Tag Archives: citrus college

CA CCs proactively supporting our students

Uncategorized November 4, 2023 Leave a comment

Enjoyed connecting with the legendary George Boggs to write a piece titled Proactive Access.

Here is an excerpt:

Since their founding, our community colleges have been innovative and responsive in providing postsecondary education to millions of Californians, but in Spring 2020, they were faced with a serious challenge to their open access mission. Colleges were forced to close to prevent the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus. Colleges shifted almost overnight to classes and services online, but many students didn’t have access to computers or high-speed Internet.  As colleges struggled to find ways to keep students enrolled, institutions distributed laptop computers to students and set up Internet hotspots in college parking lots.  College leaders understood that access was more than just providing an open door.  It meant finding ways to proactively support students.

Find the 1200-word essay here: https://workforceandeconomicmobility.com/2023/10/26/proactive-access/

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Had fun attending the Colegas Annual Conference themed, “Raices de Excelencia: La Cultura Cura” in Long Beach. Here is a selfie of the all of us who attended from the Chancellor’s Office Ebony Jeffries, Siria Martinez, Lizette Navarette.

Presented to the Cradle to Career Data System Board of Directors with Ben Chida.

Wrapped up my week at Cypress College for the North Orange County Community College District’s Focus on the Future event, where I presented on Vision 2030. Was happy to connect with State Senator Josh Newman who is a huge supporter of community colleges.

The NOCCCD’s Focus on the Future was designed to provide district employees and other educators with a high-level view of the future of education.

A fireside chat with NOCCCD Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland hosting a question-and-answer session with state Senator Newman on workforce development and partnership.

President Joanna Schilling along with Jolena Grande, member of the Board of Governors took Senator Newman and I on a tour of the college’s baccalaureate program in Funeral Service, and the new baccalaureate in Dental Hygiene.

Good morning California.
It is November 4, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Champions of Higher Education

This week the Campaign for College Opportunity revealed this year’s Champions of Higher Education – exemplary and committed California Community Colleges and California State University campuses that are leading the state in conferring the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), enrolling ADT earners on guaranteed pathways to a bachelor’s degree, and intentionally working to support Latinx and Black students on their path to a degree. 

This year’s community college honorees include:

Champions of Higher Education

  • Bakersfield College
  • Berkeley City College
  • Citrus College
  • Clovis Community College
  • East Los Angeles College
  • Evergreen Valley College
  • Grossmont College
  • Madera College
  • Mission College
  • Moorpark College
  • Mt. San Antonio College
  • San Joaquin Delta College

2023 Equity Champions

  • Bakersfield College
  • Berkeley City College
  • Citrus College
  • College of San Mateo
  • College of the Desert
  • Crafton Hills College
  • Evergreen Valley College
  • Glendale Community College
  • Long Beach City College
  • West Valley College

Honorees will be celebrated on November 14th at 10 am on Zoom.

» Read more about this year’s honorees & register for Zoom event!

Rio Hondo College Partners with
Summer Research Program to Empower STEM Students

Approximately 20 Río Hondo College students recently dove into the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) – working in labs, conducting research projects and presenting their findings – through the College’s first-year partnership with Cal Poly Pomona’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Program.

» Read more!

Fullerton, Cypress Colleges Join California Virtual Campus Exchange

Earlier this month, Fullerton College and Cypress College became the 49th & 50th colleges to join the California Virtual Campus Exchange as teaching colleges. The program provides access to online courses for students at community colleges across the state.

» Read more!

2023 California Community Colleges Distinguished Alumni

The Community College League of California announced honorees for this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Jimmy Panetta (Monterey Peninsula College), Advaith Thampi (Irvine Valley College) and Blas Villalobos (Long Beach City College) were selected this year. They will be honored at the League’s Annual Convention later this month.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

KQED: Chancellor Sonya Christian
Has Big Plans for California Community Colleges

This week, I was thrilled to speak with Mina Kim on KQED. We discussed plans to address declining enrollment, ease transfers from community college to the UC and Cal State systems and create more community college baccalaureate degree programs.

» Read more & listen to the interview

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PPIC: Making the Most of State Investments in Dual Enrollment

Daniel Payares-Montoya & Mary Severance spoke with Dr. Sandra Fuentes, Interim Dean of Early College at Reedley College, discussing how dual enrollment can help historically underserved students success in college.

