Tag Archives: California Community Colleges

CA Community Colleges – Serious work with a light touch

Uncategorized August 5, 2023 1 Comment

Last Saturday, I saw Oppenheimer … an excellent movie… I believe one of Christopher Nolan’s very best. I have a low tolerance for long movies. This one is 3 hours… and I was immersed in each and every moment.

Cillian Murphy as Oppenheimer.

Christopher Nolan is a highly acclaimed filmmaker known for his unique storytelling style, intricate narratives, and visually stunning films. The phrase “non-linear storytelling” is ofter used by film critics to describe his work. Nolan’s films often delve into complex philosophical themes and human psychology. Existential questions, the nature of reality, time, and identity are recurring motifs in his work.

He was born on July 30, 1970, in London, England. Nolan’s work has left a significant impact on the film industry, and his films have achieved both critical and commercial success.

Watch the trailer… very powerful. The movie, even more so. Definitely a must see.

Btw, did you recognize the high profile star cast? Were you able to pick out Robert Downey Jr?

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On Sunday, I caught Bakersfield College’s performance of The Addams Family Musical. It was spectacular. Brian Sivesind, this was truly a remarkable feat. Thank you!

I loved these photos that Brian shared on Facebook:

The orchestra was fantastic. Thank you Scott Dirkse! We have a remarkable lineup of talent in our Performing Arts program at Bakersfield College

And check out this photo from Yovani Jimenez of some of the KCCD trustees and supporters attending the show:

Dr. Bill and Sharon Baker, Senator Emeritus Jean Fuller and Russell Fuller, Trustee Christina Scrivner and her two daughters, Trustee Yovani Jimenez. Not in the photo, but in attendance was President of the Board, Trustee Romeo Agbalog.

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This week I spent time in Sacramento, with an apprenticeship meeting co-hosted by the Labor Agency and the Chancellor’s Office. Together we are hoping to convert our California Community College apprenticeship experiences into Apprenticeship Pathways. And thank you Secretary Stewart Knox for your partnership. Stay tuned for more to come.

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Talking about apprenticeships, check out this blog post from March 2023. It is only a 6-minute read. https://workforceandeconomicmobility.com/2023/03/10/earn-and-learn-expanding-work-based-learning-opportunities/

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On Wednesday, we had a well-attended – 1200 attendees! – webinar to roll out Vision 2030. I was joined by some amazing presenters:

Cassandra Flandre-Nguyen, President SSCCC. Our student was absolutely fantastic. After her presentation, and when I came back on, the only word that I kept repeating was “wow.”

Andra Hoffman, President, CCCT

Julianna Barnes, President, CEO Board and Chair, League Board

Manuel Payan, CSEA

Manuel Velez, Vice President, ASCCC

Lizette Navarette, Executive Vice Chancellor

Good morning California.
It is August 5, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Calbright College Granted Accreditation Through
Distance Education Accrediting Commission

On Friday, July 28, Calbright College was granted initial accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), more than a year ahead of the April 1, 2025 deadline outlined in the College’s founding legislation. 

» Learn more about Calbright’s accreditation!

RCCD Celebrates Closing Celebration for Inaugural Cohort 1 of Californians for All, College Corps Program

The Riverside Community College District (RCCD) marked a momentous occasion as it celebrated the closing celebration for the inaugural Cohort 1 of the Californians For All, College Corps Program. The program was initiated with an inspiring introduction from Director Darci Manzo Piron, who highlighted the significance of College Corps as a pioneering state-sponsored service and career development program.

» Read more about the program!

Santa Barbara Summer Bridge Programs Offer Jumpstart to College

This summer two of Santa Barbara City College’s innovative programs welcomed local students to experience college-level coursework and gain confidence and motivation to seek higher education in their lives.

» Read more about SBCC Summer Bridge!

College of Marin hosts 10,000 Degrees summits

10,000 Degrees, a San Rafael-based organization dedicated to empowering students to enter and graduate college in Marin and seven other Bay Area counties, held its annual ‘College Opportunities Summit’ on August 1, and the ‘High School Readiness Summit’ on August 3 at College of Marin, Kentfield Campus.

» Learn more!

