Tag Archives: #CACCsOurTimeisNow

Wrapping up March 2026 with roses

Uncategorized March 29, 2026 Leave a comment

The season of roses has started as we wrap up March.

And beautiful sunrises –

I also wanted to share the Educate Elevate podcast episode on the Blue Economy. I’m very proud of this work being led by the California Community Colleges.

Check out this 30-minute video:

Good morning California.
It is March 28, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Congresswoman Linda Sánchez Secures $1.03 Million in Federal Funding
for Río Hondo College’s Public Safety Scenario Training Unit

Federal funding secured by U.S. Rep. Linda Sánchez will allow Río Hondo College to advance the development of its Public Safety Scenario Training Unit (PSSTU), a facility designed to expand training for Police Academy cadets and public safety professionals. The $1.03 million in Community Project Funding will support the purchase of technology, equipment and modular furniture to create immersive training environments for cadets. The federal investment marks the second time Congresswoman Sánchez has secured funding for the project following a $963,000 Community Project Funding award in fiscal year 2024.

» Read more!

Irvine Valley College Foundation Receives $50,000 Gift from Irvine Company
to Strengthen Teacher Preparation Pathway

The Irvine Valley College Foundation has received a $50,000 gift from Irvine Company in support of the college’s Teacher Preparation Pathway (TPP), a collaborative initiative designed to create a clear, supportive route from community college to the teaching profession. The gift directly supports students pursuing careers in education by removing financial barriers, expanding hands-on learning opportunities, and strengthening program infrastructure. Notably, $10,000 of the donation establishes a new Teacher Preparation Funding Program, creating a sustainable source of support for future generations of IVC teaching students.

» Read more!

Citrus College Construction Program Leads State with Accreditation

The Citrus College Construction Management program has become the first community college in California to earn accreditation from the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), marking a significant milestone for construction education statewide. ACCE serves as the premier accrediting body for construction-related academic programs in the United States. It evaluates curriculum, faculty, facilities and student outcomes to ensure graduates are prepared for leadership and professional excellence in the construction industry. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

2025 Energy and Sustainability Award Winners Honored by California Community Colleges Board of Governors

 The California Community Colleges Board of Governors this week honored leading innovators and standout programs with the 2025 Energy and Sustainability Awards for their ongoing efforts of to achieve environmental sustainability while advancing the goals of the system’s strategic plan, Vision 2030.

Six awards were handed out at the Board of Governors meeting on Tuesday, March 24 in Sacramento. The honorees, recognized for outstanding achievements in energy and sustainability, include Riverside Community, Sonoma County Junior, and Kern Community College Districts; Shasta College; and leaders from Contra Costa Community College District and Mt. San Antonio College.

» Read more!

Here are the photos:

Kern

Santa Rosa

Contra Costa

Shasta

Mt. Sac

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Yuba College:

Day one of 2026 Weld Camp is a wrap! High school students from across the area joined us for hands-on activities showcasing what our Yuba College Manufacturing and Welding program offers. Plus, they took home a cool souvenir!

*****

From El Camino College:

As we close out every Women’s History Month, our campus community came together for the 29th Annual Distinguished Women Awards & Reception.

We recognize and honor the contributions these individuals have made for El Camino College and the surrounding community.

The 2026 recipients include: Cynthia Cervantes, Mia Dobbs, Dr. Edith Gutierrez, Germany Kent, Dr. Brandi Odom Lucas, Dr. Lesley Meza, Mauren Barbara O’Donnell (In Memoriam)

*****

From Fullerton College:

The Business and CIS Division recently hosted a successful Entrepreneurship Week, inviting students to explore how to build their own opportunities under the mentorship of entrepreneur experts. An annual event, attendees explored different activities, including workshops, networking opportunities and insightful competitions.

*****

From Chabot College:

Last Thursday was ROCK DA MIC! A panel and open mic event that celebrated culture and community while promoting mental wellness for all. Shoutout to the event organizers and coordinators who put together an event where students could connect and express themselves through performing arts.

