Tag Archives: College of the Canyons

And We’re Back! Fall 2026 Across California’s Community Colleges

Uncategorized August 29, 2026 Leave a comment

This week, we lost a true icon when Dolly Parton passed at the age of 80.

She was well-known as a legend of country music, but was also a great philanthropist, donating millions of dollars and providing countless children with free books through her Imagination Library foundation.

A few of my favorites:

Of course, I have to include the Whitney Houston version of this gorgeous song ….

Had a great time visiting Golden West College this week. Here’s a fun photo with ASCCC leadership … and me with a Golden West hat.

President LaTonya Parker-Parnell, Sonya Christian, ASCCC Vice President Robert Stewart

And then we were joined by our Board of Governors and student senate leadership.

Board Members Jennifer Perry, Blas Villalobos, Lillian Coral joined us.

Golden West College is located in Huntington Beach, the college has a beautiful 122-acre campus and serves more than 19,000 students, with strong transfer programs and a wide range of career education—from nursing and automotive technology to business and the arts. What stood out to me during the visit was how much is happening at once: expanding dual enrollment, impressive progress with zero-textbook-cost courses, strong transfer pathways, and career programs that connect students directly to employers and universities.

And you cannot spend much time at Golden West without seeing how proud President Meridith Randall is of the college. She greeted us in Golden West gear and took us around campus with the enthusiasm of someone who genuinely loves the place, including, I learned, a favorite tree!

We were also joined by Coast Community College District Chancellor Whitney Yamamura, who talked about the culture of innovation across the district and the freedom the colleges have to try new things. It was a fun visit, full of ideas, great people, and a very clear sense that this is a college and district that like to keep moving.

I then headed out to LA City College for their convocation.

Board Past President Pam Haynes, President LACC Amanuel Gebru, Sonya Christian

Los Angeles City College has such a remarkable history. Founded in 1929, LACC sits on the original site of UCLA before UCLA moved to Westwood and the campus later also played a role in the early history of what became Cal State LA. Today, “The City’s College” remains right in the heart of Los Angeles, serving a diverse community and continuing its long tradition of creating pathways to transfer, careers, and economic mobility. There is something pretty special about walking a campus that has been part of the educational life of Los Angeles for nearly a century.

And it was wonderful spending time with President Amanuel Gebru, whose pride in LACC and its students comes through immediately. Amanuel brings a warmth and energy to the college that fits the place, deeply connected to its history but very much focused on where it is going next. I especially enjoyed being there for Convocation, seeing the faculty and staff coming back together for the new academic year, and feeling that unmistakable sense of possibility that comes when a college community gathers to begin again.

I spent the night in downtown LA at the urging of Amanuel who warned me about the LA traffic and getting to the convocation on time. Snapped this appetizer at the hotel restaurant…. plantain chips and guava jam. just delicious. two of my favorite items growing up in Kerala.

Good morning California.
It is August 29, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

De Anza College and Tesla Launch Hands-On
Engineering Technician Training Partnership

De Anza College, in partnership with Tesla, announced the launch of a structured, hands-on training program for the company’s incoming engineering technicians, marking the college’s growing role as a workforce training partner for Silicon Valley employers. Co-developed with Tesla, the 480-hour curriculum draws on De Anza College’s expertise in Automotive Technology and Design and Manufacturing Technologies. Participants receive applied instruction in safety, mechanics, instrumentation, electrical systems, and diagnostics, preparing them to support Tesla’s test engineering, R&D, and manufacturing environments. 

» Read more!

College of the Canyons Team Wins Second Place at NASA Orbit Challenge

College of the Canyons student team CARE-D3 earned second place and a $25,000 prize at the 2026 NASA ORBIT Challenge, held in July at Space Center Houston in Texas. Led by students Sophia Cranshaw and Tatiana Torrecampo, CARE-D3 was the only community college team competing in the challenge’s Space Track and one of more than 100 teams from colleges and universities nationwide. CARE-D3 is a clinical decision-support system designed to help astronauts assess health risks during long-duration space missions where communication delays and limited medical resources can complicate care. The technologies developed for CARE-D3 also have the potential to support healthcare providers in rural, remote, and other resource-limited environments on Earth.

» Read more!

West Los Angeles College Levels Up Game Design & Esports Program

West Los Angeles College (WLAC) is expanding educational pathways in game programming, game art, game design, and esports through new industry partnerships, dual enrollment opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for careers in Southern California’s thriving interactive entertainment industry. One of the program’s most exciting opportunities is its collaboration with IndieCade, the internationally recognized festival celebrating independent game developers. Students enrolled in GAD 210: Capstone Game Development are recently participated in IndieCade’s annual Climate Jam, a six-week game development challenge that invites teams to create original games inspired by this year’s theme, “Plant a Seed.”

