Tag Archives: Cabrillo College

California Community Colleges Driving Positive Impact

39 years ago today, on July 13, 1985, the Live Aid concert was held simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia. One of the most memorable performances was Queen. Check out this video of “Radio Ga Ga”:

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On July 14th, eight years ago in 2016, the Kern CCD Board of Trustees voted to put Measure J on the November ballot.

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Was in Clayton, Georgia last weekend for a family reunion. My first visit to this beautiful state… so green with majestic oaks, pines, rhododendrons…. Woke up in the morning to birds chirping away. Did not snap pictures for you like I usually do. Just close your eyes and imagine.

Good morning California.
It is July 13, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cabrillo, Clovis Take Top Honors at MATE ROV Competition

Each year, the MATE ROV Competition pushes students to the forefront of real-world
underwater technology. The 2024 competition is no exception, with innovative mission tasks
designed to address critical global issues under the theme of ‘CREATING SOLUTIONS.’

In preparation, participants have engaged in diverse and impactful projects, from expanding
the Global Ocean Observing System, protecting and restoring ecosystems, and developing
ocean-based climate solutions. This year’s tasks include deploying advanced ocean observing
assets for data collection, installing state-of-the-art submarine telecommunications cables,
administering probiotics to heal diseased coral, identifying healthy habitats for lake sturgeon,
and deploying autonomous robotic floats to monitor ocean health.

The Cabrillo College team won in the EXPLORER Class Category.

» Read more about Cabrillo College’s win!

The Clovis Community College team took first place in the PIONEER Class category.

» Read more about Clovis Community College’s win!


How Calbright College Connected With San Diego (And Camp Pendleton)

Calbright is statewide – right now they have students in 52 of California’s 58 counties – and they’re always looking to make new connections with new communities in every corner of the state. In May and June that meant a special emphasis on southern California, where Calbright attended three different events in Oceanside and San Diego.

» Read more!


Crafton Hills College and CONFIRE: Pioneering Partnership
for EMT Training and Employment

In a groundbreaking move, Crafton Hills College has forged a partnership with local employers to address a pressing need in the community: emergency medical technicians (EMTs). With a vision to bridge the gap between education and employment, the college has collaborated with CONFIRE’s Priority Ambulance to launch a program that not only trains aspiring EMTs but also guarantees them employment.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

CalMatters: California Boosts Spending to
Help Students Earn Math and Science Degrees

California allotted millions of dollars in 2022 to create MESA programs at community colleges across the state. Currently, 91 out of 115 campuses have programs established, with three more set to create one next year. The state hopes the expansion will reduce barriers to STEM jobs for “underserved and underrepresented” students. As the initiative rolls out statewide, questions remain about how long the funding will last, and how the programs can track how well they’re working.  

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Oxnard College:

This summer, our Trio Upward Bound Program welcomes over 50 students from Hueneme and Channel Islands High schools to participate in its Summer Program. This week, the students took a break from classes by having a field day!

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From San Bernardino Valley College:

SBVC collaborated with the San Bernardino Symphony for the third annual SummerFest last Saturday!

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From College of the Sequoias:

Former Giant Quincy Hall just ran a 43.8 in the 400m in a tune up race for the Olympics. He ran a 44.18 to win the USA trials just a few weeks ago. His 43.8 is the best time in the world this year in the 400m. Go Giants!

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And check out this video from American River College celebrating their Early College Academy graduates:


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Project HireUp Summer 2024 Graduation

It was a day of celebration and optimism as Bakersfield College and CityServe Educational Collaborative celebrated the graduating participants of Cohort #12 of Project HireUp. This unique project provides education and training to adults seeking reentry into the workforce or higher education programs. Project HireUp aims to decrease homelessness in the community through a creative and innovative partnership that supports students currently experiencing housing insecurity or other setbacks.

» 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

CA CCs taking care of our planet

Last Sunday, I joined 123.4 million people in watching the Super Bowl, what a game….

I enjoyed Reba McEntire’s rendition of the National Anthem.

And one of my all time favorites Usher’s halftime performance.

Check out the video at this link. His best song “Yeah” starts at 10:30 timestamp, but the whole 13 minutes are worth a watch.

After all that, it was right to work for another busy week.

On Monday I was at a climate summit hosted by Second Nature and was on a panel with
Chancellor Millie Garcia, CSU, and Executive Vice President Nathan Brostrom, UC. The panel was moderated by Lande Ajose, who is now with Waverley foundation.

It is impressive what all the systems are doing as it relates to climate action. 

