Sonya Christian's Blog

Check out this beautiful Easter message from Andrea Bocelli … in caption he wrote:

“Two years ago we gathered at a time of crisis across the world. My concert at Duomo di Milano carried a message of hope. Now as Easter arrives again, a time of resurrection, I hope that message can be reborn, and brings you solace, and a reminder that hope can never be defeated.”

Good morning, friends… Happy Easter
It is April 16, 2022.
The sun shines bright over KernCCD.

This week, the Pirates, the Coyotes, and the Renegades continue to 
#DareMightyThings

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Porterville College

PC holds GradFair event in preparation for the return of in person commencement

The excitement is beginning to build for the return of in-person commencement to Porterville College.  As mentioned in a previous post, the 2022 commencement ceremony will be held on campus at Jamison Stadium for the first time since 2019, due to the covid pandemic. 

This past Wednesday, the 2022 graduates were treated to the first taste of that pomp and circumstance at the first ever PC GradFair.  The event was created as a one-stop shop for Commencement needs at PC to ensure graduates had all of the information they need along with opportunities to properly commemorate their remarkable achievement. 

During the event, Grads visited the quad, the student center conference room and the PC Bookstore for all things commencement. They were able to try on and order their cap and gown, take graduation portraits, pre-order event photo packages, and more.

Ultimate Exposure Photography took graduate portraits and gave students information on getting photos taken during the ceremony on May 13^th. Along with the cap and gowns, the PC Bookstore had diploma covers, tassels, and more for sale. The ASPC and other campus departments were also on hand to provide information on the commencement ceremony and tickets as well as to provide activities for grads.

PC’s CHAP Celebrates Cesar Chavez Holiday with event

The Porterville College Cultural and Historical Awareness Program (CHAP) is celebrating Cesar Chavez  with a FREE event for the campus and Porterville Community. The event, entitled The Cesar Chavez Legacy Continues, was created in partnership between The Porterville College Dreamer’s Success Center, the Cesar Chavez Foundation, and O.L.A. RAZA, Inc. It will feature quest speakers Andres Chavez and Reyna Rodriguez and be held on Thursday, April 21^st from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm in the PC Quad.

The speakers will share how Cesar Chavez’s vision has grown to become embraced world wide. In fact, his legacy is still impacting laws being created today while helping to develop policies that impact equity and inclusion.   

Andrez Chavez is the executive director of the National Chavez Center (NCC) and leads the arm of the Cesar Chavez Foundation that educates and promotes the legacy of his grandfather across the nation. Their mission is to carry on Cesar’s life’s work of uplifting the lives of Latinos and working families by inspiring and transforming communities through social enterprises that address essential human, cultural and community needs.

Reyna Rodriguez is a Public Relations Specialist for Proteus Inc, a non-profit organization that provides training, education, and community services within the agricultural communities of the Central San Joaquin Valley.  Proteus administers approximately 50 different programs ranging from adult, youth, and dislocated worker programs, to programs related to energy conservation, emergency supportive services, foster family services, youth services, migrant child care, and other educational components offered through the William M. Maguy School of Education.

This event is FREE to everyone.  Tacos, rice and beans will also be served free of charge.

PC to host mental health workshop for veterans

According to the 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report veterans still account for over 17 suicide deaths each day. The stresses that we face can sometimes be overwhelming and often impossible to deal with, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Being an armed services veteran can often add to those stresses and issues. We know how important mental health can be for all of us.  We often talk about the importance of mental health care for our students, particularly our veteran students.  That is why the PC Veternans Services program is presenting a mental health workshop for veterans and students on Monday April 18^th via zoom. 

This virtual workshop is for anyone interested in learning about the importance of addressing mental health with the same care that we give to our medical health.  The session will be led by Veterans Affairs Representative Derric Brown, an expert in the mental health issues that veterans face every day, whether they are still in service, or have been long discharged or retired. 

Mr. Brown has been working in the social service field for over 10 years and his experience includes working with at risk youth in group home settings, adults with developmental disabilities and veterans with co-occurring disorders.

His depth of experience has allowed him to develop an understanding of individuals development throughout the lifespan. Therefore he is equipped to “meet people where they are” and collborate with them and develop goals to overcome obstacles that may hinder their biological, psychological, social and spiritual development!

