Tag Archives: Cerro Coso Community College

Wrapping up May 2025 strong

Uncategorized May 31, 2025 1 Comment

Started my week in Santa Barbara for the Vision 2030 Workshop. Woke up to this …..

As always, the Chancellor’s Office team found time to have some fun!

Flowers for you from my morning walk.

Back at home to my boy Neo …. the morning ritual …. after our walk Neo greets the pool dragon with a “woof”.

***

Ms Rosamma Babu, my high school history teacher, passed away. She taught Indian history and was an amazing teacher.

Good morning California.
It is May 31, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cerritos College Team Wins National Award for Transformative High School Partnership

Cerritos College’s commitment to meeting students where they are at once again earned national recognition from the League for Innovation in the Community College. The 2024-25 Innovation of the Year Award was presented to Assistant Director of Admissions and Records Laura Estrada, Interim Director of Educational Partnerships and Programs Sasha Leonardo, Assistant Director of Financial Aid Jamie Quiroz, and Counselor Dr. Clara Ross-Jones for their work launching the College Bound Buccaneers. In collaboration with Bellflower High School, this pilot program provides a direct pathway into Cerritos Complete, the college’s award-winning Promise Program.

» Read more!

American River College Professor Jesus Valle Honored
with 2025 Wilma Mankiller Memorial Award

American River College is proud to celebrate one of its own, Professor Jesus Valle, as the distinguished recipient of the 2025 Wilma Mankiller Memorial Award for Human and Civil Rights from the National Education Association. This national honor, named after the legendary Cherokee Nation leader and fearless advocate for American Indian children, recognizes individuals who have profoundly impacted education and the achievement of equal opportunity for American Indians/Alaska Natives. Professor Valle’s dedication spans 28 years of advocacy, mentorship, and an unwavering belief in the potential of tribal youth. 

» Read more!

Orange Coast College Partners with MM-SEAS to Enhance
Maritime Professional Licensing Support for Students

Orange Coast College is proud to announce a new partnership with MM-SEAS, a leading provider of U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) licensing software. This collaboration aims to enhance professional licensing support and tools for students enrolled in programs at the OCC Waterfront Campus, further demonstrating the College’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers in the maritime industry.

» Read more!

Sierra College Receives CAL FIRE Partnership Award

Sierra College and Superintendent/President Willy Duncan were honored by the CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit with its 2024 “Partnership Award” for the college’s commitment to public safety and community service, its longstanding Fire Academy program, and recent efforts to bring a Regional Public Safety Training Center to Placer County.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

5 creative ways California colleges are feeding students beyond food pantries

To improve CalFresh outreach and enrollment, California started setting aside annual funds in 2021 for public colleges and universities to establish and operate basic needs centers with food pantries, where students obtain free food staples. The California State University and University of California systems each receive $15 million and California Community Colleges receives $30 million annually. As of 2023, every public higher education campus in the state has a basic needs center and food pantry.

However, for many campuses, these solutions still aren’t enough. To fill the gaps, some have created their own innovative solutions. From free meals to food lockers, staff and students at five campuses – including CCCs Compton College, Contra Costa College, Antelope Valley College, and Cerro Coso Community College – around California offer creative alternatives.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From West Valley College:

We’re incredibly proud of the creativity, drive, and business acumen our students demonstrated at the Entrepreneurship Center’s Business Pitch Competition. Their ideas are not just future-ready, some are already making an impact.

Leading up to the event, students participated in pre-sessions with mentors and industry experts to shape and strengthen their ideas. Each team delivered an 8–10 minute pitch to a panel of esteemed judges and the results were nothing short of impressive.

Congratulations to all the winning teams, each awarded a $5,000 startup grant to help launch their businesses. We are deeply grateful to Howard Gore and Kimberly Hawkins-Gore for generously sponsoring these grants and serving as judges during the event.

Special thanks to all the mentors, panel of judges, volunteers, E-Center Director Teresa Thompson, and our Dean of Professional Studies Eric Grabiel for bringing student innovation and entrepreneurship to center stage.

*****

From Coastline College:

To wrap up #AAPIHeritageMonth students and employees joined a peaceful Ikebana workshop last week. Led by Ayako Ariga and Miyako Arao, 35 participants created beautiful flower arrangements while learning the art and symbolism of this Japanese tradition.