Chancellor Garcia, Lande Ajose, Nathan Brostrom, Sonya Christian

Here are a few points I made about our work:

  • The three fields of climate practice – facilities, workforce, community
  • For facilities: The Board of Governors has adopted the Climate Action and Sustainability Framework and Goals which includes specific measurable goals for 2025 through 2035. By 2025, colleges are encouraged to benchmark metrics for reliance on greenhouse gas, energy usage by campus, water usage, waste, purchasing and procurement, fleet vehicle composition and purchases, and sustainable food purchases. By 2030, the plan calls for specific reductions in each category, and by 2035 districts are encouraged to reach zero net greenhouse gas emissions and all goals as summarized in the table below.
  • Workforce: Gave examples of the different regional work with coastal colleges working on aspects of the blue economy to the central valley focusing on Agtec.
  • Community: CCs being the anchor institutions for the community including shelters during disasters.

Tom Epstein, member of the Board of Governors, attended the event and participated in an invitation-only discussion with governing boards and presidents.

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On Tuesday, I attended a Vision 2030 event at LA Southwest College. Paul Medina was also
at the event. It feels great seeing how colleges are really committed to operationalizing the
various elements of Vision 2030. I love this picture that we took with the students. You can
see President Anthony Culpepper beaming with pride.

With the students of LA southwest College

BOG member Paul Medina, President Anthony Culpepper, Sonya Christian, Jeremiah Stevens, Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez
Sonya Christian, Dr. Erum Syed, Academic Senate President

Good morning California.
It is February 17, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!


Cabrillo College Unveils Mural Celebrating HSI Designation

Cabrillo College unveiled a new mural created by tudent artists of the Fall 2023 ART 91 Mural class, guest muralist, Yermo Aranda, and their instructor, Danielle Torvik-Staffen. This project, funded by Cabrillo College’s HSI Task Force, is intended to celebrate the College’s designation as an Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).


Golden West College Art Gallery Presents:
In the Places Beneath the Sand by Lorenzo Baker

The Golden West College Art Gallery is pleased to present In the Places Beneath the Sand, a solo exhibition from multimedia conceptual artist Lorenzo Baker, curated by Jasmine McNeal. The show, which will run from Feb 1–29, coincides with the start of Black History Month and explores different forms of light, tracing the visibility of Black spaces and their effects on universal truths.

» Read more!


Cypress College Student Recognized for Outstanding Community Service

A Cypress College student has won the Surfer of Distinction award for his outstanding contributions to the community. Then 18-year-old Andrew Baldwin was nominated for his humanitarian efforts to support the Navajo Nation during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Report: 4 Ways to Engage and Graduate Stopped-Out Students

Over six million Californians aged 25 to 64 have completed some college but have yet to earn a credential, according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. A new report from California Competes identifies four themes in supporting stopped-out students to help them re-enroll and attain degrees in California.

Through interviews, researchers learned institutions have an opportunity to better support students’ degree-completion rates through adaptation to adult learner needs, strategic outreach, removing barriers to enrollment and providing personalized support.

» Read more!

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2024 CACCRAO Annual Conference – Register Now!

The annual CACCRAO conference is the organization’s premiere event, where members benefit from a wealth of information pertinent to their areas of operation.

The conference includes keynote speakers such as the California Community Colleges Chancellor and Admissions and Records professionals throughout the state. In addition, information on regulatory developments, budgetary issues, technology, and many other topics are presented and explored. With the support of the association, CACCRAO members have an opportunity to gain meaningful insights that will develop sound enrollment and record-keeping practices that comply with the prescribed regulatory framework of the California Community College system.

The event is March 24th, 2024 in Sacramento, CA.

» Read more & register!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Gavilan College:

The Welcome Center introduced UbiDuo devices to bridge communication gaps between the deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing. This was championed by peer mentors Kristiana Stricker and Kylie Silvia.

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From the Campaign for College Opportunity:

We are proud to announce that our President, Michele Siqueiros (@MSCollegeOpp), has been selected as a recipient of The James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award for championing college access & student success for all Californians!

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From Napa Valley College:

Happy Valentine’s Day, Storm! Today, we’re sending a special thank you to ASNVC for spreading love on campus by passing out flowers to students!

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And check out this recipe for Honey Butter Toast from Orange Coast College chef Phi Nguyen:


Blast from the Past

Check out my remarks in this 12-min video from the Leadership Summit at Bakersfield College, back in May 2017!