In Case You Missed It

Community College League: Sierra College Student Trustee
to Attend Yale University

The Community College League of California did a feature on SierraCollege’s 22-23 student trustee Maya Moseley to chat about her experience as a student trustee and her acceptance into Yale.

Sierra College student Maya Moseley had no idea that her community college journey would end with a Yale acceptance. But let’s rewind— how did she end up there?

» Read the feature!

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EdSource: What to know about bachelor’s degrees at California Community Colleges | Quick Guide

EdSource’s Michael Burke wrote this quick guide to bachelor’s degrees at California Community Colleges.

The relatively low price tag of a community college baccalaureate degree is also attractive to many students. (Specific details about the costs can be found later in this guide.) When the Legislative Analyst’s Office conducted an analysis of existing community college baccalaureate programs, “the most common benefit” they heard from students was the low cost of the programs. “Many had considered enrolling in private programs offering the same degree, but were hesitant to do so because of the cost,” the LAO wrote.

» Read the article!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Rowena Tomaneng posted this from the AACC Board Retreat in Washington, DC:

Day 2 #AACC Board Retreat, DC– great dialogue w/#NasserPaydar, Asst. Secretary for Postsecondary Education @usedgov, on Impact of SCOTUS decision on Affirmative Action on #CommunityColleges! Honored to rep @CalCommColleges at the national level w/#SunnyCooke #MichaelGuitterez

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From Dr. Julius Sokenu at Moorkpark College:

“We are incredibly grateful for Assemblywoman @jacquiirwin for a $500,000 donation to the construction of The @Moorpark College Amphitheater. Thank you for supporting our shared vision to bring greater opportunities for culture and the arts to our community.”

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From Evergreen College:

Did you catch us on @liveinthebaytv this week??
Thank you @kron4news for the feature and for spotlighting our amazing school and staff, Professor Dr. Peter Miskin!

Check it out at https://www.kron4.com/live-in-the-bay/sponsored-enroll-in-evergreen-valley-college/.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Exciting things await at BC this fall; celebrating 110 years of excellence

Bakersfield College is buzzing with excitement for the start of a new academic year. This year, however, is extra special as we celebrate a momentous milestone — BC’s 110th anniversary of serving the community since our founding in 1913.

» Read more about this week at Bakersfield College!

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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

California Community Colleges – acting with urgency and leading with courage

Uncategorized July 29, 2023 Comments: 2

This week began with my first Board of Governors meeting, on Monday morning. We officially kicked off Vision 2030, our roadmap for California Community Colleges.

Sonya Christian at Board of Governors Meeting

Vision 2030 builds upon the foundations and work from the Vision for Success (2017) and the Governor’s Roadmap (2021), taking into account current issues and future considerations.

This plan focuses on improving equitable success for our nearly 2 million California Community College students, while introducing equitable access to find future learners and bring college to them.

Over the next few months, there will be many opportunities for statewide engagements as we focus on refining the plan before a final version is presented to the Board of Governors next January.

My week continued on Tuesday as I headed to Washington, DC, in time for Wednesday’s National Summit on Equal Opportunity in Higher Education. In his keynote speech, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona reminded us all:

“Every generation is called upon to renew the promise of America. This is our moment. To be innovative. To act with urgency. And to lead with courage.”

It was also nice to see former California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Oakley, who spoke on a panel about rebuilding affordable higher education pipelines.

Panel about rebuilding affordable higher education pipelines
Eloy Oakley

After an exciting time being away, it was good to be back home for a bit of rest and relaxation. And of course – some quality time with Neo.

Good morning California.
It is July 29, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Fullerton College Drone Program and FAA Host Public Drone Event

Fullerton College Drone Students

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Fullerton College drone program teamed up to give a bird’s-eye view of the growing industry during a free three-day event, Droning On: California Edition.

The event kicked off on July 21 at Fullerton College with a Public Service Day that included a series of panels, lectures, and demonstrations with featured companies from various public service organizations, including Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas and Electric, and many more.

» Read more about this event & Fullerton College’s drone program!