*****

From Copper Mountain College:

We’re thrilled to announce that the Criminal Justice Club at Copper Mountain College is officially up and running — and growing fast! Our April launch event, “Anatomy of a Murder,” was a huge success, bringing students, staff, and local law enforcement together for an engaging evening of insight and discussion. We’re proud to share that the club already has 17 active members!

*****

From Chaffey College:

So much pride celebrating the accomplishments of our Black/African American students at our Rites of Passage graduation celebration.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Celebrates 2025 Transfer Students

Bakersfield College proudly hosted the 2025 Transfer Celebration late last month, honoring students who will be continuing their academic journeys at four-year universities across California and beyond.

Representatives from the CSU Office of the Chancellor and UC Merced, speaking on behalf of the UC Office of the President, offered welcoming remarks and words of encouragement as students prepare for the next step in their educational journey.

» 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

Hope in not an illusion. Hope does not disappoint.

Uncategorized April 26, 2025 Leave a comment

Pope Francis passed away on April 21st (Easter Monday). He was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936 in Buenos Aires.

Pope Francis led with humility, focusing on big reforms, and embracing modern ways to connect with people. His social media posts felt more like personal messages from a caring pastor rather than an official declaration. He shared prayers, encouragement, and called for a caring society.

Pope Francis was not afraid to take bold stands. He made it clear that issues like climate change aren’t just political debates — they’re moral responsibilities. He called on everyone to care for the planet. He has been a strong voice for migrants and refugees and has shown more openness toward LGBTQ than past popes, stressing that the Church welcomes everyone.

At a time when so many institutions feel out of touch, Pope Francis stood out by showing that leadership grounded in humility, action, and real human connection still matters.

His last message was read out on April 20th, Easter Sunday.

Here are two excerpts:

The resurrection of Jesus is indeed the basis of our hope. For in the light of this event, hope is no longer an illusion. Thanks to Christ — crucified and risen from the dead — hope does not disappoint! Spes non confundit! (cf. Rom 5:5). That hope is not an evasion, but a challenge; it does not delude, but empowers us.

On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas! For all of us are children of God!

Read more: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/urbi/documents/20250420-urbi-et-orbi-pasqua.html

Good morning California.
It is April 26, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

College of the Desert hosts panel for students to
Connect with Hollywood professionals

COD’s Career and Workforce Solutions Center partnered up with Palm Springs Women in Film & Television to host a Careers in Art, Media & Entertainment Panel on April 2, featuring speakers from Hollywood. The panel gave students a sneak peek into a career in the industry. The panel featured an award-winning, producer, audio specialist and cinematographer. Some notable speakers included “Modern Family” production manager Sally Young and “Mission Impossible” cinematographer Alan Gitlin.

» Read more!

Santa Ana College Prepares Future Generation of College Students
at 31st Annual Kindercaminata

On March 28, 2025, Santa Ana College (SAC) hosted its 31st annual KinderCaminata, a college readiness and youth empowerment program that brings nearly 1,000 kindergartners from Santa Ana and Garden Grove Unified School Districts and several charter schools to visit the community college. The children, along with their teachers, experienced interactive activities, exhibits and other entertainment to learn about various career opportunities made possible through college education. 

» Read more!

Building a Bridge to Success: Southwestern College’s Men of Color Initiative

Southwestern College has taken another significant stride towards educational equity with the launch of its Men of Color Success and Excellence program. This initiative is not merely a program; it’s a commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and empowering Black, Latino, Native American, Asian, and Pacific Islander male students to thrive in higher education.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

California Student Aid Commission and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Announce Partnership to Support Student Access to Aid

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is excited to announce a new collaboration with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (Chancellor’s Office). This new partnership will bring financial aid opportunities to students enrolling at California’s 116 community colleges through expanded data sharing. Last week, the two organizations finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide CSAC with additional data to enhance opportunities for outreach to community college students that have not yet applied for aid, as well as supporting greater analysis of financial aid access across student groups and regions of our state.

» Read more!

