art workshops, discussion panels, and more.

Johnny Nieto, Program Manager of NASSSP, is excited to host these activities for the BC community. “We want to emphasize that Native American Heritage Month is about recognition, education, and unity,” he says, “We are excited for others to join us, to learn about our heritage, and to celebrate the strength and endurance of Native cultures. Everyone is welcome to attend! We believe that a broad, inclusive audience enriches these gatherings!”

» 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