I also think career exploration and internship opportunities are huge. We partner with community businesses to offer internships in aeronautics, agriculture, manufacturing, welding, and so on. Historically, many students would not look for internships until they were completing their junior or senior year in college. And many of our students have changed majors three to five times. We’re hoping that offering internships tied to dual enrollment will help students align their pathways a lot sooner.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Tina Maria King:

Thank you to @chaffeycollege for having me as one of the keynote panelist for the Black and Brown Minds & Mattering, 2nd Annual Conference. A Celebration of Black and Latino Culture. I am so proud of the work thats being done to uplift BIPOC students and employee voices. As an Afro-Latina my advocacy and leadership is predicated on the continuous growth and understanding of how to best engage and support our communities.

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From Madera Community College:

Please join us in wishing a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our President, Dr. Ángel Reyna!

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From Diablo Valley College:

Happy Friday! We would like to end the week with a couple of pictures of our beautiful campus. Next time you are on campus, stop by the lake between the Student Union and Music Building and just relax. 🦋 This a great place to gather your thoughts and to end a busy week. #ourbeautifulcampus#pictureoftheday

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Receives First Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Provided by Grant Funded By Kern COG

Bakersfield College is thrilled to announce the installation of the first of four off-grid electric vehicle charging stations, known as the EVEN Recharge Hub, as part of a groundbreaking initiative funded by the Kern Council of Governments (Kern COG). This delivery underscores Bakersfield College’s commitment to enhancing the educational landscape for future Electric Vehicle Technicians in the State of California.

» Read more!

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

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Wrapping up October 2023

Uncategorized October 28, 2023 Leave a comment

Another week of travel promoting the Vision 2030 plan for California Community Colleges. Started in Santa Ana, then San Diego, on to Chicago and traveling back home today as I blog on my flight.

Chancellor Marvin Martinez of the Rancho Santiago Community College District hosted Vision 2030: A Focus on Workforce and Economic Development, a wonderful one-day summit focusing on various priorities in Vision 2030 – Apprenticeship Programs, the community college baccalaureate, industry partnerships and partnerships with trade unions.

Three Board of Governors members were in attendance- Amy Costa, Bill Rawlings, and Adrienne Brown.

With Academic Senate for California Community Colleges President Cheryl Aschenbach and Community College League of California Trustees President Andra Hoffman

On Thursday, I spoke at the Chief Instruction Officers conference in San Diego. Here is a photo with the CIO Board after my talk.

The Executive team also took the opportunity for a mini planning meeting at the Southwestern Aquatic Center. A beautiful location to work through our next steps.

After San Diego, I headed out to Chicago to present at the HACU conference. Ran into a large group of our very own California Community College students from El Camino.

Caught Hamilton at the Nederlander Theater. Amazing! Enjoy this opening number.

This coming week, California Community Colleges will host a system webinar – “Vision 2030: A Focus on Equity in Support.” Please join us at 9 am on Wednesday – register at https://t.co/iiWEeNJt72!

Good morning California.
It is October 28, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Contra Costa Compass Center Wins Outstanding New Project/Program Award

The Contra Costa Council on Homelessness has awarded Contra Costa College’s Compass Center the “Outstanding New Project/Program” accolade. The Compass Center is designed to provide students with comprehensive support and vital referrals, ensuring they can focus on their academic goals while having their basic needs met.

» Read More!

West Valley College Student Awarded Patti Grace Smith Fellowship


West Valley College student Elizabeth Antoine-Hands has been named one of only two community college students in the country to be awarded a Patti Grace Smith Fellowship, following a rigorous four-round selection process. This year, the fellowship was awarded to thirty-nine exceptional Black students seeking experience in the aerospace industry. The fellowship consists of a summer internship, a scholarship, and a pair of personalized mentors to guide fellows in their career aspirations.  

» Read More!

Sierra College Student Leads Team to Grand Prize at Brembo Hackathon

Sierra College computer science major Serhii Demchuk and his team tied for first place in the 2023 Brembo Hackathon held this month in Sunnyvale, Calif. Brembo is a world leader in manufacturing braking systems for most motorsports and high-performance cars, and according to Demchuk, “The event combined both my passions of cars and coding, so it was a no brainer [to participate].”  

» Read More!

Chaffey College Hosts 700 High School Students for Manufacturing Day

Chaffey College hosted 700 students for National Manufacturing Day, which takes place every October to showcase manufacturing careers to the next generation of workers and positively shift perceptions about the industry. Students toured the center’s industrial electrical and robotics laboratories, participated in welding demonstrations and more.

» Read More!

In Case You Missed It

Vision 2030: Pathways to Equity and Economic Mobility in Healthcare

On November 7, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office will host state leaders, legislators, community college peers, and representatives from labor and industry in a day-long summit exploring how innovation in the healthcare industry will transform the earning power of those entering critical careers.