*****

California community colleges receive Hearst Foundations grant
to enhance forestry and wildfire prevention

The Foundation for California Community Colleges in Sacramento has received a $150,000 grant from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation and The Hearst Foundation Inc. to support and expand its Resilient Careers in Forestry program.

The program partners with colleges throughout California to develop the forestry workforce, including wildfire preparedness. The foundation plans to use the grant to expand resources to Southern California.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Clovis Community College:

We joined forces on Wednesday for Earth Day and the Black Student Success Week Spring Mixer .

*****

From Reedley College:

Thanks to everyone who came out to our cook-out for a fun day on the library lawn!

*****

From Cerro Coso Community College:

Black Student Success Week at Cerro Coso

*****

From Cuyamaca College:

CONGRATS to our men’s soccer team, state champions, and THANKS San Diego District 4 Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe for proclaiming April 25th as Cuyamaca College Men’s Soccer Team Day!

*****

From Norco College:

Hi Mustangs! A heartfelt thank you to our amazing Student Employees! We hope you enjoyed the Student Employee Appreciation Breakfast. Your hard work and dedication fosters community and continued success for all students at Norco College!

And From the Home of the Renegades

Shafter Library Adds Braille Books to Promote Inclusivity and Learning

The Shafter Library, a public library and satellite campus of Bakersfield College, recently acquired a collection of braille books, thanks to a Friends of the Shafter Library contribution. These books provide readers with the story written in English with clear braille lettering taped on each page. This makes the books inclusive to children who are blind or visually impaired, as well as to older family members reading to young children. It also provides a learning opportunity to those who are not visually impaired to learn more about braille.

Ariel Dyer, a BC Reference Librarian and Shafter Library Liaison, was excited about the new books. “The addition of this braille collection expands our reach to blind and visually impaired people and their families,” she said, “Additionally, it enriches the informal learning of sighted people and families through exposure to braille.”

» 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

Welcome Spring 2025

Uncategorized March 22, 2025 Leave a comment

It was a sigh of relief as NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams successfully returned back to Earth after nine months in space. Their trip to space was initially expected to last a little more than a week.

The vehicle that launched them to the International Space Station back on June 5 experienced helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters, and NASA determined the craft was not safe for their return trip.

As for me…..

Yesterday, I attended the celebration of life of John Stanskas. Here is a poem published by John.

The Physics of Absence, the Nature of Nothingness

I believe it is all light at the end,
these strained seconds defined by the slap-click
of clocks means nothing. An effort to bend
time, to exert control, force this habit.

of filling the space occupied by light.
The vacuum is not empty, nothingness
seethes with production, mind-flash of insight
destined to collapse. I pant to undress.

you, mirage in the dark, strain toward molecules
unclaimed, underground. I know you are here,
the crease in the mattress, a vestibule
where in absence, from nothing, you appear.

The secondhand stops in this crease of night;
matter collapses, you flash into light.

This week I visited the West Hills Prison Education Program at Pleasant Valley State Prison. President Hildy Aguinaldo and Board Member Cirian Villavicencio joined on on this college visit. 

Good morning California.
It is March 22, 2025
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!


Pasadena City College receives $1 million from Ballmer Group
to support wildfire community relief efforts

Pasadena City College has received a $1 million grant from Ballmer Group to support critical relief for students, faculty, staff, and community members recovering from the devastation of the recent wildfires. The grant from Ballmer Group is the largest single gift to the PCC Community Relief Fund.

» Read more!

Laney College Tiny House Ribbon Cutting

A spirit of pride and collaboration filled the air on January 28th as Laney College hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the stunning Tiny House crafted by its talented Carpentry students. Under the expansive Construction Canopy, students, faculty, and community members gathered to witness the culmination of months of dedication and hard work.

» Read more!

Crafton Hills College, San Bernardino Valley College
Co-Host 10th Annual ASL Educators Collaboration Conference

On March 1, Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College proudly co-hosted the 10th Annual ASL Educators Collaboration Conference at San Bernardino Valley College. This milestone event was the largest yet, with 120 registered participants and five dedicated student volunteers.

» Read more!

ITE Singapore Professors Visit LACC

On March 14, LACC welcomed professors from ITE College East in Singapore to meet and get a campus tour of facilities in the Department of Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Engineering, and the Visual and Media Arts. Professors viewed classes in action and discussed how community colleges in the US deliver education and potential collaborative opportunities between LACC and ITE.