Antelope Valley College Fire Academy Grads Respond to First Assignment

Wildland Fire Academy students and class of 2023 graduates assisted firefighters from the Inyo National Forest in containing a fire 10 miles east of June Lake near Pumice Mine Road on Saturday, July 15. Fire crews braved high temperatures and dry winds to contain the fire to one acre.

Antelope Valley College Fire Academy Students

» Read more!

» Learn about Antelope Valley College’s Wildland Fire Academy

Mt. San Jacinto College Culinary Arts Instructor Serves Up
Food and Fun with a Focus on Regenerative Practices

Lea Di Bernardo

There’s more to Leah Di Bernardo’s culinary arts class at Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) than lectures, reading and recipes. Di Bernardo serves up lessons about what farm-to-table means for people and the planet. 

She is a key member of an MSJC advisory group that is currently in development on a Regenerative Agriculture program at the college.

» Read more!

East LA College Psychology Department Awarded $8.1M in Grants

he East Los Angeles College (ELAC) Psychology department and Addiction Studies program were recently awarded $8.1 million in grants. This is the largest ever received by the department and also one of the largest grants awarded in ELAC history. 

» Read more about the grants!

East LA College

In Case You Missed It

Community College League: California Community Colleges Support Rep. Schiff’s Bill to Help End Food Insecurity at Community Colleges

Andrea Hoffman and Adam Schiff

Last week, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Calif., 30th District) proposed legislation that would help community college students with food insecurity. The Community College League of California’s leadership supports this bill and its recognition of students’ basic needs.  

» Read more!

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Community College Daily: A renewed appreciation for the humanities

San Diego Miramar College’s PATH Program was featured in a piece in Community College Daily.

“A collaborative program between SDCCD and UC San Diego School of Arts and Humanities, funded by the Mellon Foundation starting in 2016, PATH has resulted in a 78% transfer rate of arts and humanities majors. This rate doubles the regular transfer rate for SDCCD arts and humanities majors which was at 39% prior to PATH. In fact, the program has expanded opportunities for underrepresented minority students who are 63% of the students participating in this program.”

» Read the article!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Check out Nick Strobel’s piece on teaching and learning:

“I have been teaching at Bakersfield College for 27 years and before that I taught the intro astronomy courses at University of Washington for five years, so I’ve been doing the teaching gig for 32 years now. I’ve been reflecting a bit on those 32 years on how the academic environment has changed and how I’ve changed with it or maybe the environment hasn’t changed all that much but I’ve gotten better at recognizing what’s already there and adjusted accordingly.  Whatever the case may be, I can see three major shifts in my teaching.”

» Read his blog post!

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From Tawny Dotson

“Fantastic weekend in Sacramento supporting some of @CalCommColleges’ newest CEOs!“

Attendees at CEO

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Kylie Campbell shared this:

“Thank you @CSEA_Now and @billrawlings for inviting Vice Chancellor @JohnStanskas and I to present on #Vision2030 and #DualEnrollment at your CSEA Community College Symposium! @CalCommColleges@sonyachristian#OurTimeIsNow“

John Stanskas
Kylie Campbell

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Foothill College recently welcomed a group of students and professors from the The University of Tokyo / UTokyo School of Education. They were in the Bay Area visiting area colleges.

Visiting students from University of Tokyo

And From the Home of the Renegades

On-Campus Employment Meet & Greet

Bakersfield College employment office

The Office of Student Employment and Financial Aid hosted the Student Employment Festival this week which gave students the opportunity to speak to several BC departments about available positions and federal work-study. Attendees were also able to get assistance with jobspeaker, BC’s online Job Board that features employment postings from local companies.

» Read more about this week at BC!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.

Sonya Christian and Neo

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

California Community Colleges, Harmonies that Work Well Together!

Uncategorized July 22, 2023 1 Comment

This week, a friend of mine brought up Crosby, Stills & Nash, the supergroup made up of singer-songwriters David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash (and occasionally joined by Neil Young).

The group formed in 1968 after Crosby, Stills and Nash had an informal performance and realized their voices and harmonies worked well together.

Here is one of my favorites – Teach your children.

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Last weekend, I watched the new “Mission Impossible” movie. Tom Cruise is famous for doing his own stunts, and this latest film features one billed as the most death-defying stunt of his career – driving a motorcycle off of a cliff.