The event is co-hosted by the El Camino Community College District and will be held at El Camino College in Torrance.

Registration deadline is October 31.

» Find out more and register!

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Reimagining Online Education in California:
A Roadmap for Advancing Access and Quality

California Competes has released the Reimagining Online Education in California: A Roadmap for Advancing Access and Quality report that examines online education at universities and colleges in California.

» Read the Report

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Los Angeles City College:
Mesrobian School High School Students Explore Exciting Opportunities at LACC! On October 6, talented high school students embarked on an inspiring journey to Los Angeles City College (LACC), where they got an exclusive taste of the endless possibilities that await them!

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From Santiago Canyon College:

SCC hosted the 20th USA National Folklorico Competition on Sunday. The organization is the longest-running Folklorico Dance Competition in the United States.

More than 500 Folklorico enthusiasts from across California watched 13 teams – featuring 250 dancers – exhibit their skills in friendly competition.

SCC is excited about the partnership with event co-producers, International Folklorico Institute, as our Dance Department is developing a Folklorico specialty.

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From Citrus College:

On Aug. 10, Citrus College held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the upgraded Educational Development (ED) Center, which reopened with new classrooms and state-of-the-art science laboratories. Check out this brief video recapping the morning’s festivities!

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From Laney College:

The tiny house @laneycarpentry built for @shelterwood_collective got delivered to its home today! So grateful for the collaboration and feels so good to see in its forested surroundings

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And check out these pics from Porterville College President Claudia Habib:

Great discussion at The Central Valley CEO Policy Summit and Legislator Convening sponsored by Central Valley Colleges CEO Caucus and @CVHEC_ Addressing issues concerning our ability to better serve students in effective and equitable way @AsmSoria @AsmArambula @JuanAlanisCA

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Brings Back the BC Alumni BBQ

Bakersfield College was filled with Renegade pride this past Saturday, October 21, at the 63rd BC Alumni BBQ. The event, hosted by the Bakersfield College Alumni Association and the Bakersfield College Foundation, was held in conjunction with Renegade Promenade. The day started with a festival that included community vendors, Bakersfield College exhibits, and live music and performances by talented BC students and alumni. The crowd was in awe of some of these performances by the BC Jazz, BC Choir, BC Drumline, and the BC Ballet Folklorico Ritmo y Sabor.

» Read More!

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

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Moments that take our breath away

Uncategorized August 26, 2023 1 Comment

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

I enjoyed seeing Jules last weekend, a sweet, well made movie about how a rural man’s life is turned upside down when a UFO crashes in his backyard and he befriends a mysterious alien. Ben Kingsley plays the 78-year old senior citizen, Milton, who has a routine life which includes taking his civic responsibilities seriously and attending the weekly city council meeting in quiet, cozy Boonton, Pennsylvania. Fellow senior citizens Sandy (Harriet Sansom Harris) and Joyce (Jane Curtin) become co-conspirators with Milton in keeping Jules, the alien, a secret from the rest of the town.

Kingsley is a fave of mine and I really liked his portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi in the 1982 movie Gandhi. He was born in England to a British mother and an Indian father of Gujarati descent.

I have always enjoyed Jane Curtain’s deadpan expression when delivering funny lines in Saturday Night Live…. also enjoyed both John Lithgow and Jane Curtain in 3rd Rock From The Sun.

Check out the trailer:

Talking about spaceships … India successfully landed a spacecraft on the moon’s surface. India is now the fourth country to land on the moon – and the first to land on the south pole.

Chandrayaan-3’s lunar rover Pragyan is now spending 2 weeks roaming around an area of the moon’s surface that has never before been explored.

Scientists think that there could be substantial quantities of water ice in the rocks of the polar craters, which are permanently in shadow. If this water can be extracted, it could lower costs of future human moon exploration, or be split into hydrogen and oxygen to make fuel for rockets.

Good morning California.
It is August 26, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

College of San Mateo Dual Enrollment Team Hosts Summer Experience

Earlier this month, the College of San Mateo Dual Enrollment team hosted a 2-day summer experience, “Strategies for Successful Teaching in Dual Enrollment” for the college’s new and returning faculty who will be teaching dual enrollment courses in the new academic year.

» Read more about CSM’s “Strategies for Successful Teaching in Dual Enrollment”

Oxnard College Receives $100,000 Grant from
Metallica’s All Within My Hands’ Scholars Initiative

Oxnard College has been selected to receive a $100,000 grant from the Grammy Award-winning band Metallica and its foundation, All Within My Hands. The award will support students in the college’s Culinary Arts, Dental Hygiene and Fire Academy programs as the band continues its multimillion-dollar investment in critical workforce programs at community colleges nationwide.