In Case You Missed It

EdSource Commentary: Why California must champion community college bachelor’s degrees

Cerritos College President/Superintendent Jose Fierro wrote a piece for EdSource about the importance of community college bachelor’s degrees.

California cannot rely on four-year universities alone to meet its growing workforce needs. Expanding community college bachelor’s degree programs will strengthen industries, create more opportunities and solidify California’s leadership in workforce innovation. It’s time for policymakers, industry leaders and educators to support these programs and invest in the future of our state.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Cerro Coso Community College:

What an honor it was to host the 24th U.S. Poet Laureate, Ada Limón, for an intimate and moving poetry reading at Cerro Coso! Ada’s words filled the room with inspiration, hope, and love, as she shared the stories behind her poems before delivering a truly engaging reading. As the first Latina U.S. Poet Laureate, Ada’s journey resonated deeply—especially with one audience member who felt truly seen by her words.

*****

From College of the Desert:

Students came together for an interactive anatomy and physiology study session, strengthening their knowledge with support from in-person tutoring. Thanks to a collaborative grant with OneFuture, College of the Desert is expanding tutoring opportunities to help students succeed!

*****

From Rio Hondo College:

Río Hondo Police Academy honored the achievements of 45 police cadets during the Basic Police Academy Class No. 217 graduation ceremony. The graduates represent 18 different law enforcement agencies throughout Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, marking the culmination of six months of rigorous training.

*****

And check out this video about how Chevron’s donation to Taft College is helping MESA students:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Foundation Partners
with Amazon and The Wonderful Company

The Bakersfield College Foundation has committed $1.37 million to expand workforce training through a powerful partnership with Amazon and The Wonderful Company. As one of just five institutions nationwide selected to offer Amazon’s Reliability and Maintenance Engineering (RME) program, Bakersfield College is set to strengthen career education and workforce development in Kern County.

The RME program will provide students with industry-recognized certifications and direct career pathways in advanced industrial maintenance, meeting the growing demand for skilled workers in Kern County’s expanding industrial sector.

» 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

Innovative Programs at California Community Colleges Transform Lives

Uncategorized October 26, 2024 Comments: 2

I began my week in San Diego, for the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding finalizing Assembly Bill 91  granting students living in Mexico, within 45 miles of the California-Mexico border, the opportunity to attend community colleges in San Diego and Imperial Valley at in-state tuition rates. 

Southwestern College hosted the event.

See if you can spot Assembly Member David Alvarez and Senator Steve Padilla

Was happy to meet the students … an Architecture major and Graphic Design major…. also met Marisol Tapia undersecretary for education from Mexico.

The next day, I attended the graduation ceremony for Southwestern College’s Restorative Justice graduates at the RJ Donovan Correctional Facility.

RJ Donovan Graduation Class.
See if you can spot President Mark Sanchez and Senator Josh Newman

What’s not to like about San Diego?

Then it was from San Diego to Seattle:

I watched the boats coming in early morning from Bainbridge and other islands….

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

Good morning California.
It is October 26, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

New Program at Irvine Valley College Opens Doors to Legal Profession

A new initiative at Irvine Valley College (IVC) is championing diversity in the legal field. The Pathways to Law School program, which is now underway at IVC, is overseen by June McLaughlin, an IVC professor and director of its American Bar Association (ABA)-approved Paralegal Studies program.  Created to establish a pipeline of diverse legal students to reflect California’s multicultural population in the workforce, the statewide initiative is a collaboration between the California Community Colleges and the State Bar of California through California LAW, a nonprofit organization.

» Read more!

San Jose City College’s American Indian and Alaskan Native
Student Resource Center Officially Opens

The American Indian and Alaskan Native Student Success Center opened in the Learning Resource Center  Oct. 9 to much jubilation from the crowd and organizers. The ribbon-cutting ceremony contained food, poems, songs and student speakers at a grand opening that had been undertaken for years. 

» Read more!