We hope you can join us for this FREE event on the 18^th.  You can register at the following link: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/93289535799

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Cerro Coso Community College

Respect for Law Recognition Dinner

CTE Liaison, Nicole Harper, attended Ridgecrest’s annual John Ward Annual Respect for Law Recognition event this year.

The event honors a law enforcement officer from each of the local agencies: Ridgecrest Police Department, China Lake Police Department, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol.

As a graduate of Cerro Coso’s Administration of Justice program, Nicole was able to promote the college and network with officers as well as local service organizations and elected officials including Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer, CA State Assemblyman Vince Fong, and representatives from the offices of Congressman Kevin McCarthy and Senator Shannon Grove.

Four officers from four different agencies were honored:  California Highway Patrolman Officer Jose Madrigal, Kern County Sheriff Deputy Isaac Azua, China Lake Police Officer Joseph Schatz, and Ridgecrest Police Department Officer Kyle Cushman.  These individuals were chosen by their peers to receive the prestigious award of Officer of the Year.

Congratulations along with certificates were awarded to each officer from their commanding officers as well as local service organizations and elected officials.

Congratulations to the officers who have embraced these challenges and shown themselves as heroes.

CCCAOE Conference (California Community College Association for Occupational Education)

Peter Fulks, Administration of Justice professor, presented at the California Community College Association for Occupational Education (CCCAOE) conference in Sacramento this month.

The CCCAOE Spring 2022 Conference focused on programming that leads to STRENGTHENING CONNECTION, PARTNERSHIPS, INNOVATION, and SHARING the voices of those who aren’t being heard, and HIGHLIGHTING the great work that is happening all across the state.

Fulks’ presentation, titled “Voices from Prison – A Model for Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (JDEI)”, focused on overcoming the hurdles and maximizing student success in an unlikely and underserved population.  The Cerro Coso Community College Incarcerated Student Education Program (ISEP), governed by a college-wide governance committee, is a national leader and model of CTE practices and student-centered program evaluation to maximize student success in an unlikely and underserved population. At the core of this, is a case study of how program research, evaluation, and assessment can be used at scale to overcome immense JDEI hurdles.

The CCCAOE Conference fosters discovery and problem solving through idea sharing and community building, INNOVATIVE and FRESH ideas that encourage COLLABORATION, AND CREATING A BRIDGE FOR STUDENT SUCCESS.  Participants connect and network with other career education practitioners that share best practices and learn how to navigate the California Community College system to advocate more effectively for college programs.

NEW AA-T Degree in Law, Public Policy, and Society

Are you interested in working in a law-based profession to help people and society?  

Are you interested in an education path that could lead to law school?

Are you interested in becoming a politician or working in government offices?

Cerro Coso Community College has a NEW Associate of Arts for Transfer Degree in Law, Public Policy, and Society.  This new program introduces students to the study of law and the legal field. Focuses on the over breadth of how law affects public policy and society for a socially responsible career in law. Prepares students to continue in a related degree such as legal studies, political science, communication, social or behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or other similar degrees. This interdisciplinary degree covers multiple areas of the law for possible careers as:  Paralegal and Legal Assistants, Legal Secretaries, Lawyers, or Judicial Law Clerks..

Enroll in the new Associate in Arts for Transfer in Law, Public Policy, and Society today. Courses are offered online and on-campus.  Current and prospective community college students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to review their options for transfer and to develop an educational plan that best meets their goals and needs.  This degree has an option to take a more civil or more criminal law-based pathway to completing the program depending on your interests.  Classes are offered online and on campus. 

This degree is specifically designed for transfer.  Associate in Arts Degrees for Transfer (AA-T) provides students with a clear pathway to a baccalaureate degree.  Earning an AA-T or AS-T guarantees acceptance to many four-year universities with junior standing and prepares students to complete a bachelor degree in a similar major at a CSU or participating UC, HBCU or private university. 

Schedule of classes available at www.cerrocoso.edu. Register now for Summer and Fall 2022 at Cerro Coso Community College. 