*****

From Victor Valley College:

We want to extend a RAMFAM shoutout to the “mayor” of Victor Valley College! The one and only Robert Sewell has received a lifetime achievement award in Washington DC for his 30 years of dedicated service to student leadership at Victor Valley College! Robert serves as the long-time ASB Advisor/Public Information Officer/Marketing Director for all things in the VVC universe! Congratulations Robert!

*****

And check out this video promoting Cañada College’s Middle College Program:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC’s Marketing & Public Relations Earns National Recognition

Bakersfield College’s Marketing and Public Relations (MPR) team earned national recognition at the 2025 NCMPR (National Council for Marketing and Public Relations) Paragon Awards in Washington D.C., receiving Gold in the Social Media Post/Story (Still) category. The Paragon Awards recognize outstanding achievement in design and communication at two-year community and technical colleges and are the only competition of their kind focused exclusively on marketing and public relations professionals in this sector.

The award-winning piece, ‘Caps Off, Renegades,’ offered a deeply personal glimpse into the pride, identity, and meaning students carried with them at the 2025 commencement ceremony.

» 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

2026 Sterling Silver on March 14th

Uncategorized March 22, 2026 Leave a comment

But before I jump into my week, let me start with Sterling Silver, last Saturday, March 14th. It was wonderful seeing friends and colleagues.

With Kate Pluta, Nick Strobel and Janet Tarjan:

It was great connecting with Ravi and Naina Patel. I got to know the two of them very well when we worked on the Peace Gardens at BC and the Regenerative Farm project. The won the philanthropist of the year award at this year’s Sterling Silver.

Talking about the Patels, here is a blast from the past….

In 2020 the Pease Garden was established. Here is a 10-min video where the committee introduced this project to the campus. The speakers in this video include — Sonya Christian, Krista Moreland, Emma McNellis, Naina Patel, Lisa Elzy Watson, Hansa Patel, and Neeraj Rama.

And Corny Rodriguez was recognized with the Sterling Silver Service award. A

Always happy to see Mayor Karen Goh.

Talking about Corny, here is a blast from the past…..

Check out this video celebrating Corny on his retirement:

Back to Sterling Silver. Here is a photo with Romeo Agbalog, Kay Meek & Jean Fuller:

Was so happy that Jean Fuller was able to make it. Here is throwback to when Jean was recognized with the Service award.

Here is the video of Kylie introducing Jean Fuller and her work with Early College.

And another selfie with Kate, Nick & Janet –

Thankful that Janet snapped these pictures.

Here is one with Rudy Salas.

Rudy Salas brought significant resources to Bakersfield College when he was in the Assembly. He received the 2020 Sterling Silver Service Award. Check out this blast from the past. A 3-min video.

And with Yovani Jimenez

And with Norma Rojas-Mora and Gabby Gonzalez

Now, let’s move to this week…. started in Sacramento…

Spring has sprung in Sacramento. Snapped photos of azalea on my walk back with a friend from Zocalos.

More flowers –

And calla lilies –

And dogwood in bloom –

Closed out my week in San Diego.

What’s not to love about San Diego

And at night –

And the icing on the cake – when I met up with Daisy Gonzales and we did our usual walk by the waterfront.

Then it was off to the CEO symposium. Here’s a pic with Anthony Culpepper and Rowena Tomaneng:

This week was also the Rising Scholars Program Convening.

Rising Scholars now spans 104 colleges, supports students in 147 correctional facilities, and connects them to 90 on campus programs that help them continue their education after release.

Chelsea Esquibias, senior advisor at the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, started the event with a welcome and network address.

Board of Governors Member and Former President Pamela Haynes held a fireside chat moderated by Assistant Vice Chancellor Erin Larson, with panelists Tyee Griffith, program coordinator at the Prison Education Project and Matthew Caddell, Student Government President/Student Trustee at Chaffey College.