» Read more about the grant!

Ohlone College students join Tesla program for bright future

Ohlone College announces that 55 students joined the esteemed Tesla Manufacturing Development Program (MDP), paving the way toward a career in a high-tech, high-demand, high-paying industry. 

» Read more about this program!

In Case You Missed It

Public Policy Institute of California:
Improving College Access and Success through Dual Enrollment

The PPIC recently published a report about how College and Career Access Pathways Programs can improve access to higher education, as well as success for those students.

Students gain an array of benefits from participating in dual enrollment in both high school and college: participation is associated with higher high school completion, college readiness, attendance, retention, and academic achievement (Berger et al. 2014; Edmunds et. al 2015). Dual enrollment students also enroll in college at higher rates and accumulate more credits, earn higher GPAs, and attain overall higher achievement in college (Allen and Dadgar 2012; An 2013; CLP and KCCD 2022; Giani et al. 2014; Struhl and Vargas 2012; Fink, Jenkins, and Yanagiura 2017; Ryu et al. 2023).

» Read the report

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LA Times: A big remake is coming
to California community college education, new chancellor says

Recently, I spoke with LA Times reporter Debbie Truong about some of my goals for the California Community Colleges.

“The fundamental principle of Vision 2030 is the idea of taking college to the future learner. One is definitely dual enrollment. We have 436,000 eighth graders going into the ninth grade. What if, in the ninth grade, the default schedule was for those students to have at least a one college credit class — bringing college to them so they can start seeing what college is about. Twelve credits is a specific goal by the time they finish their four years of high school.”

» Read the article

» Read more about Vision 2030

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LA Times De Los: What former first-gen students wish they knew about college

I saw a piece in LA Times’ De Los publication about former first-gen students, including Audrey Dow – senior vice president at the Campaign for College Oportunity.

“I was this 18-year-old Chicana from East L.A. talking to this white professor, and he’s like, ‘My suggestion is you drop out.’ And I said, ‘Drop out of your course?’ And he said, ‘Drop out of Brown.’”

» Read the article

Blast From the Past

I was looking through old videos from my time as President of Bakersfield College, and came across this one from March 16, 2020.

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

CCC Deputy Chancellor Daisy Gonzales spoke at San Diego Mesa College’s convocation last week.

Thank you for the opportunity to share @CalCommColleges@sonyachristian#Vision2030 with @sdmesacollege@SDCCD President @PrezHands ! Mesa College is illuminating the path by shining a light on the potential to serve adult learners and youth in San Diego with urgency

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Compton College shared this student success story:

“At Compton College, Every Student is a Success Story! Congratulations to Kaitlyn Gomez who graduated from Compton Early High School in 2023, earning both a high school diploma and an associate degree from Compton College. She is headed to UC San Diego this fall to major in astrophysics. Through our partnership with Compton Unified School District dual enrolled high school students can earn both a diploma and a degree simultaneously – saving time and money in completing their higher education!“

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From Porterville College President Claudia Habib:

I met Arnold in the quad today. He shared his amazing journey from prison to college graduate @PCollegePirates & @Fresno_State and now full time advisor for #ProjectRebound and partner of our #TogetherWeCan Student Club and #RaisingScholars program for justice involved students.

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In the latest post from the Kern CCD TALE Blog, Robert Simpkins discusses his family’s trip to the Walt Disney Studio Lot in Burbank.

The historical marker outside Gelson’s Market on Hyperion Avenue in Los Feliz, marking the former location of the Walt Disney Animation Studio from 1926 to 1940. [Photo by Robert Simpkins]

Although the studio on Hyperion Avenue no longer exists (a Gelson’s market now stands in its place, but inside are photos of the studio), standing at its former site helped me feel the presence of all those early artists working together and wonder what impact they had on each other, as they each evolved creatively while working collaboratively.

I also wondered what the equivalent experience could be in my own field of education, and how to bring together educators of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives into a place where we could learn from each other, be inspired by each other, and seek to improve ourselves with each other’s support.

» Read the post

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And check out this video from Citrus College!

Students from the Citrus College Cosmetology program recently provided free haircuts to local elementary & middle school students to kick off the new school year with confidence & excitement. Thanks to @sierrasubaru for hosting the back-to-school event!

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Welcomes Students Back to School for Fall 2023

The first week of the fall semester was a success for new and returning students at Bakersfield College. All students had the opportunity to get involved in events and find community on campus

» Read more!