Cerro Coso Community College Hosts Astronaut

Cerro Coso Community College recently held an event featuring a guest lecture by Michael López-Alegría, the world-renowned astronaut. Over 250 students from local middle and high schools attended the morning session, asking Michael questions, and gaining unique insights into the life of an astronaut. The afternoon session welcomed over 200 community members, who also interacted with Michael, making it an enriching and inspiring experience for all.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Launch of the Community College Dashboard will help to increase financial aid applications for more community college students

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) has partnered with the California Community College Chancellors Office (CCCCO) to create a new data dashboard that will enable 115 California Community Colleges (CCC) to monitor the completion of financial aid applications.

The new California Community College FAFSA/CADAA Dashboard (CCC Dashboard) was launched on Thursday, October 24, 2024. Modeled after the Race to Submit dashboard for high schools, the CCC Dashboard will enable community college campuses to monitor FAFSA and CADAA completion rates and help identify students who may still need assistance, ultimately facilitating a smoother financial aid process.

» Read more!

*****

Save the Date & Register Now: Building for Tomorrow: Meeting California Community College Students’ Housing Needs

The California Community Colleges Student Housing event will center on students’ needs and bring together student housing operators and prospective operators from across the state. Most importantly, connecting with colleagues from across the state who have a passion for student housing. This is an all-day event where you can immerse yourself in insightful discussions, hear from experienced and new housing operators, and learn from subject matter experts on emerging and best student housing practices.

Tuesday, November 12 at Sierra College

» Learn more & Register!

*****

Virtual Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Summit

Discover the latest changes and collaborations designed to streamline credential and career attainment, as well as ensure proper CPL allocation to our valued working adults, apprentices and veterans. We are thrilled to announce the MAP cohort will expand to support all 116 California community colleges in the 2024-25 academic year, through our partnership with the Chancellor’s Office. Speakers from the Chancellor’s Office, MAP Initiative and the Academic Senate for California Community College (ASCCC) will share CPL best practices and strategies to optimize student access and outcomes.

Friday, November 1 – Virtual

» Learn more & Register!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Evergreen Valley College:

Art student Debi McKee did her first mural! It is located in Welch Park, off Tully Road, across the street from Eastridge Mall.

Here is a photo of Debi standing before the mural and next to the designing artist Andy Kong Knight (another former student). Andy was commissioned by the City of San Jose to do the mural, and he asked Debi to be his assistant. Debi ended up doing a large part of the mural and gained a lot of real-world experience.

*****

From Antelope Valley College:

Thank you to everyone who joined Equity and Student Achievement last week for a festive event celebrating the rich cultures and traditions of Hispanic and Latin America as Hispanic Heritage Month came to a close!

*****

From Compton College:

The Compton College Board of Trustees proudly recognized the Compton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for their unwavering dedication to the betterment of the Compton community.

Since their chartering on March 6, 1989, the Compton Alumnae Chapter has been a beacon of public service, addressing vital issues in education, health, and community development. Their commitment to “Sisterhood First” and “Moving Compton Forward” through meaningful service continues to inspire us all.

*****

And check out this video from Cypress College’s International Cultural Festival:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Collaboration of BC Agriculture and Culinary Arts
Creates Delicious Food While Promoting Sustainability

The Bakersfield College Agriculture and Culinary Arts Departments have teamed together for a unique collaboration, displaying the talents of both programs through stunning cuisine. This inspiring collaboration showcases the heart of the farm-to-table concept, bringing the freshest ingredients from the BC edible garden directly into the hands of our aspiring chefs, creating vibrant dishes that highlight sustainability, flavor, and creativity.

» 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

Rolling into March 2024

Uncategorized March 9, 2024 Leave a comment

I started my week in Austin presenting on a panel at SXSW – Higher Education’s Role in
Climate: The Missing Piece. Jeff Clary moderated the panel with Martin Keller, Director of
the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Katy Launius from the Lumina
Foundation, and me.

The panel touched on the unique potential of community colleges to
accelerate climate action at scale. Serving millions of students, community colleges have
large operational footprints; a focus on technical education for essential careers in green
energy, transportation, and infrastructure; and close ties to their communities, where they
give voice to many who often go unheard.

I enjoyed seeing the Foundation there in full force.  Here is a photo that Bryan Miller snapped right before the session.