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

USGBC California helps expand green career pathways for more than 2.5M students

Los Angeles-based U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC California) has announced partnership agreements with California State University (CSU) and the Foundation for California Community Colleges, the official nonprofit partner to the California Community Colleges (CCC).

These partnerships bring together more than 2.5 million undergraduate, graduate and community college students across 22 CSU campuses and 116 CCCs—amplifying access to green career pathways, technical training, hands-on internships and robust professional networks.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Mission College:

Summer highlight reel: Mission College students were recognized by the Santa Clara City Council for earning the Silicon Valley Power Sustainable Futures Scholarship, each awarded over $2,000. Huge congrats to these future leaders.

*****

From Cabrillo College:

Sammy the Seahawk has been busy welcoming students and staff this week. Sammy is taking a break here with the Mariachi Santa Cecilia, who made an appearance on Wednesday August 26, 2026 during the Week of Welcome. Looking forward to the new semester!

*****

From Santa Monica College:

New students, new connections, and a whole lot of SMC spirit! VIP Welcome Day was the perfect way to kick off a new journey at SMC.

*****

From College of San Mateo:

College of San Mateo MESA students took their research to Stanford University!

Through Stanford’s Community College Outreach Program (CCOP), these dedicated students gained hands-on experience conducting research in university labs alongside Stanford mentors before presenting their findings to members of the scientific community.

The partnership between CSM’s MESA program and Stanford CCOP began in 2021, spearheaded by two former community college students who went on to become graduate scholars at Stanford. What began with mentorship has grown into a powerful pathway connecting community college students with paid research internships, academic enrichment, and new possibilities in STEM.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Excited to Welcome Students Back to Campus for Fall 2026

All Bakersfield College’s campuses were brimming with excitement and student activity as students returned for the Fall 2026 semester. During the first week of classes, there will be a variety of Welcome Week activities and events to help kick off the start of the new academic year.

Throughout the week there will Welcome Tents on all BC campuses that will have representatives available to help students find their classes and provide other information. Each booth will have BC swag, and on select days, free coffee and donuts! Other events include a Bright Future Crafting workshop, a Renegade Rally of Belonging, Lip Sync Battle, and more.

» Read more!

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

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

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

9 days, 1 hour, and 32 minutes. we will forever remember

Uncategorized April 11, 2026 Leave a comment

On Friday, the Artemis II mission around the moon ended with Integrity’s splashdown into the Pacific.

There are so many amazing parts of this mission – when Commander Reid Wiseman’s crewmates asked to name a moon crater after Reid’s late wife Carroll; how they carried a swatch of fabric from the original Wright Flyer – from first flight, to furthest from Earth; an SD card holding millions of names in the “send your name to space” campaign that brought the public along on the journey.

Another fun part has been the daily wake up songs that greeted the astronauts. Every morning, Mission Control would play a song to start their day.

A few of my favorites:

Under Pressure, by Queen & David Bowie:

Working Class Heroes (Work) from CeeLo Green:

Green Light from John Legend and Andre 3000:

On the day of their lunar flyby, the crew also received a special message from Apollo 8 and Apollo 13 astronaut Jim Lovell, who recorded this before he passed in 2025:

“Hello, Artemis II! This is Apollo astronaut Jim Lovell. Welcome to my old neighborhood! When Frank Borman, Bill Anders, and I orbited the Moon on Apollo 8, we got humanity’s first up-close look at the Moon and got a view of the home planet that inspired and united people around the world. I’m proud to pass that torch on to you — as you swing around the Moon and lay the groundwork for missions to Mars … for the benefit of all. It’s a historic day, and I know how busy you’ll be. But don’t forget to enjoy the view. So, Reid, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy, and all the great teams supporting you  – good luck and Godspeed from all of us here on the good Earth.”

NASA has shared the full playlist on Spotify.

*****

As for my week…. hectic.

Spent Easter with my daughter in Toronto and then headed to Sacramento for the CCC Advocacy Day. Here are a few photos from Advocacy Day

Check out these two photos … one from 2024 and the second from 2026. Amy Costa and me in action!

Amy Costa and Sonya Christian April 10, 2024

Sonya Christian and Amy Costa April 7, 2026

Board of Governors

Large Group

I was honored to speak at the Public Policy Institute of California’s “A Conversation with California’s Higher Education Leaders”.

Then it was back to my boy Neo –

Good morning California.
It is April 11, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Merced College Wins Bellwether Award for Leadership in Workforce Innovation

Merced College has been named a 2026 Bellwether Award winner in the Workforce Development category, a national honor recognizing innovative and replicable programs that address critical workforce challenges. The award recognizes the college’s AgTEC Workforce Initiative, a comprehensive agricultural innovation ecosystem designed to prepare farmworkers and future agricultural professionals for a rapidly evolving industry shaped by automation, robotics and data-driven systems.