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Bakersfield College

KCMEA Jazz Day at Bakersfield College

The Performing Arts Department hosted the 5th Annual KCMEA Jazz Day last Thursday, April 7th, and it was an incredible success! Almost 150 students from 9 local junior high and high schools joined our Bakersfield College Jazz Studies faculty in the Performing Arts Center for a day filled with performances, workshops, and clinics for the county’s best young jazz musicians. 

The day-long event featured some truly wonderful performances from these musicians, as well as impressive showings from the BC Faculty Jazz Ensemble, the Kern County Honor Jazz Band, and our very own BC Jazz Ensemble. After two years of hiatus while live events were on hold, the energy in the Edward Simonsen Performing Arts Center was indescribable. 

We’re thankful for the partnership with the Kern County Music Educators Association, our local organization that brings the county’s music teachers together to continue making music in our schools a vital part of education. KCMEA organizes festivals and concerts, provides networking and professional development opportunities, and builds a strong community among Kern County’s music educators, all with the goal of providing more and better music education to Kern County’s young musicians.

A special thank you to the Outreach department for lending your support and helping Jazz Day students with their journey to becoming Renegades. 

Congratulations to all involved on another wonderful Jazz Day. How great it was to be back together!

Sandi Taylor Earns Spot in CCCAA Hall of Fame

​Former Renegade Softball Head Coach and Athletic Director, Sandi Taylor, was inducted into the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Hall of Fame this afternoon during the annual CCCAA Convention. 

During a 30-year career at Bakersfield College, Taylor served as Head Softball Coach, Associate Athletic Director, and Athletic Director at Bakersfield College. In that time, BC’s Renegades captured many Western State Conference (WSC) championships across the 20 sports under her leadership.

Sandi’s efforts over the years supported and shaped thousands of Renegades into champions on the field and in the classroom. Her commitment to Bakersfield College can be seen in her work with the community, in our many championships, and in every Renegade student success story, including the numerous CCCAA state championships in various sports and numerous CCCAA regional competitions.

“Sandi carried the torch of excellence for the Renegade Athletics department for many years. She developed and built our program into what it is today,” said Reggie Bolton, BC’s Athletic Director. In her time, BC has hosted 9 CCCAA State Softball Championships, one CCCAA Track and Field State Championship, one CCCAA Southern Cal Wrestling Championship, one Southern Cal Men’s Golf Championship, one CCCAA Football State Championship and numerous CCCAA regional competitions.

National Student Employee Week at OSE

On April 5th, the Office of Student Employment celebrated National Student Employee week. Over 100 students stopped by to receive a token of appreciation and a slice of pizza! Students shared how their on-campus employment experience has helped them build on their transferable skills that they will be able to apply to their future occupations. 

Some expressed gratitude for the flexibility that on-campus employment allows because it has helped them to prioritize their school work and spend more time with their families. We continue to employ over 200 students each semester and look forward to increasing those opportunities in the coming semesters.

BC Team at Edwards Air Force Base

On Saturday morning, a crew from BC traveled with SPOT and Pepper to Edwards Air Force Base. Led by SPOT on his Kern County Tour, the team was invited to participate in the military family STEM day at Starbase Edwards, a joint program of the Department of Defense (DOD), the 412th Test Wing, educators, and industry. The program is committed to promoting STEM education and provides positive inspiration with role models found within local communities and on military bases and installations.

Tony Cordova, Monika Scott, and Carlos Media met Air Force Brigadier General Matthew Higer and NASA’s Armstrong Flight Center Deputy Director, Bradley Flick. The open house event welcomed over 250 students from Edwards Air Force Base and had many exhibits and activities to share different aspects of DoD STEM and mission partners’ STEM initiatives with all attendees.

Former BC Student Awarded Barry Goldwater Scholarship

Former BC student Annabelle Recinos has received a Barry Goldwater Scholarship to study Engineering at CSU Fullerton. Her career goal is to earn a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, and become a research lab manager. She wants to research improving transportation infrastructure and materials in industry.

Her mentors were BC professors Jonathan Brown, Deborah Rosenthal, and Wayne Cooper.

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation is a prestigious award that was established by Congress in 1986 to serve as a living memorial to honor the lifetime work of Senator Barry Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years in the U.S. Senate.

