Tag Archives: CCCCO

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

To new beginnings June 2023

Uncategorized June 3, 2023 Comments: 2

On Thursday, I started my position as Chancellor of the California Community Colleges. I snapped this photo from my office … see the top of the State Capitol, the dome with the crowning ornament. You definitely know you are in Sacramento.

Check out this 12-minute video of my remarks at the Board of Governor’s meeting on Feb 23rd when they made the appointment.

Some highlights from my week:

Attended the Campaign for College Opportunity’s Excellence in Placement ceremony where Porterville College was one of the award recipients. President Claudia Habib snapped a selfie with colleagues from Kern CCD – Trustees Yovani Jimenez and Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Deputy Chancellor Zav Dadabhoy.

Members of the Board of Governors
Hildy Aguinaldo, Paul Medina
Michele Siqueros, Sonya Christian, Luke Wood

A record-breaking 56 campuses were honored for implementing landmark placement policy AB 705. Congratulations to all of the well-deserving award winners!

And, a few photos from my first day at the state Chancellor’s Office.

Daisy Gonzales, Sonya Christian, June 1, 2023
Larry Galizeo, Paul Feist, Daisy Gonzales, Joe Wyse, Sonya Christian, Lizette Navarette, Lynn Neault, Pam Luster

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I can’t get this song out of my head:

Doc Todd passed this week at the young age of 38.  Read the story here.

After serving in the Navy, Doc Todd began pursuing a career in music and started using his artistic platform to raise awareness about veterans mental health.  His song “Not Alone” was released in 2017 and resonated with many veterans and their families, as it delves into the struggles faced by those dealing with PTSD and emphasizes the importance of seeking help and support.

Good morning California.
It is June 3, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges
Our Time is Now!

Building a College Going Identity in Rural California

Mendocino College offers on-ground dual enrollment transfer and career education pathways with 18 different high schools ranging in size from 1,600 to just 10, including a California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Awardee. With equitable access and support at the core, Mendocino College’s dual enrollment has grown 108% in the last 5 years. Mendocino College appreciates the opportunity to truly partner with K-12 & CSU colleagues and looks forward to further developing robust student services support with the development of the Dual Enrollment Ambassador program. Pictured is one of their annual College and Career Days, where they welcome over 500 high school students to learn about support services, majors and career opportunities.

Check out this video:

Cerritos College Recognized for
Continuing Leadership in Sustainability

Cerritos College campus photo

Cerritos College recently received the Green Award at the 2023 Foundation for California Community Colleges (FCCC)/CollegeBuys Purchasing Conference. Presented by ODP Business Solutions (formerly Office Depot), the award recognized the Cerritos College Purchasing Department’s commitment to sustainability for its preference towards purchasing eco-friendly products, the most out of all the California community colleges during 2022. For the full story, check out https://bit.ly/3pMERPB.

Southwestern College’s Focus on Equity

Southwestern College celebrates its position as an award-winning, nationally recognized, binational community college focused on belonging, equity, diversity and inclusion. SWC took the lead on developing AB-91 that would allow low-income students who reside in Tijuana to attend San Diego area community colleges, receive an exemption from the nonresident tuition fee, and have access to college. In addition, Southwestern College is working with High School partners to expand dual enrollment pathways, including developing an Early/Middle College High School at our San Ysidro Higher Education Center.  

» Learn more about SWC

Telling Your Story at Santa Monica College

The award-winning film and production program at Santa Monica College is your path to the bright lights of Hollywood- and so much more. Learn how these California community college students are sharing their powerful stories with the world.

Long Beach City College Commits to Dual Enrollment with Equity

R Browning High School
Long Beach City College offers Early College courses at Browning High School.

Long Beach City College (LBCC) is committed to expanding dual enrollment through an equity lens, ensuring access and success for disproportionately impacted (DI) students. In the 2022-23 academic year, LBCC offered college courses for alternative high schools and partnered with learning communities such as the Students Success Initiatives (SSI) and Male Academy to engage underrepresented students in dual enrollment. Through the Early College @ Browning model with Long Beach Unified School District, a total of 22 high school students will graduate this year with both a high school diploma and an associate degree for transfer in hospitality.

» Learn more about Early College at LBCC

In Case You Missed It

Seven New Bachelor’s Degrees
to be Offered at CA Community Colleges

The California Community Colleges has taken another step forward in giving Californians an opportunity to earn a four-year degree from a community college by approving seven new bachelor’s degree programs. This brings to the total number of bachelor’s degrees that are now offered or will soon be offered at a community college to 31.

The new programs available as a part of a bill signed by Governor Newsom in 2021 are:

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Ashanti Hands celebrated her first commencement as President of San Diego Mesa College:

Foundation CCC shared this post:

“The 15th Annual @CalCommColleges Purchasing Conference hosted by @FoundationCCC College Buys in San Diego celebrated Procurement Professional of the Year award winners Kate Carillo of @LosRiosColleges & April Marin of @canyons.“

Foundation CCC Event in San Diego

And From the Home of the Renegades…

BC to Host Drum Corps International Tour

Bakersfield College’s Golden Empire Drum & Bugle Corps announced today the details of the 7th annual presentation of RESOUND, a drum and bugle tour event bringing together some of the country’s best corps, presented by Drum Corps International. The event will take place July 11 at 7 PM inside Bakersfield College’s Memorial Stadium and is open to the public.