They tackled the amazing feat on day one of filming. Cruise talked to Entertainment Tonight about the stunt, explaining that starting with that helps the filmmakers decide if they’ll be able to continue filming the rest of the movie, or if they have to do a major rewrite if they can’t accomplish the stunt or the actor is injured (or worse!) in the attempt. Whoa!

Check it out in the trailer (the stunt starts around 1:17):

The Impossible Mission Force (IMP) team – Luther Stickell and Franz Krieger – that works with Cruise’s character Ethan Hunt is just fantastic. California Community Colleges are California’s IMF agents – taking care of our students, our communities, and our plant.

Breakfast at Wimbledon

On Sunday, I tuned in for Breakfast at Wimbledon – a tradition that began in 1979 when NBC needed to find a way to get American audiences to turn on the tvs for tennis at 9 am. Wimbledon tradition dictates that play begins precisely at 2 pm, which translates to 6 am for viewers on the West Coast.

In that first broadcast, NBC wanted to begin a few minutes later so they could run an introductory segment (and ads) before the players walked out. Officials at the All England Club refused, but NBC’s executive producer of sports spoke to one of the commentators (who also managed one of the men’s finalists that year).

The commentator spoke to the finalist, Roscoe Tanner, who proceeded to spend a few extra minutes in the bathroom before leaving the locker room – giving NBC time to begin its production and still allow viewers to see the players walk out onto the grass live.

The experiment in broadcasting live tennis to viewers across the pond was a success!

This year’s finals had no shortage of drama and excitement. Going into the final, Novak Djokovic was a heavy favorite, with a 34-match winning streak at Wimbledon and a 27-match winning streak at majors. He had won an all-time record 45 matches in a row on Centre Court, going back to his last loss, to Andy Murray in the final on July 7th, 2013.

This year, he faced 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz, playing in his first Wimbledon final. Alcaraz was down after the first set, but clawed his way back during an epic 85-minute second set. Alcaraz ultimately defeated Djokovic in a match that lasted four hours and 42 minutes – the third-longest final in Wimbledon history.

Breakfast at Wimbledon was my mom’s favorite. Mom, as always, this one is for you.

Paul Christian and Pam Christian
Paul and Pam Christian

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I’ve also had a very busy week traveling and promoting the work of the California Community Colleges and Vision 2030.

I started my week in Los Angeles at the Wheelhouse CEO Institute, which is led by Francisco Rodriguez – Chancellor of LACCD and Chancellor in Residence at Wheelhouse. I was able to spend some time speaking with and getting to know the 14 CEOs participating in this year’s cohort.

On Thursday, I attended the July Consultation Council, where we were able to to do a deep dive into Vision 2030.

Good morning California.
It is July 22, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Sierra College Student Journalists Recognized for Reporting on Equity

Everybody is Entitled to Equity is a set of four stories produced by a team of journalist fellows in Spring, 2023. The team includes five student journalists, featured in the above image from left to right: Sierra Mickelson, Alexa Topacio, Luis-Antonio Carreon, Ryder Bouck, and Ethan Yamaguchi. They were all awarded through the California Humanities “Emerging Journalist” Fellowship with the Journalism program at Sierra College.

» Read more about their reporting!

Irvine Valley College Girls Who Code Team Wins 1st Place

The IVC Girls Who Code Challenge Team competed in the Spring 2023 College Loops Challenge against several other chapters of Girls Who Code around the nation last month. The team of four won first place overall.

» Read more about the win!

Los Angeles Trade Tech College Culinary Students Earn Medals at SkillsUSA

Last month, 4 students and 3 instructors from LATTC’s Culinary Arts pathway traveled to Atlanta for the National Leadership & Skills Conference. The annual conference marks the largest gathering of America’s future skilled workforce and was attended by more than 6,500 competitors across 110 competitions.

LATTC Student Samantha Gaydowski took gold in the Baking & Pastry Arts, while Pardhyuman Jha won bronze in Restaurant Service.

» Read more about the competition!