The Goldwater program aims to identify and support college sophomores and juniors who show exceptional promise of becoming this nation’s next generation of natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering research leaders.

I wanted to share these words from Deborah Rosenthal:

“Annabelle was my SI instructor for 2 years. Although she chose Dr. Cooper, Dr. Brown and myself to write the letters, the entire BC community should be applauded. None of us work alone and every action is intertwined to create the atmosphere and work ethic that filters down to the students.”

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Getting to Know: Jackie Verduzco

This week’s “Getting to Know” feature is looking at Porterville College lab technician Jackie Verduzco.

“When the pandemic forced education at all levels to move online, it posed a particular challenge for classes that have corresponding instructional labs. But at Porterville College, lab technician Jaqueline Verduzco Alanis sprang into action and devised creative solutions so students could still get the valuable, hands-on experience that is so critical to the sciences.”

Read more on the Kern CCD website.

Thank you Stacey Shepherd for this beautiful story.

Kern CCD Board of Trustees honors Chris Hine

At this month’s Kern CCD Board of Trustees meeting, we formally recognized General Counsel Chris Hine as he retires after years of service to the district.

I’d like to share this short video in recognition and appreciation of Chris’s service:

Leadership Academy Participants Present

Recently, members of the 2021-2022 KCCD Leadership Academy gave presentations on ideas to help the Kern Community College District in various areas.

Team Birds was made up of Cody Pauxtis, Felisa Hannah, and Jamal Powell. Their presentation was on “how to make professional development easier.” This team shared ways that the district could utilize NeoEd to facilitate professional development using online training courses.

Team BESTwas made up of Daniel Chavarria, Todd Dearmore, Jacelyn Kessler, and Trudi Blanco. They looked at KCCD’s Strategic Goal #5: Strengthen Organizational Effectiveness. They focused on ways to increase collaboration across the district, and came up with the idea of holding a one-day district-wide conference at a neutral location.

Team Reptile, made up of Sabrina Aguilar, Amani Crosshabeyeh, Frank Ramirez, and Gaysha Smith, looked at encouraging lifelong learning by utilizing Canvas for employees. The content in Canvas would be to help familiarize employees with the district as well as improve their knowledge on other areas including technology.

Team Mammal, made up of Scott Dameron, Monica Daniels, Susan Hubbell, and Vonetta Mixson, looked at creating an online employee orientation using Canvas. This orientation would orient new employees (and refresh existing employees) to all the buildings, service, and things available on campus. 

Thank you to all our Leadership Academy participants for your thoughtful work and collaboration!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Karen Goh, T Johnson, and Michael Bowers shared photos as Dr. Brijesh “Brij” Bhambi was named recipient of the Save Heart Foundation “Heart Saver Award.”

Sierra View Medical Center shared a photo of Porterville College students:

California Community Colleges shared this beautiful picture for Dolores Huerta’s 92nd birthday on April 10:

And check out this video from Kern Living, asking the Bakersfield College Renegades to play “This or That”:

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That’s a wrap for now.
See you next Saturday!

The future is bright at KernCCD.

-sonya
a joyful and grateful Chancellor

#KCCDDaringMightyThings

Tomorrow marks the first day of spring, and I am thrilled to once again witness the winter world bloom back to life with beautiful flowers – both through my walks with Neo and from what friends are sharing on social media.

Nick Strobel has been sharing updates as his garden is blossoming:

The Cerro Coso Garden Club’s peas are flowering:

Kalina Hill shared The Awe and Wonders of Spring:

As we all adjust to the time change, may we enjoy the lingering sun into our evenings and appreciate the beauty in the world around us.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but 
by the moments that take our breath away.

Good morning, friends…
It is March 19, 2022.
The sun shines bright over KernCCD.

This week, the Pirates, the Coyotes, and the Renegades continue to 
#DareMightyThings

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Porterville College

PC CHAP shares “10,000 Lives, 10,000 Stories” from WWII War Relocation Center

In 1942, the United States government ordered more than 110,000 Japanese American men, women, and children to leave their homes and detained them in remote, military-style camps. They were from cities and farms, young and old, rich and poor. They had only days or weeks to prepare. Businesses closed, classrooms emptied, friends separated. The US government incarcerated a total of 11,070 people at Manzanar in California’s Mojave desert between 1942 and 1945.