» Read more!

West Los Angeles College Aviation Team Soars During Women’s History Month, Challenging Gender Norms in Aviation

From March 15 to 18, 2026, the Aviation Women’s Skills Team, led by WLAC Professor Monica Reyes, completed the 2026 specialized skills Training in Texas. The partnership, sponsored by United Airlines, provided our students with high-level professional exposure and technical development. West is the only California Community College that offers a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology, with a focus on the future of aviation technology, including AI, drones, and satellite navigation.

» Read more!

Mendocino College Celebrates $20 million Project on Willits Campus

Local and state leaders recently visited the Mendocino College Willits campus to celebrate a major $20 million investment that will fund a new career training center. U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Ukiah, state Sen. Mike McGuire, D-Ukiah, Mendocino College President Tim Karas, Mendocino County Supervisor John Haschak and other leaders involved in the project spoke about how the infusion of funds will support increasing enrollment at the college and create opportunities for economic development. The planned 19,000‑square‑foot facility will expand hands‑on programs in areas like fire technology, health sciences, construction, and energy technology, supporting both workforce development and local economic growth. Doors are expected to open in spring 2029.

» Read more!

College of the Canyons Earns ‘Bee Campus’ Designation

The college has earned designation as a Bee Campus USA affiliate, becoming the first community college in Southern California to receive the distinction in recognition of its long-standing commitment to pollinator conservation, native habitat restoration, and biodiversity education. As a Bee Campus USA affiliate, COC will further its efforts to conserve native pollinators by providing healthy habitats rich in diverse native plants, protected nesting sites, and landscapes managed with minimal pesticides.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

After losing his home in the Palisades fire, he’s learning to rebuild it — literally

Hudson Idov wasn’t excited about any of his college options — that is, until his Los Angeles house burned down in the Palisades Fire his senior year of high school. 

Less than a week after graduation, he and one of his classmates enrolled in the carpentry program at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, a community college just south of downtown. Their goal is to start a construction company one day and help rebuild the Palisades. “We have big, big 10-year plans,” he said during a break in his morning class.

» Read more!

*****

Which Jobs Are Most at Risk in the Age of AI?

Last month, researchers at Tufts University published “When Wired Belts Become the New Rust Belts: AI and the Emerging Geography of American Job Risk,” which ranks occupations, industries, regions and states by vulnerability “based on the most current understanding of AI’s evolving impact.”

While not as severe as the tech sector’s predictions, the index projects that roughly 6 percent of jobs are vulnerable to AI-driven elimination within the next two to five years, amounting to “a wipeout equivalent to the economy of Belgium” or even “just shy of the economy of South Korea,” if adoption of agentic AI tools increases.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Santa Barbara City College:

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for the Physical Education & Athletics Building Groundbreaking Ceremony. The P.E. & Athletics Building is the first project out of the Measure P Bond Extension; This was prioritized to attain matching state funds of $34 million for the project.

“It is exciting to see the P.E. & Athletics Building already deconstructed and moving into the construction phase for our Cliff Campus, as this is the first major building project on campus in almost a decade,” said Superintendent/President Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D.

From Santa Barbara City College:

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for the Physical Education & Athletics Building Groundbreaking Ceremony. The P.E. & Athletics Building is the first project out of the Measure P Bond Extension; This was prioritized to attain matching state funds of $34 million for the project.

“It is exciting to see the P.E. & Athletics Building already deconstructed and moving into the construction phase for our Cliff Campus, as this is the first major building project on campus in almost a decade,” said Superintendent/President Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D.

*****

From Butte College:

Thank you to Mr. Jim Tanimoto for sharing his remarkable story and wisdom with our campus community. At 102 years old, Mr. Tanimoto offers a powerful and personal connection to history as one of the last survivors of the Tule Lake Segregation Center.

We were honored to host a screening of Mr. Tanimoto’s Journey as part of our U in Butte programming, followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Jesse Dizard, Mr. Tanimoto, and Patrick Gilmore.

We thank Mr. Tanimoto for his time and his words!.

*****

From Folsom Lake College:

A delegation representing FLC’s Prison and Reentry Education Program (PREP) is attending the 15th National Conference on Higher Education in Prison, April 8–10 in Cleveland, Ohio. The conference is bringing together educators and practitioners from across the country to explore policy developments, emerging trends, and innovative practices in prison education.

By participating in this national convening, the FLC team hopes to gain valuable insights to strengthen and expand educational opportunities for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students, further advancing the college’s commitment to access, equity, and student success.