Michael Redding, deputy cabinet secretary and senior advisor for public safety at the Office of the Governor, gave the keynote address on ‘Public Safety and Higher Education.’

Good morning California.
It is March 21, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cloverlane Foundation Funds New “Jaws of Life”
for Allan Hancock College Fire Academy

 A generous donation is helping Allan Hancock College strengthen hands-on training for the next generation of firefighters.   The Allan Hancock College Foundation received a $25,000 donation from Cloverlane Foundation to support the purchase of a state-of-the-art “Jaws of Life” extrication system for use in the college’s fire academy, along with other essential equipment for fire academy students.

» Read more!

Rep. Juan Vargas secures additional $500K in funding
for San Diego College of Continuing Education

U.S. Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-52) has secured $500,000 in federal funding for critical utility and water infrastructure improvements at San Diego College of Continuing Education.  The investment will upgrade critical campus infrastructure, strengthening SDCCE’s ability to provide hands-on workforce training to approximately 30,000 adult learners each year.

» Read more!

Long Beach City College Opens New Building MM to Help Students Build the Future

Long Beach City College hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Trades, Technology, and Community Learning Campus to celebrate the grand opening of the new Building MM complex. The facility supports the city’s growing Space Beach sector and serves as the new home for the Architecture, Anthropology, Carpentry, Horticulture, HVAC, and Plant Science programs, preparing students for careers in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and construction industries expanding across the region.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

He was an undocumented immigrant. Now he runs LA’s community colleges

When Alberto Román was a boy growing up in the Mexican state of Durango, his father was often far from home. Most times, he’d be gone for months.

Román’s father, Javier, had a third-grade education. And when work was scarce in Mexico, he’d venture north to the United Sates and take whatever job he could find.

Román missed his father terribly, and he relished the time alone with him. When his father would return to Mexico, they’d hike to a majestic statue of the revolutionary Pancho Villa, where Román and his father could also look out at their city.

Román did not know it then but, soon, that view would become a memory. When he was eight, his father returned; but, this time, Javier took his son, his daughter, and his wife with him back to the U.S. The family settled in Rialto, in California’s Inland Empire. Suddenly, Román had a new home and new challenges to contend with.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Mission College:

Mission College’s Rising Scholars program is partnering with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office on an initiative to revitalize the Elmwood Men’s Library, supporting education, personal growth, and second chances for incarcerated students. Last week marked a major milestone as decades-old furniture was replaced and new furniture donated by Mission College was installed.

*****

From Ventura College:

From galaxies to black holes, Ventura College welcomed a full crowd for an inspiring two-day astronomy experience.

We honored 100 years of science at VC with stargazing, interactive space simulations, and a vibrant evening of discovery for all ages

Dr. Cameron Hummels from CalTech lectured on black holes as part of the American Astronomical Society’s Harlow Shapley Visiting Lectures Program, a nationally recognized initiative that brings leading astronomers to colleges across the country.

Thank you to the Ventura County Astronomical Society for setting up the all the telescopes for the star watching party.

*****

From Ohlone College:

This year’s #WomenInSTEM Dinner was one for the books! Thank you to Ohlone College MESA and our Society of Women Engineers student club for connecting women leaders in #STEM with our Renegades. Cheers to bright futures and #WomensHistoryMonth

*****

From Mt. San Jacinto College:

Enjoying pizza slices and conversations with the president!

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Beach Volleyball Makes History with First-Ever Home Matches

Bakersfield College’s beach volleyball program made history on Friday, March 6, hosting its first-ever home matches on the college’s newly constructed beach volleyball courts. The Renegades rose to the occasion, defeating Cuesta College 3-2 and Glendale 4-1 to sweep the day.

The milestone marked a significant moment for BC athletics, with the new courts giving the program a permanent home to compete and grow. The wins extended what has been a strong start to the season. BC has now won five straight and sits at 8-4 overall on the season.