Today, the National Park Service preserves much of what was the Manzanar War Relocation Center. While most of the buildings are gone, many features remain and others come to life through historic photos, artwork, archives, and oral history interviews.

Tune in on March 22 at 11:30am, as the Porterville College Cultural, Historical Awareness Program (CHAP) hosts Alisa Lynch, Manzanar’s Team Lead for Interpretation and Visitor Services.  She will give all those in attendance a “virtual” visit to Manzanar, sharing some of the site’s “10,000 stories” past and present. Ms. Lynch started working at Manzanar on September 9, 2001. She oversees the site’s efforts in visitor services, education, publications, exhibit design, social media, and oral history. 

Twenty years ago, she met Porterville faculty Richard Osborne. Their meeting planted the seeds of what became PC’s CHAP Program. Since then, hundreds of Porterville students have visited Manzanar through field trips and service projects. You can explore about Manzanar at www.nps.gov/manz.

Register for the event at https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/99362117317?pwd=bkhPMDR0RGY5TzlnUWNsc21kanhuZz09

Getting to Know the PC ASPC in 6 questions: President Carlos Rodriguez

The Associated Students of Porterville College (ASPC) plays a large part in shaping student life on campus. 

Let’s get to know ASPC President Carlos Rodriguez through this Q&A conversation.

Can you tell us about your life before you came to PC and your journey that led you here?
I originally hail from San Jose, California, but I have lived throughout many areas of the state. I never planned on going to college, but one day I had an epiphany that if I wanted to make it out of Porterville, education would be the best option for me. Luckily I graduated from Butterfield Charter High early, so I was able to get a headstart here at Porterville College

What are you majoring in at PC and what career path do you have in mind?
I am currently majoring in Business Management with an emphasis on entrepreneurship. Career-wise, I want to transfer to UCLA, get a PhD in Economics, and hopefully work for the CIA and eventually 100Thieves.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of school?
I love to learn, even when I’m outside of school. Every day is college for me. I spend a lot of time reading books and watching movies. Anything that involves history, business, and politics intrigues me.

What are some of your responsibilities and duties in your current ASPC position?
Some of my responsibilities include planning events and projects along with managing those same events and projects.

What do you enjoy about being on the ASPC?
I most enjoy seeing ideas of things flesh out and become real and tangible. I love solving issues that pertain to our college and being a part of student leadership.

What are your plans after you finish at PC?
After PC, I plan on moving to LA. With some dedication, I hope to run for something at UCLA in some capacity. Eventually, I wish to give back to my community at large, either through representation or another form of influence.

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Cerro Coso Community College

College Virtual Parent Night

Are you a parent of a high school student and have questions about your child’s path to college success? Join Cerro Coso Community College for a Virtual Parent Night on Wednesday, March 23^rd from 6 to 7:30 pm via Zoom. 

During the event Cerro Coso experts will share how high school students can earn college credit while in high school through the college’s Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Program.  Other topics will include: Admissions Process, Financial Aid and Scholarships, Resources, Transfer Requirements, and Vocational Programs.

The Cerro Coso Promise scholarship provides full-time, dedicated students financial assistance regardless of financial and personal status.  By meeting basic criteria students may qualify for a $1,000 per semester for 2 years to help with tuition, books, and fees.

CCCC’s lower tuition and fees allows students to graduate with less debt.  Flexible scheduling is designed for the convenience of students at every stage of life and career.  Smaller class sizes, supportive environment, and rich student life programs enrich the college experience at Cerro Coso.  The college helps guides students on their path to success with a host of student support services and peer mentoring programs.

Join CCCC for Virtual Parent Night and get a comprehensive look at what makes Cerro Coso Community College the right choice for your student.

Zoom registration information available at www.cerrocoso.edu .  Cerro Coso Community College – Your hometown college!

Yvonne Pickerell – DA II Tehachapi Campus

Meet new DA II at the Tehachapi Campus, Yvonne Pickerell. 

Now re-entering the workforce after a 20-year hiatus spent raising her family, Pickerell served as a US Marine, worked as an oilfield roustabout while attending college, got married, moved from Taft to the Kern River Valley and worked for a few years as a CNA & EMT at Kern Valley Hospital.