The very brief time I was in Austin, literally a one-day trip for the presentation, I checked out the Rainey Street that was bustling with music, musicians and DJs everywhere and walked the trail that ran along the river.  The trail is beautiful as you can see in the photos.  There is quite a lot of  recreational activity as well.

On Friday, I gave welcome remarks at Foothill College’s 2nd Annual Dual Enrollment Summit.

Here I am with Anthony Cordova and Dolores Davison:

And with Foothill College President Kristina Whalen and Student Trustee Nicole Nguyen – who also serves on the CCCT Board.

Good morning California.
It is March 9, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

ELAC Theater Arts Students Shine at
Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival

East Los Angeles College (ELAC) Theater Arts students showcased their talent and dedication at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) for Region 8, garnering numerous awards and accolades. 25 total ELAC students participated in the festival with many of them winning awards. Among the standout winners, Krystyna Colocho emerged victorious, clinching the prestigious National KCACTF Award for Theatrical Design Excellence in Scenic Design. Krystyna will be representing Region 8 at the Kennedy Center in the Spring, a testament to their outstanding creativity and skill.

» Read more!

Imperial Valley College Rolls Out Lithium Tech Certificate Program

Imperial Valley College has been working with the local Lithium companies to develop new programs to prepare Imperial Valley residents with the skills and abilities to obtain the anticipated Lithium jobs. Based on projected workforce needs, IVC rolled the first Lithium related program in Fall 2023 by starting a new Plant Operator certificate Program.

» Learn more!

» Read KQED’s story about the program!

Santiago Canyon College, Korean American Chamber of Commerce
of Orange County Sign MOU for Workplace Skills

Members of the Santiago Canyon College President’s Cabinet and SCC’s Division of Continuing Education participated in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Ceremony with the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County. The MOU calls for collaboration with SCC providing Workplace Skills Enhancement Training to the more than 100 businesses that comprise the membership of the KACCOC and thousands of Korean American businesses in Orange County.

College of the Sequoias Resource Aims to Assist Unhoused Students

The Giant Marketplace at College of the Sequoias was open with the needs of unhoused students in mind. The facility provides canned food, microwaveable dishes, milk, and fruit. Students can also be referred to assistive programs pertaining to their situation. The facility also has its own case workers who can guide students through their search for secure housing.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

In California, NREL Helps Kern County Embrace Clean Energy
in Partnership With Community Colleges

For more than 100 years, Kern County, California, has relied on energy (oil and gas) and agricultural production to stimulate the economy. People in Kern County have a fierce sense of pride and a strong sense of identity as an energy producing community, and they are expanding that vision.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg with a group at the California Community Colleges Women’s Caucus’ International Women’s Day event at Los Angeles Mission College:

Some more members of the CCCWC:

Tammy Silver, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Linda Wah,
Rowena Tomaneng, Andra Hoffman, Sharoni Little

*****

Bakersfield College and the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held a Latinas in Business and Leadership panel this week to kick off Women’s History Month at BC. Nicole also went on KGET to promote the panel and other college events.

*****

From El Camino College:

Happy #InternationalWomensDay! We commemorated the occasion with our Women’s Walk yesterday to celebrate women everywhere.

*****

From Cerro Coso Community College:

On Friday March 1st, Cerro Coso Access Programs went on a cultural field trip to Manzanar National Historic Site. Access Programs was able to bring 14 students from the IWV Cerro Coso Campus, and 4 students from the ESCC Bishop Campus. Students had the opportunity to network with fellow Access Students, travel along the Eastern Sierra Mountains, learn about WWII history, and have fun!

*****

And check out this video from Allan Hancock College – Hancock Conversations with ASB President Samantha Martinez, discussing student mental wellness:

Blast from the Past

Came across this 3:36 min photo roll of my time as Bakersfield College President. This was shared at BC’s Opening Day, Fall 2021. Wonderful memories ….

And From the Home of the Renegades

Introduce A Girl 2 Engineering 2024

Introduce a Girl 2 Engineering (IGE) is an event that occurs during National Engineers Week, where high school students from low-income families are invited to Bakersfield College to expose high school girls to engineering careers and recruit them to the Bakersfield College MESA Program.  The event also serves as a platform for BC-MESA students and young engineering professionals to develop leadership skills.

» 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