In Case You Missed It

AAC&U Liberal Education: We Can’t Afford Not To –
All colleges and universities should have a prison education program

I wanted to share this article that was printed in AAC&U’S Liberal Education magazine, writing about the importance of prison education programs and how they have an amazing effect on recidivism rates. It was a lot of fun working on this piece with Dr. Manny Mourtzanos, former Vice Chancellor at the Kern Community College District.

» Read more!

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EdSource: Community College baccalaureate degrees
are key to expanding college access, panel says

Emma Gallegos wrote about a roundtable on community college baccalaureates that EdSource hosted on Thursday.

(Aisha) Lowe said the expansion of community college baccalaureate programs is crucial to meeting the governor’s goal of 70% of the state’s working adults attaining a bachelor’s degree by 2030. She points out that many universities are impacted now and certainly cannot increase capacity at the level that the state needs. Because community colleges are locally oriented, they’re well-situated to meet local needs in a way that the CSU or UC system cannot.

» Read more!

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KTLA: California Foster Youth Can Now Attend College for Free

Foster youth across California will now be able to attend college, free of charge, after new legislation, SB 307, was signed into the state budget.

The new Fostering Futures program will cover the entire cost for foster youth to attend a University of California, California State University or California community college.

» Read more!

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Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Yovani Jimenez shared this post, with Nicole Parra and Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg:

“Congratulations to the Latina Leaders of Kern County as they celebrate 25 years of excellence. I am truly inspired by the dedication and hard work of the founding mothers who worked tirelessly to turn a dream into a reality. Tonight, I also want to convey my congratulations to the honorees, whose success stories serve as a true inspiration. Their achievements demonstrate the limitless possibilities and potential within our community. Thank you all for your incredible contributions and for continuously inspiring.”

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From Palomar College:

“The VFW Post 1513 of Escondido provided lunch at the Palomar College Veterans Resource Center for Operation Home-Cooked. Thank you to Army Veteran Gina Burke for cooking for our Veteran Students. Thank you to San Diego North County Blue Star Mothers for also being there.”

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From San Joaquin Delta College:

“We were happy to host teachers from across San Joaquin County at Delta’s Manteca farm recently for Ag in the Classroom. Teachers learned all about agriculture and how to incorporate it in their classrooms this school year. Thank you @SJFarmBureau for making this possible!”

And from San Diego Community College District:

“Board President Maria Nieto Senour was presented with a cake at today’s board meeting in honor of her 80th birthday. Hope you have a wonderful birthday, Maria.”

And From the Home of the Renegades

Renegade Pantry Hosts Farmers Market for July

The Renegade Nexus Pantry hosted another Farmer’s Market this week, distributing healthy fruits and vegetables to students and community members. The Bakersfield weather was hot, but the Nexus staff and volunteers came prepared to help participants take home nutritious produce to their households, including beets, bok choy, watermelon, oranges, cauliflower, raspberries, carrots, and much more.

» Read more about this week at BC!

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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

Community College Champions everywhere

Uncategorized June 24, 2023 1 Comment

The last two weeks, Bessie came to visit when my daughter was in Ukraine volunteering with a surgical team.  Pretty remarkable young woman. 

Needless to say Neo was ecstatic to have Bess in Bakersfield.

Bessie enjoys laying in the sun

On Wednesday, we celebrated #NationalSelfieDay as I started my day in the office with Mary Ann Biag:

My week in Sacramento was filled with running into Community College Champions.

Here is a tweet from Toni Atkins, President pro Tempore of the California State Senate a #CommunityCollegeChampions.

The Foundation for California Community College’s 25th Anniversary celebrated its 25th anniversary. Assembly member Mike Fong stopped by – a #CommunityCollegeChampion

Good morning California.
It is June 24, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

 Community College Global Affairs Fellowship (CCGAF)

Student BOG member Paul Medina is currently in a International Affairs fellowship made up of 30 community college students nationwide, the majority of which are California Community College students.

American River, Berkeley City, Compton, East Los Angeles, El Camino, Foothill, Ohlone, Pasadena City, Riverside City and Santa Monica community colleges are all represented this year.

» Read more about the program!

Student Ambassador Showcase
Highlights Program’s Success

Earlier this month, FoundationCCC hosted the California Community College Student Ambassador Showcase to recognize the outstanding work or student ambassadors statewide.