A Cerro Coso graduate, she earned her BA in Business Administration last year and is currently in a Master’s degree program majoring in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Legal Studies with Grand Canyon University. Eventually, she plans to be an instructor at the community college level and, a little further down the road, open a non-profit legal services clinic in the Kern River Valley. 

Her home life is shared with an abundance of animals: mule, horse, ducks, chickens, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs, and cats. Her youngest daughter (17) manages all that and her own schoolwork while her dad and mom are away at work. 

In her free time she loves to ride her mule, Jetsetter, and sing in church.  The whole family consists of her daughter 17, as mentioned above, a 34 year old son that lives in the Kern River Valley with his girlfriend and four teenagers, a daughter living in Texas with her husband and three children, and her husband John.  They all love roller coasters so they have a membership at Magic Mountain. 

A well prepared, seasoned professional, Pickerell doesn’t think anything she has done would be considered crazy.  She has surfed in the Pacific Ocean, rafted the Merced River, tent camped for up to 2 weeks at a time in all kinds of weather, packed mules, dove off piers and bridges, and drove across the country, both ways alone.  

Cerro Coso welcomes Yvonne to the college family and wishes her all the best in her new career at the Tehachapi campus. 

Cerro Coso Recruiting Student Ambassadors

The Student Ambassador Program is a leadership opportunity for students who are dedicated to serving and representing Cerro Coso Community College.  The college is currently recruiting Ambassadors to serve this spring and in the fall.  Student Ambassadors provide campus tours, serve as CC representatives and perform duties at various CC campus and community events. 

Giving back and assisting others is the basis for community service and is the foundation of the Student Ambassador Program.  It teaches how significant it is to help students in need and connects them to the campus community and resources, and by improving the college experience for others, making it a better place for all. 

Student Ambassadors welcome and greet the public at CCCC, provide various services and referrals to the campus, develop a stronger understanding and knowledge of Cerro Coso, conduct campus tours for new students, schools, classes, and guests.  They represent CC during college events and assist with a variety of duties and tasks related to events put on by various Cerro Coso departments.

They work with diverse populations and provide tips on being a successful student.  In return, they develop a wide range of transferable skills that helps them improve communication and organizational skills, teamwork, planning, problem-solving, and task management that helps them succeed in college and in the workplace.  It broadens their horizons by helping them understand the needs of the college and the student population.

To serve as a Cerro Coso Student Ambassador, a student must show a high level of commitment to the college and their educational goals, maintain a GPA of 2.0,  enroll in 6 or more units, and demonstrate leadership and good communication skills.

Students interested in serving as a Student Ambassador may apply for the program online at www.cerrocoso.edu/campuslife .  Contact Outreach Director Katie Bachman at Kathryn.bachman@cerrocoso.edu for more information. 

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Bakersfield College

KHSD Early College Pathway Program

Bakersfield College is excited to continue to partner with Kern High School District in offering our Early College Pathway Program. Thirty-five incoming 9th grade students will be accepted into our Early College pathways and complete a degree while they are in high school. The new cohorts of students accepted into this program will be starting this Summer 2022.

This past Monday, March 7th, 2022, we held our annual Early College Pathway Program Information meeting via Zoom. Berenice Arellano, Early College Program Manager, and our Early College advisors and counselor were joined by Ryan Coleman, Director of Educational Services at KHSD, and his team to answer questions from the parents and students in attendance. We presented our Early College Pathway Program presentation to a total of 185 potential students and their families.

The application is now open for students to apply to be a part of the new cohort of students in either Industrial Automation, Public Health, Psychology, Administration of Justice, or Introduction to Health Careers. The last day to apply is March 31st, 2022. Students will be notified if they are accepted after Spring Break.

Apply here: https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/earlycollege/khsd

2022 MESA STEM & Pre-Health Conference

The 2022 MESA STEM & Pre-Health Conference is taking place Saturday, April 2nd, 2022, from 8:00AM to 2:30PM.

The conference is designed to allow participants to network with professionals in STEM and health fields and explore these areas of education and careers. Participants will learn about opportunities that can further their education and careers in STEM or pre-health via workshops, a resource fair and keynote speakers.