All home events this season are free and open to the public.

» Follow results and see upcoming schedules!

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

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

Happy Pi Day All

Uncategorized March 14, 2026 Comments: 3

Happy Pi Day
3.14
3.14159265…..

Spring is the time of beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

I started my week at the Wheelhouse Program for presidents, then headed to Sacramento for meetings.
A beautiful Sacramento sunset for you…

And then back home enjoying a walk with my boy Neo.

I wrapped up my week at the inaugural Stemapalooza at Lemoore College.

The West Hills District and Lemoore College are doing real cool things on their campus. Their enrollments are booming. Check out the picture with both the president and the chancellor of the district.

Jonathan an engineering alum from Lemoore, Gustavo Enrique the MESA advisor, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, President James Preston, Sonya Christian, District Chancellor Robert Pimental

This event had mostly MESA students and their advisors along with STEM faculty in attendance.

MESA began in 1970 at the University of California, Berkeley, during a time when leaders in higher education were increasingly concerned that students from many communities across California were not entering fields such as engineering, mathematics, and science at the same rates as others. The early vision of MESA was straightforward but powerful: create structured academic communities that support talented students from underserved backgrounds in preparing for STEM majors and careers.

Over the decades that followed, California made the decision to expand that idea into something much larger.  With continued support from the Legislature and multiple across administrations, MESA evolved into a coordinated effort that now connects middle schools, high schools, community colleges, and universities. Today, MESA operates through three primary components: the MESA Schools Program, the MESA Community College Program, and the MESA Engineering Program at four-year institutions.

What began as a single initiative on one campus has since grown into a nationally recognized model for expanding participation in STEM education. States across the country have looked to California’s MESA framework when designing their own STEM pipeline programs.

The event was coordinated by Jonathan Hernandez from Porterville College. It was so fun…. My heart was full as I reconnected with colleagues from the Central Valley whom I had not seen in quite some time. It felt like coming home.

This is what I saw in the room for the conference. Posters of We love Neo.

Check out this picture that Lemoore College MESA Director Gustavo Enriquez shared on his social media –

I loved the Lemoore MESA sweatshirt. Check out my wardrobe change. Thank you President James Preston. Thank you Gustavo Enrique. Thank you Jonathan Hernandez.

Good morning California.
It is March 14, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Antelope Valley College Student Leaders Meet with Congressman George Whitesides

Student leaders from Antelope Valley College’s Associated Student Organization (ASO) recently met with Congressman George Whitesides to discuss issues affecting community college students and the future of higher education. During the meeting, ASO representatives shared concerns and ideas related to artificial intelligence, expanding research opportunities for students and recent funding cuts affecting Hispanic-Serving Institutions such as AVC.

» Read more!

College of San Mateo’s MESA Program and STEM Priorities Honored by Stanford University for Community Partnership

College of San Mateo was recently honored by Stanford University with its Community Partnership Award, recognizing CSM’s Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program’s impactful collaboration with the Stanford Community College Outreach Program (CCOP) and its commitment to expanding STEM opportunities for community college students. In addition to Stanford’s recognition, MESA also received a Certificate of Recognition from California State Assemblymember Marc Berman, acknowledging the program’s regional impact and leadership in supporting community college students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

» Read more!

Southwestern College x USC: Building the Next Generation
of Community College Leaders

Through a new collaboration with the University of Southern California’s USC Rossier School of Education, Southwestern College has launched the Community College Innovation Scholars Program, a three-year, $4.2 million pilot designed to expand graduate education opportunities while strengthening leadership across California’s community college system. Beginning in fall 2026 and for the next three years, a total of 120 Southwestern College faculty and staff members can pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in education through USC Rossier.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Cyber security lab coming to San Diego City College thanks to $1M grant

San Diego City College is leading education on cyber security in California with a new four-year bachelor’s degree in Cyber Defense and Analysis. The curriculum provides students with the skills and knowledge to protect digital infrastructure and strengthen cybersecurity across most industries and government agencies.