The program trains Califronia community college students to become on-campus advocates, sharing information about program and resources available to support student success. FoundationCCC collaborated with participating colleges to train these students.

Since 2018, student ambassadors have reached over 1 million of their California community college peers!

» Read more about the program!

Hartnell College awarded $9.5M Grant

Hartnell College was awarded a grant of $9,500,000 from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s inaugural NEXTGEN program. The announcement was made during a presentation by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in Wash., D.C.

The project, titled “Hartnell College Learning to Lead: Career Pathways Supporting US Leafy Green Production,” will be carried out in partnership with Imperial Valley College, Cal State University Monterey Bay, and the University of Arizona, Yuma.

» Read more about the grant & project!

San Diego College of Continuing Education Receives
$1.4 Million Grant to Support Former Foster Youth

Programs supporting former foster youth trying to stay on their feet as they transition to adulthood are receiving a significant boost thanks to a $1.4 million grant to the San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) and nonprofit Promises2Kids that was celebrated during a check presentation on Friday.

The $1.4 million was directed to SDCCE and Promises2Kids through California State Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), who was a featured speaker.

» Read more about the grant!

Laney College student awarded Governors Service Medallion

Laney College student Susan Bradley is the first student to be awarded the Governors Service Medallion from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) – the organization that provides the Emmy Award.

Susan Bradley is an active NATAS member and Governor. Because of her continual contribution as a photographer for NATAS Susan was nominated for the 2023 Governors Service Medallion after only three years of service.

» Read more about her award!

In Case You Missed It

LA Times: The most lucrative majors?
Some community college grads can outearn elite university peers

“Health field graduates also command high salaries — including those with community college degrees. Registered nursing graduates with two-year degrees from Sacramento City College earn $123,056 annually, more than those with bachelor’s degrees in nursing at UCLA and UC Irvine. Experts say that geography can play a role, with wages often higher in the Bay Area. Most community college registered nursing programs deliver median earnings of more than $90,000 annually, the data show.”

» Read the article!

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CalChamber Advocacy: Community College Baccalaureate Degree Programs Feed Regional Workforce and Increase Student Pathways for Economic Mobility

“The Baccalaureate Degree Programs at California Community Colleges have been a catalyst of economic and regional development since their inception in 2014. The focused baccalaureate programs at 21 of California’s community colleges offer career-specific bachelor’s degrees to help answer the persistent call from our state’s workforce for trained, skilled workers.”

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Lake Tahoe Community College President Jeff DeFranco shared this post:

Welcomed the Far North California Community Colleges to Lake Tahoe today as part of our “community of practice” collaboration. #comm_college
@ShastaCollege
@MendocinoEagles
@buttecollege
@redwoodstweets
@FeatherRiverCol
@Lassen_College
@COS_InfoNow
@LakeTahoeCC

Kylie Campbell spoke about Dual Enrollment at Academic Innovations’ Get Focused Stay Focused conference:

And check out this post from East Los Angeles College!

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Faculty Member Receives 2023 Educator of the Year Award
from National Education Association

BC Educator, Dr. Christine Cruz Boone, has received the 2023 Educator of the Year award from the National Education Association (NEA). Dr. Cruz Boone received an abundance of support from the local community and members of the statewide Community College Association (CCA) Board.

» Read more about this week at BC!

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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

Juneteenth 2023 – CA CCs promote empathy and unity

Uncategorized June 17, 2023 Comments: 2

Last Saturday, I walked out of the gym after my Saturday morning class and spotted this bird.

I texted a friend who is a bird watcher and she immediately came back with gray hawk. She then checked in with a raptor expert and came back with hybrid falcon.

What do you think?

Gray Hawk
Hybrid Falcon

Then on Sunday, I enjoyed watching the 76th Tony Awards. Kimberly Akimbo received top honors for Best Musical, while Leopoldstadt took Best Play.

I love musicals.

Check out the opening performance with host Ariana DeBose.

This week I also had my first Consultation Council meeting as California Community Colleges Chancellor. Great group of talented and dedicated folks. Our time is now!

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On Monday, we celebrate Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived on the island of Galveston, Texas, to take command of the federal troops who went there to enforce the emancipation of its slaves. He issued General Order No. 3, which enforced the Emancipation Proclamation and freed all remaining slaves in Texas.