The goals of the conference are to educate and inform the community about the educational system and what STEM and pre-health education is about.

For registration information, visit:

MESA STEM & Pre-Health Conference Registration

BC Tutoring Conference: 100% Run by Student Tutors

The BC Panorama-SW Tutoring Conference held on Zoom on Friday, February 25th, 2022, was made possible thanks to the talents of tutors enrolled in Susan Pinza’s Level 2 Tutor Training course. At least 20 attendees enjoyed a varied and creative format that addressed best practices for tutoring through whole group discussions, breakout rooms, a guest speaker, and even an interactive game. English tutor Christopher Thomas, host of the conference, presented the many different ways that BC’s Renegade Hub provides technical support to students and the importance of tutors conveying information on these resources to their tutees. Another returning tutor, Jesus Zavala, guided the group through part of a lively Kahoot game created by tutor Julia Newlin.

Renegade Spotlight on Dan Hall

BC’s Director of Student Success Technology Dan Hall has been selected to serve as our Caring Campus California lead.

Caring Campus California is an initiative of the Institute for Evidence-Based Change (IEBC). The initiative uses an evidence-based facilitated coaching model to instruct professional staff on how to increase student connectedness to the college.

We are fortunate to have Dan in his role to support the students at Bakersfield College. His strong passion for student success is unmatched.

BC Celebrates Women’s History Month

March is an exciting time at Bakersfield College as we celebrate Women’s History Month. The BC WHAM (Women’s History & More) Committee has been busy organizing so many amazing events this month. Each week has been filled with some wonderful presentations, and there is more in store.

On Tuesday, March 24, at 6 p.m., WHAM, in partnership with the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, will hold a virtual webinar on “Latinas in Business and Leadership.” Moderated by History Professor Olivia Garcia, the webinar will feature Ariana Joven, Government Affairs Manager, The Wonderful Company; Adriana Coleman, Marketing and Physicians Relations, Comprehensive Blood & Cancer Center; Montserrat Castell-Eilers, Treasury Analyst, Bank of America; and Marilyn Maldonado, Business Development Associate, Valley Republic Bank.

Then on Thursday, March 26, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., WHAM and BC SGA will feature Erika Sánchez, novelist, poet & feminist as part of the Distinguished Series. Sanchez is the author of the New York Times bestselling Young Adult novel, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter.

And for a complete list of upcoming events, visit WHAM’s website: https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/womens-history-month

Nominations Open: Renegade Athletics Hall of Fame

Nominations are now open for the Renegade Athletics Hall of Fame that will induct its second class in the Fall of 2022.

A newly elected Hall of Fame Committee will review nominations for consideration and an induction ceremony will be held annually to honor and officially welcome each class. The second class is set to be honored and inducted in fall 2022. The exact date will be announced this summer. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, April 1st, 2022.

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Central Valley Higher Education Consortium

“Establishing Dual Enrollment Pathways in the Central Valley”

On March 17^th, the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium hosted a convening for more than 150 secondary and postsecondary educators for the first time since the pandemic shutdown to address challenges and barriers related to dual enrollment success. Kern county was represented by Steven Watkin (BC & KCCD), Ryan Coleman (KHSD), Kristin Hanle (CC), and Refugio Rodriquez (PC). Participants discussed successes and challenges related to establishing Dual Enrollment Pathways for Central Valley high school students. 

Getting to Know: Endee Grijalva

I am excited to introduce you to Endee Grijalva, Program Manager at BC. I got to know Endee when we worked together to launch project HIRE up to get homeless individuals to a job. #KernCCDTalent #KernCCDHeart #KernStories #GetToKnow

At 20 years old, Endee Grijalva found herself packing up the car with all her belongings. She, her boyfriend and their two babies were newly homeless. A single thought raced through her mind.

“I knew I had to continue my education,” said Endee, now 36. “I enrolled at BC the next day and didn’t look back.”

Check out our previous “Getting to Know” features at https://www.kccd.edu/chancellors-office/news. Thank you Stacey Shepherd for the write ups.