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Theater Program Presents 2024 Spring Play Festival

Bakersfield College’s Theater Program announced the details of their 2024 Spring Play Festival, featuring four contemporary plays directed by BC Theatre students. The festival will be presented from February 28 to March 10, with all four shows presented in the Edward Simonsen Indoor Theatre at Bakersfield College. Tickets are available at the BC Performing Arts Eventbrite page.

» 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

CA CCs wrapping up August 2023 in a big way

As summer comes to a close …. another glorious Bakersfield sunset:

Was another busy week at the California Community Colleges.

On Tuesday, we reached agreement with Doug Moore, Executive Director of United Domestic Workers, for the Pathways for Workers Demonstration Project.

We also launched the Apprenticeship Pathways Demonstration Project with 25 Districts and with Dr. Marvin Martinez and Rancho Santiago taking the lead. This project aims to give college credit to apprentices for “on the job” training through their apprenticeship programs. 

Later Tuesday, the Foundation for California Community Colleges hosted a reception at the California Museum. It was wonderful to see so many colleagues from across the state, as well as representatives from philanthropic organizations.

Everyone who worked on and presented at the program was magnificent – special thanks to Keetha Mills; Daisy Gonzales; Amy Costa; Andra Hoffman, President of CCC Trustees; Chanelle Win, VP SSCCC; Hildy Aguinaldo; Cheryl Aschenbach, President of the Academic Senate; Manuel Payan, CSEA; Julianna Barnes, President of CEO Board and Chair of the League Board; Francisco Rodriguez, Chancellor of LA District; and Pam Haynes.

On Thursday, I joined new CSU Chancellor Millie Garcia and UC President Michael Drake, Superintendent Tony Thurmond, Secretary Stewart Know, Academic Senate President Cheryl Aschenbach, and others, as Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Career Education Executive Order in West Sacramento.

Good morning California.
It is September 2, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Bernardino Valley College’s Summer Bridge Program Prepares Students for College Life

For two weeks in July, more than 200 Valley-Bound Commitment students came to San Bernardino Valley College for Summer Bridge and enrolled in the Orientation to College course, where they learned about the academic and vocation programs available and watched presentations from different departments. They also had the opportunity to meet staff members and explore the campus to become familiar with it before the first day of the fall semester.

» Read more about SBVC’s Summer Bridge program!


Sky’s the Limit Observatory Becomes Satellite Campus for
Copper Mountain College Astronomy Classes

Just in time for Fall Semester Astronomy classes, an Affiliation Agreement between Copper Mountain College and Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center has established the observatory as a satellite campus for the college’s Astronomy courses.

Astronomy students from CMC will have as their “laboratory,” the dark desert skies of Twentynine Palms, on the border of Joshua Tree National Park.

» Read more about the agreement!


NASA Competition lands at Orange Coast College

Orange Coast College played host to NASA’s Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) Robotics competition. This 4-day engineering design challenge brought students together from OCC and Southwestern College who had completed two online events earlier this year.

» Read more about the competition!


100 Black Men of the Inland Empire Establishes Umoja Scholarship Fund at Riverside Community College District

Riverside Community College District (RCCD) is pleased to announce a collaboration with 100 Black Men of The Inland Empire (100 BMIE) to introduce the 100 BMIE Umoja Scholarship Fund. This investment from 100 BMIE underscores their commitment to supporting youth and young adults in their pursuit of higher education and academic excellence.



In Case You Missed It

Inside Higher Ed: Community Colleges Double Down on Dual Enrollment

The number of students taking advantage of dual enrollment has grown slowly since California lawmakers adopted a new, more structured framework for dual enrollment in 2015. The new program, College and Career Access Pathways, was designed to expand dual-enrollment opportunities “for students who may not already be college bound” by removing “fiscal” and “policy barriers.”

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Bakersfield College‘s Basic Needs Center and Nexus ribbon-cutting:

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California Treasurer Fiona Ma was a guest speaker at one of Fresno City College‘s political science classes:

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From Cabrillo College‘s new student welcome:

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And check out this video from Mission College about the Community College Collaborative project, with Mission College offering classes at Elmwood Correctional Facility.


And From the Home of the Renegades

Veterans Plaza Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Bakersfield College held a ribbon cutting ceremony to honor the Veterans plaza located in the center of the Panorama Campus. 

The plaza was built over the Summer of 2023 as a devotion and recognition of the Bakersfield College student veterans who serve our country. There are pillars with quotes from current veteran staff, faculty, and current veteran students and sitting areas for others to sit and learn about the people who fight for our freedom. 

» Read more about the ceremony!

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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

Sonya Christian's Blog