“We must have some way to ensure the education we provide is at the same level students would get going to a traditional four-year college, and we are now a four-year college,” said David Kennemer, the program’s director.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

I loved this picture of BOG member Cirian Villavicencio and BOG student member Maria Blaze at the student March in March event:

*****

From San Diego Miramar College:

Our trio of aviation students is having a great first day of competition at Verticon 2026 in Atlanta, GA!

*****

From Norco College:

Last week, we proudly welcomed our new students during the Honors Orientation! It was an inspiring hour filled with learning and building community. We can’t wait to see how these students thrive in the #HonorsProgram!

*****

From Oxnard College:

Thank you to everyone who helped make our Annual 805 Industry Day a success! In partnership with the Ventura County Office of Education, we welcomed nearly 80 high school counselors from across the county for a day focused on career education and workforce pathways. This annual event connects our K–12 partners with Oxnard College’s career technical education programs, ensuring counselors are equipped to guide students toward meaningful career opportunities that meet regional workforce needs.

*****

From Cuesta College:

Cuesta College welcomed 320 SLO County high school students to our annual Edúcate Sí Se Puede event on Thursday. The future Cougars explored areas of study, heard from current students, and connected with campus resources as they began building their futures at Cuesta.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Women’s History Month Kick-Off Celebration

In honor of Women’s History Month, Bakersfield College hosted a kick-off celebration this week in the Levan Center courtyard on the Panorama campus. The event featured guest speakers, a performing arts preview, the BC Cheerleaders, live Mariachi music, snacks, and more.

Dr. Stacy Pfluger, President of Bakersfield College and one of the speakers, welcomed everyone and expressed excitement for the kick-off and all the upcoming events at BC celebrating Women’s History Month. Later in the event, Trinity Matthews, current BC student and Student Life employee, shared her thoughts about the significance of Women’s History Month, “This month is dedicated to honoring and recognizing the resilient women that came before us,” she said, “and if you take away anything from today, let it be resilience. Know that you can do it – anything you set your mind to.”

» 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

A Love Letter to the California Community Colleges on Valentine’s Day 2026

Uncategorized February 14, 2026 Comments: 12

Dear California Community Colleges:

My introduction to you happened in the late 1990s.

I arrived in Los Angeles, a foreign graduate student, trying to understand America through textbooks and LA’s RTD routes.

And then I met you.

An institution built on virtues I could not quite comprehend.

Infinite hope.
Untiring patience.
Radical non-judgment.
You met people where they were.

Not where they should have been.
Not where someone thought they ought to be.
But where they were.

You were born long before I met you in the Central Valley, where community colleges first took root in California soil.
Practical. Accessible. Close to home. Built for possibility.

And then you spread.

From the Central Valley  – Fresno, Bakersfield, Merced
you reached into the Inland Empire – Riverside, San Bernardino
out to the eastern edge of our state – the Coachella Valley, Palm Desert, Indio
up the North State – Chico, Redding
across the Bay – Oakland, Hayward, San José
down the Central Coast – Monterey, San Luis Obispo
into Los Angeles – every corner, every neighborhood in LA
and all the way to the borderlands – San Diego, Imperial Valley.

Across the Sierra foothills.
Along Highway 99.
Down the 5 and the 101.

Into farmworker towns.
Into port cities.
Into rural mountain communities.
Into urban corridors.
Where opportunity needed a doorway you became that doorway.

You evolved.

You empowered people.
You improved constantly
You innovated for students.
You added programs.
Added pathways.
Added chances.

And over three decades, I have watched you love Californians by taking action in real tangible ways.

I have seen the foster youth who carried everything they owned in a backpack walk across a commencement stage because someone at a community college refused to give up on them.

I have seen the formerly incarcerated Californian who found purpose through education, completed a certificate, earned a degree, and now gives back to their community.