Now, Juneteenth is a federal holiday – first recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

Here is excerpt from an email I sent to our staff :

“This celebration allows us to foster a deeper understanding of our shared history and promote empathy and unity among our colleagues. Linked here is a short video featuring renowned Harvard historian, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., further explaining the significance and history of Juneteenth.”

And wishing all the dads out there a very happy Father’s Day tomorrow!

Paul Christian, Sonya Christian

Good morning California.
It is June 17, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges

Woodland Community College, Feather River College
among Community College Innovation Challenge winners

The Community College Innovation Challenge (CCIC) is led by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF). It is a national competition where community college student teams, working with a faculty or administrator mentor, use science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to innovate solutions to real-world problems; participate in an Innovation Boot Camp; and compete for cash awards.

This year, two California Community Colleges are among the winners. Woodland Community College took 2nd place, while Feather River College took 3rd.

» Read more about the CCIC

» Check out posts from MESA at Woodland Community College

» Learn more about Feather River College’s team

Norco College Rocketry Team
AR 51025 Competition Update and Video

In Fall 2022, Norco College Rocketry collaborated with the Flabob Airport Rocketry Program by taking weekly classes and worked diligently to educate themselves on rocketry fundamentals and techniques. On March 4th, the team successfully launched and retrieved their rocket “Vector” and performed a static fire in the Mojave Desert. After Vector, the team began preparations for our competition rocket for the FAR 51025 Competition. 

» Read more and see additional videos about the Rocketry team

Re-imagined Hiring Event
Hosted at Butte College Career Center

This spring, the Butte College Career Center partnered with SynEd to launch a new pilot to connect students completing certificate and degree programs in accounting and business with employers hiring for those skills. The career center modeled the event after SynEd’s Appointment with your Future.

» Read more about the Hiring Event

De Anza College Receives MESA Grant
for Underrepresented Students

De Anza has been awarded $1.55 million in state funding over the next five years for a new cohort program to support historically underrepresented students who want to transfer in STEM majors.

The new MESA (Math, Engineering and Science Achievement) program will build on strategies that proved highly effective with De Anza’s Math Performance Success program, which has used dedicated counselors, embedded peer tutors and additional support to improve student success rates in Math – particularly for Latinx and Black students.

» Read more about MESA at De Anza

In Case You Missed It

Diverse Issues in Higher Education: Education Department
Announces Grants for Initiatives to Support Native Students

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has announced more than $8 million in available grants to fund initiatives for Native students.

» Read more about his grant program

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LAist: America Needs Pilots, But Training Is Pricey.
Community Colleges Are Stepping In

A commercial pilot license is also a necessary step toward flying for an airline, and those pilots should have some leverage when they hit the market. According to analysts with consulting firm Oliver Wyman, while the gap between supply and demand of pilots has improved from projections in 2022, there may be a shortfall of up to 24,000 pilots by 2026.

Still, pilot training programs can get expensive, as students navigate an array of fees. That’s left affordable community college programs an opening.

» Read more

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Dr. Zav Dadabhoy tweeted

Allan Hancock College‘s Beyond Incarceration Greater Education (BIGE) Club visited the Santa Maria Police Department to share their stories and discuss how the two groups can work together to Change the Odds in our community.

Calbright College spreading the word at the Juneteenth Education Fair at Camp Pendleton:

Mission College kicked off their Summer Concert Series:

And thank you to Assemblymember Mike Fong for sharing this photo of us after we met in Sacramento this week:

Blast From the Past

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $13.5 Million Investment
to Equitably Grow Solar Energy Workforce

As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced 12 projects, whose work will span more than 13 states, selected for negotiation to launch training partnerships that expand the solar energy workforce in underserved and underrepresented communities, as well as create career pathways with thousands of good-paying jobs.

Kern Community College District (Bakersfield, CA): In partnership with IBEW, this project will provide solar installation career-track training and electrical apprenticeship readiness training with opportunities for union membership for participants from disadvantaged communities in the Central Valley of California. ​(Award: $1,000,000)

» Read more about the grants

» Read more about this week at BC!

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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