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

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Quietly sitting with In-yun

Uncategorized July 8, 2023 1 Comment

Last weekend, I saw the movie Past Lives, a beautiful haunting immigrant story of romance, love lost and gained and in-yun which basically means ” you can’t control who walks into your life…and who stays in your life.”

Take a moment to watch Quiet Eyes from the Past Lives playlist with scenes from the movie.

The movie is also a series of hellos and goodbyes… which is very much my story…. many of them at the Tom Bradley International Airport in LA.

July Fourth

Enjoyed being at home on July fourth and not traveling. This year America celebrated 247 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed. I was looking through some of my past writings – check out my July 8, 2017, blog:

And here’s a video of the United States Air Force Band performing “America the Beautiful” as fireworks light up the sky over Washington, D.C.:

Good morning California.
It is July 8, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Fresno City College AB540 Students Eligible for Scholarship Opportunity

Councilmember Miguel Arias and the State Community College Center Foundation are excited to announce donations totaling $46,000 from the Consulate of Mexico and CalViva Health for Fresno City College AB540 students.

» Read more about the scholarships!

Crafton Hills Students Win State Respiratory Care Competition

Two teams of Crafton Hills Respiratory Care students placed 1st and 2nd in the CSRC (California Society for Respiratory Care) State Sputum Bowl Competition. They now will head to that national competition in November.

» Read more about the teams!

Merced College Earns National Award for Fundraising Effort

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education has recognized Merced College with a 2023 CASE Circle of Excellence Award for outstanding achievements in educational advancement. Merced College earned a Silver award in the category of “Micro-sites (Fundraising)” for the holiday card and 3-D printed ornament created by Foundation staff late last year.

» Read more about the award!

Citrus College Students Build Portable Showers

Citrus College Architecture Club students collaborated with Hillside LA, a church in Los Angeles, to convert a trailer into a small building capable of providing showers for people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

» Read more about this project!

In Case You Missed It

Inside HigherEd: Online Learning Still in High Demand
at Community Colleges

Data from the California Community College system over all show significant student interest in online courses, even as colleges sought to transition back to in-person learning. A 2021 system survey of 400 prospective students found that more than half of respondents favored hybrid courses, 27 percent wanted all-online instruction and 18 percent preferred in-person classes, according to a report from the system chancellor’s office.

» Read the article at Inside HigherEd!

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California Competes: Harnessing the Power of Data
to Address California’s Equity Gaps

California Competes is hosting a webinar July 10 at 11 am on the current state of uneven opportunity in California and ways we can leverage data to address it.

» Find out more and register!

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EdSource: Community college bachelor’s degrees –
A growing option for students

An increasing number of California’s community colleges now offer bachelor’s degrees. EdSource will host a panel of experts for a webinar on July 19th to discuss the importance California community colleges’ baccalaureate programs.

» Find out more and register!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Vice President of the Board of Governors Hildy Aguinaldo came to visit with her adorable family. Here they in the Board Chambers, with Jacob sitting on the chair that Hildy usually sits for Board meetings and Hazel watches over her brother and he makes announcements.

College of the Redwoods shared this post about community work their construction students have been doing:

After two semesters (and then some) of hard work – in the rain, the sleet, and, yes, even the snow, CR’s Construction Tech program was happy to be invited to be there when Eureka Rotary handed over the “key” to the new ADA bathrooms at Carson Park to the city of Eureka. They are now “Open for Business”

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State Center Community College District Trustee Rob Fuentes shared these pictures from his recent visit to Madera Community College – California’s newest community college:

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I loved the beautiful photos in this post from Santa Barbara City College:

“Always an educational and social highlight, this year’s SBCC Geology/Earth 133-Geologic Field Seminar of the Colorado Plateau in May/June was no exception! “Classrooms” visited included The Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon Dam, Natural Bridges & Monument Valley. J. Zhan photos.“

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And a happy belated birthday to CCC Deputy Chancellor Daisy Gonzales, who shared this post:

Spending my 38th birthday doing what I love. @LakeTahoeCC@CalCommColleges celebrating the future of California!!!Congratulations class of 2023!!!We are so proud of you. #blessed#thisis38#LTCCgrad

And From the Home of the Renegades

Project HireUp Summer Cohort Graduation

Images of hope, celebration and pride were seen this past Friday, June 30th at The Summit located across from Canyon Hills Church, as Summer 2023 BC Project HireUp Graduates walked across the stage. This makes the 9th cohort graduation which kicked off in Spring 2020 in response to the homeless crisis in the community.

» Read more from 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