I have seen the veteran, resilient, carrying both visible and invisible weight, find a Veterans Resource Center and a faculty member who said, “You belong here.”

I have seen the student with a disability navigate hallways that were once barriers and find accommodations, allies, and a future not defined by limitation but by capacity.

You do not ask for perfection.
You ask for effort.
You do not require pedigree.
You require courage.

Over two million students a year.

Two million stories of trying again.
Starting over. Leveling up.

You are accessible.
You are practical.
You are relentless in your belief that Californians deserve more.

On this Valentine’s Day, I say it plainly:

I love you, California Community Colleges,
– for your open doors.
– for your stubborn optimism.
– for believing in people before they believe in themselves.

You are California at its best.

And after three decades of watching you in motion … through reform, recession, innovation, and renewal,

I am convinced of this:

If there is an institution built on hope in America,

It is you!

With gratitude, admiration, and love
Your chancellor,
sonya

Grammys, Winter Olympics – life is good

Uncategorized February 7, 2026 Leave a comment

Moments that take our breath away

I watched the Grammy’s on Sunday.  Apparently this is the last year on CBS – next year it will be on a streaming service ….. feels like a sign of the times …. a little bittersweet for those of us who made a night of it. I’ve always loved watching the Grammys. The anticipation, the surprise performances, the talent, the sense that for a few hours we were all tuned in together.

And since Superbowl is tomorrow I thought I would mention the hilarious scene with Trevor Noah and Bad Bunny.

You see, although Bad Bunny won big at the Grammys taking home major awards, he couldn’t officially perform on music’s biggest night because he’s contractually committed to headlining the Super Bowl LX halftime show which I will be watching tomorrow. Trevor Noah cheekily coaxed him into a spontaneous mini performance by singing Bad Bunny’s hit “DtMF” and bringing out a live band. Check it out….

I could not possibly list all my favorite parts….. but here is another – a tribute to Roberta Flack.

My favorite song:

Yesterday, after a loooong work week, I sank into the start of the Winter Olympics. Here are two of the many favorite moments from the Opening Ceremony.

One cool segment – Fantasia.
In this surreal and joyful piece, dancers appeared with oversized heads representing the towering figures of Italian opera history, Rossini, Verdi, and Puccini. Loved the swirling colors, choreographed motion, and references to everything from opera to Renaissance aesthetics. Check it out.
Check out the video on YouTube.

And a performance of Italy’s National Anthem by Laura Pausini. Before the national anthem, the stadium transformed into a runway in celebration of Giorgio Armani. Models moved across the field in silk suits the colors of the Italian flag, their silhouettes unmistakably Armani.
Check out the video on YouTube.

Good morning California.
It is February 7, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Coastline College Launches First Dolphin Tank Pitch Competition
to Support Former Foster Youth Entrepreneurs

Coastline College successfully hosted its first Dolphin Tank Pitch Competition, an innovative, Shark Tank–inspired capstone experience designed to support aspiring student entrepreneurs, with a special focus on students who are current or former foster youth. The event served as both a graduation celebration and a live pitch competition, giving students the opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of experienced community leaders while receiving real-time feedback and mentorship.

» Read more!

Pending Sacramento City College Program Enhancement Will Address
National Air Traffic Controller Shortage

Last month, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) joined leaders from the Los Rios Community College District, Sacramento County, and the aviation industry at Mather Airport to celebrate Sacramento City College’s (SCC) progress toward becoming one of the nation’s only dual-certified Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) programs.  Upon final approval, Sacramento City College would be the first Enhanced AT-CTI program on the West Coast, and one of only two institutions in the country with dual certification to train students for both tower and en route air traffic control careers. 

» Read more!