» Read more about this week at BC!

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

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

Graduations 2023 – Let’s celebrate

Uncategorized May 20, 2023 Comments: 2

My daughter snapped this photo while we were at Mother’s Day brunch at Brizo in Marina Del Rey.

The Thursday before, we checked out the music scene at the Market Place.

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

Earlier this week, I joined the CCCCO Exec Team for dinner and some planning.

Good morning friends.
It is May 20, 2023.
The sun shines bright over Kern CCD.

Commencement Season

The end of the Spring Semester is always a wonderful time at a community college. It’s so rewarding watching students’ years of hard work pay off in their commencement celebrations.

Here are a few photos from around the state as we celebrate our amazing graduates:

Cuesta College: 1,207 graduating students earned 1,614 degrees will be conferred, including 697 associates in arts, 233 associates in science, 292 associates in arts for transfer, and 392 associates in science for transfer.

Porterville College:  683 degrees awarded to 540 students, 31 of whom are dual enrollment students receiving  their high school diploma and AA degree at the same time.

San Joaquin Delta College:  2,715 graduates with 1,904 graduating with honors, completed 3,782 degree and 647 Certificates at San Joaquin Delta College’s 88th Annual Commencement Ceremony

Cerro Coso Community College: 581 total graduates, including 39 Early College graduates.

Pasadena City College: The 97th Commencement saw 3,046 students earning 4,522 degrees. Graduates ranged in age from 15-77!

Bakersfield College: BC’s 109th Commencement featured 1,418 graduates.

Cypress College: Cypress College celebrated its 56th Commencement on May 19.

Many more ceremonies for graduates of our 116 community colleges are scheduled for the coming weeks. Congratulations to all of our graduates!

And did you know – 51% of CSU graduates and 29% of UC graduates started at a California Community College?

In the News

12-year-old breaks record as youngest graduate

Clovis Hung, who is 12 years old, set the record at Fullerton College as its youngest graduate. He was a special admit who came to the college at just 9 years old.

Check out the story:

https://abc7news.com/fullerton-college-graduation-youngest-graduate-clovis-hung-12-year-old/13262515/

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Kylie Campbell was selected as the first president of hte CA Alliance of Dual Enrollment Partnerships

Thank you to Daisy Gonzales for sharing this photo with Daisy & Eloy Oakley at the Executive Team Planning Session:

Kern CCD Trustees Yovani Jimenez, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, and Romeo Agbalog with incoming BC President Steven Watkin and outgoing BC President Zav Dadabhoy at Bakersfield College’s commencement:

And from the Home of the Renegades…

Bakersfield College Hosts AgTechXEd Summit

The Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology, California Department of Food and Agriculture and Bakersfield College partnered to host AgTechXEd Summit – a half-day event dedicated to developing the next generation of tech-savvy agricultural workers on Tuesday afternoon.

The AgTechXEd Summit at Bakersfield College included 3 panels, covering topics such as education, workforce development strategies, and current and future workforce needs on the farm. This event was part of the AgTechXEd Initiative – a statewide effort, led by Western Growers and California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross, to cultivate a future workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate emerging on-farm technology.

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

The future is bright at Kern CCD.

-sonya
joyful and grateful

#KernCCDDaringMightyThings

BC in the news. Let’s pack Memorial Stadium today!

Uncategorized November 19, 2014 Leave a comment

Bakersfield College on the Chancellor’s website:

CCCCO Website

There are so many great opportunities to get Bakersfield College out on a statewide basis, and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office uses their website as a vehicle to put out information on all of the colleges in the state.

 

Recently, Bakersfield College was featured on the CCCCO website on a large scale with a photo from our student government elections last year. We are proud of our Renegade students!

Renegade Football at Western States Bowl:

Win against Ventura Nov 15 2914

Sonya Christian joyous at Renegade Football win against the Ventura Pirates on Nov 15, 2014

 

Our Renegade Football Team qualified for the Western State Bowl because of our overall 6-4 record and being ranked seventh in the south for the final season ending poll.  The game is today, November 22nd, against Chaffey College, at the Memorial stadium. Kickoff is at 4:00 p.m.  This is our first home bowl game since 2009 with an overall record of 22-14 wins in bowl games.

Also, this will be Peter Reyes’ final game carrying the BC flag.  He has been a BC football fan for over five decades.  Reyes has led the Renegades onto the field, as the flag bearer, both here at the Memorial Stadium and when they are on the road for over 30 years.  Today will be his last stint and at a bowl game at the Memorial Stadium.

So dear community members, there is plenty of reason for us to pack Memorial Stadium this afternoon at 4:00 p.m. and let’s get social media going wild with facebook, twitter, instagram……  tweet out your messages with #bcisback @gogadesgo.  I will be tweeting as well @sonyachristian.  So will Amber Chiang for BC @bcrenegades.