Upcoming Events

Chancellors Seminar Series

After a short hiatus, the Chancellor’s seminar series is back with a topic that is near and dear to my heart – Teaching and Learning.  Porterville College Academic Senate President Bob Simpkins partnered with the senate presidents of BC and CC to develop a three-part series dedicated to the future of teaching and learning.  Part one is on March 23, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. Click here to register. 

Women in Leadership Panel

On March 29^th, at 11:30 a.m., we will host the third annual Jean Fuller Women in Leadership event, celebrating Women’s History Month. This event will be at the Weill Institute in downtown Bakersfield with limited seating. To reserve a seat, please email KCCDevents@kccd.edu

Senator Emeritus Jean Fuller will moderate a panel of guests including Superior Court of Kern County Judge Wendy Avila, Porterville Mayor Martha Flores, and former Kern High School District Associate Superintendent Brenda Lewis, who was recently appointed to the State Board of Education.  

The program will also be streamed on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaXZ4k8ig4A.

Ag/Water/Energy Education Series

Also on March 29^th, I am co-hosting the Ag/Water/Energy Education Series, which is dedicated to keeping Central Valley residents informed on the evolution of our natural resources,  infrastructure considerations, emerging technologies and its impact on our daily lives. The next virtual seminar in this series is on the future of microgrids.

Our featured speakers for this webinar include: 

• Siva Gunda – Vice Chair, California Energy Commission 
• Todd Lindner – CEO/General Manager, Mojave Air and Space Port 
• Cecilia Klauber – Power Systems Engineer, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory 

To participate in this webinar, please sign up using the registration link. 

In the News

2021 Porterville City Hall’s Wall of Fame inductees

The Porterville Recorded published this article about the 2021 inductees to Porterville City Hall’s Wall of Fame. Due to the COVID pandemic, earlier honorees of 2020 and 2021 weren’t publicly honored until Friday when they were recognized, along with the 2022 honorees, at Centennial Park.

2021 honorees include Janice Castle, who serves on the Porterville College Foundation Board of Directors; and Virginia Gurrola, a PC graduate and longtime member of the PC community before moving on to leadership positions in the city.

Community Voices: The bridge to BC

Kimberly Bligh wrote this piece for The Bakersfield Californian about the Bridge to BC program and how it can help students start on the path to success.

“Bridge to BC is well-known for its high success and retention rates. We follow yearly cohorts to collect data to track critical college momentum success points such as completing their math and English college requirements in their first year, persistence from fall to fall, and completing 15 units in the first semester and 30 units in the first year. Every year, students who successfully complete Bridge to BC have double the success and persistence rates and meet those critical momentum points as compared to students who do not complete the program.“

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Frank Ramirez, Director of Student Services at Porterville College, shared these photos:

PC hosting the March South County Collaborative meeting. It’s great to see everyone in-person!

National Read Across America Day

On March 2nd, the Bakersfield College Child Development Center celebrated National Read Across America Day, which encourages reading for small children and occurs annually on Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

The CDC invited members of the BC administration to read to the students. Here is Mindy Wilmot, Associate Dean over the Family and Consumer Education Department and Child Development Center, reading to a class.

Renegade Innovation Fund in Action: A “Real Home” for Paramedic Classroom Dummies

In the fall of 2021, the paramedic program applied for and received a grant from the Renegade Innovation Fund. The goal was to turn a standard classroom into a family home setting. Converting the classroom would allow students to “respond” in a real-world environment, which in turn would improve student learning outcomes.

This setting is created from the idea of “family” photos. These photos will be printed, framed, and placed throughout the home that was created by Paramedic Faculty Director Jana Richardson and her team. Current students, who are approaching completion, also wanted in on the photo shoot. They chose to make this the official picture for Class 31.

Here are a few more photos:

BC Blood Drive

The BC Office of Student Life and Nursing Program partnered with Houchin Community Blood Bank to host a blood drive on campus last week. It has been exactly 2 years since BC was able to host a blood drive on campus and the turnout did not disappoint! Houchin offered donors a free haircut, socks, and snacks for participation.

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That’s a wrap for now.
See you next Saturday!

The future is bright at KernCCD.

-sonya
a joyful and grateful Chancellor

#KCCDDaringMightyThings