A First Day, Reimagined: Inside San José City College’s
New Career Education Complex

The Career Education Complex, now open for instruction, represents a significant shift in how San José City College imagines learning spaces. Over the course of the spring semester, 140 class sections will be taught inside the new facility, spanning career education programs and general education courses alike. English classes meet alongside high-tech labs. Students heading to their first lecture pass classmates gathering in open study areas and sunlit corridors.

» Read more!

Long Beach City College And Congressman Robert Garcia
Announce $1.5 Million Community Project Funding

Thanks to the advocacy of Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42), Long Beach City College will receive $1.5 million in Community Project Funding to support the LBCC Child Development Center (CDC) at the Trades, Technology, and Community Learning Campus (TTC). The funding will be used to purchase and install new playground equipment at the TTC CDC. The funding will support a redesign of the center’s outdoor play area, replacing outdated equipment and creating a more functional space tailored specifically to early childhood use. The new playground equipment will serve children ages 3–5.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

How Community Colleges Are Becoming America’s AI Talent Engine

In August 2024, while the technology world fixated on billion-dollar AI startups, something quieter but potentially more consequential was happening in American education. The National Science Foundation announced a $2.8 million grant to establish the National Applied AI Consortium—an initiative placing community colleges, not elite research universities, at the center of America’s AI workforce strategy.

The idea was deceptively simple: if artificial intelligence is going to reshape every industry from healthcare to manufacturing, then the technicians who implement, maintain, and work alongside these systems should come from the institutions that have always served as on-ramps to the American middle class.

» Read more!

*****

Here are 5 reasons why 2026 is an exciting year for community colleges

Rising enrollment in short-term credential courses and community colleges is not a fluke.

Students—including young cohorts—are favoring affordable programs that lead directly to career opportunities, and community colleges are answering the call.

EAB, a higher education consulting firm, recently outlined five macro trends that help explain record-setting interest in the community colleges.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Fresno City College:

Giving tours = our favorite thing. Sharing the tech = even better. Thank you, @toyotausa community!

*****

From Napa Valley College:

Thank you, Congressman Mike Thompson, for taking the time to visit our campus and meet with our student leaders. We truly appreciate the opportunity to share the work happening at NVC and explore ways to further support student success. Your continued dedication to expanding educational opportunities makes a meaningful impact on our community.

*****

From Evergreen Valley College:

Retired judge LaDoris Cordell returned to EVC to speak to the campus as part of Black History Month.

Cordell was the first African American woman to serve on the bench in Northern California, serving on the Superior Court of Santa Clara County. Cordell graduated from Stanford Law School and became a respected jurist and advocate in the Bay Area, generations after her great-great-grandmother was a slave.

Cordell discussed being an “Upstander” and shared stories of those who caused good trouble. She ended with a quote from slave Araminta Ross, who said, Always remember, you have within you the strength, patience, and passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

Ross changed her name to Harriet Tubman and became an American abolitionist, social activist, and upstander herself during the Civil War.

Cordell’s book, “Her Honor,” tells much of her story to readers.

*****

From Allan Hancock College:

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department donated one of its ambulances to AHC’s Public Safety Training Complex February 3.

The ambulance will be used by PSTC’s Emergency Medical Services program, and will help provide EMS students with realistic training.

*****

And Las Positas College shared some photos from their Winter Club & Resource Fair:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Celebrates Recognition as a Black Serving Institution

Earlier this week, faculty, staff, students, and community members gathered on the CSS Lawn to kick off Black History Month and celebrate Bakersfield College’s recent recognition as a California designated Black-Serving Institution (BSI). The distinction is an important milestone highlighting BC’s commitment to advancing equity, access, and student success for Black students.

The event featured remarks from BC administrators, BC faculty, and community members, including BC President Dr. Stacey Pfluger, BC Faculty member Dr. Tommy Tunson, NAACP President of the Bakersfield Branch Patrick Jackson, and others. The event also included a special singing of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ by the Agapeland Christian Academy choir and concluded with food samples and a time for networking. It was an exciting way to kick off Black History Month at Bakersfield College.

» 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