*****

From Solano Community College:

Solano Community College Trustees proudly showed their support for Autism and Neurodiversity Acceptance Month by wearing blue—a symbol of solidarity, understanding, and inclusion.

This meaningful gesture reflects our commitment to celebrating the strengths and contributions of neurodivergent individuals, whose unique perspectives help shape our world for the better—on our campus and beyond. Together, we continue to foster an environment where every voice is valued and every individual belongs.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC’s Jones Art Gallery Hosting 2026 Student Art Exhibit

The Bakersfield College Wylie and May Louise Art Gallery is hosting the 2026 Student Art Exhibit which officially opened this week. This annual event features a diverse collection of artwork by BC students, highlighting their creativity and exceptional talent. There were hundreds of submissions, and each piece included in the exhibit was reviewed and selected by a panel of jurors.

The 2026 BC Student Art Exhibit will be on display in the Jones Art Gallery until April 30th during regular gallery hours (Monday-Thursday, 2:00PM-5:00PM) and is free and open to the public. Please come and enjoy the beautiful artwork created by some of BC’s most talented artists.

» Read more!

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

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

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

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

Uncategorized February 14, 2026 Comments: 12

Dear California Community Colleges:

My introduction to you happened in the late 1990s.

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

And then I met you.

An institution built on virtues I could not quite comprehend.

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

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

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

And then you spread.

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

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

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

You evolved.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Over two million students a year.

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

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

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

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

You are California at its best.

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

I am convinced of this:

If there is an institution built on hope in America,

It is you!

With gratitude, admiration, and love
Your chancellor,
sonya

Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.

Uncategorized January 17, 2026 Comments: 2

It was Board of Governors week, and we had a few especially exciting topics.

First, the CCC Chancellor’s Office and AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on advancing climate action, sustainability, and workforce development opportunities within California’s growing ‘blue economy.’ 

Here is a fun celebratory picture after the signing

Avin Sharma, Carla Grandy, Sonya Christian, Terry Tamminen, Hildy Aguinaldo, Tony Cordova, Derrick Kirk, Sandra Sanchez, Bill Rawlings

Terry Tamminen signing the MOU

I am so excited to see what great things will come of this amazing partnership.

Check out the opinion piece – The emerging California job industry that is AI-proof, published in the Sacramento Bee

With 840 miles of coastline and the nation’s most active port complex, California is uniquely positioned to lead this revolution and share its model with coastal communities around the world seeking both good careers and a sustainable future. The blue economy is projected to reach $3 trillion globally by 2030, driven by the expansion of offshore renewable energy, sustainable aquaculture, marine carbon removal, coastal restoration and maritime innovation. These sectors require skilled, trained workers who can operate vessels, manage hatcheries, install offshore infrastructure, grow sustainable seaweed crops, maintain marine robotics and make critical decisions in real time, where wind, waves, weather and ecosystems intersect.

Read more at: https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/article314061601.html#storylink=cpy

Also, congratulations to College of the Canyons – their Rising Scholars Program was recognized as this year’s Exemplary Program Award winner.

College of the Canyon’s Rising Scholars program was launched in 2016 and has served more than 7,290 justice-impacted students since its inception.

*****

And as we take time to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this weekend, I am reminded of his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” written on April 16, 1963. In particular, I am drawn to this quote –

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

Good morning California.
It is January 17, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Mt. San Jacinto College’s First Commercial Driver’s License Cohort
Celebrates Strong Completion and Workforce Impact

Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) is proud to celebrate the successful completion of its first Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training cohort, a new workforce-focused program preparing adult learners for high-demand careers in commercial truck driving. MSJC’s CDL program offers comprehensive, hands-on preparation and testing support, covering vehicle safety, pre-trip inspections, road operation, and exam readiness—ensuring graduates are prepared for both certification and employment.

» Read more!

Compton Community Health Professions Partnership
Receives $1.78 Million Grant from The Broad Foundation

The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation has awarded $1.78 million to support the continued
implementation of the Compton Community Health Professions Partnership (CCHPP) over the next three years. Established in 2024, CCHPP is a collaborative initiative designed to address the critical shortage of qualified healthcare professionals in Los Angeles County and improve the overall health and well-being of community members through education and increased access to trained healthcare professionals.

The grant will fund key positions essential to CCHPP’s success, including a Research Analyst at
Compton College, an Administrator at Compton Unified School District, a Program Partnership
Analyst at CSU Dominguez Hills, and a Program Manager at Charles Drew University. These roles
will provide critical coordination and support for expanding work-based learning and increasing access to health career pathways for the Compton community, including those who are first-generation, low-income, Black, or Latino students.

» Learn more about CCHPP!

Reedley College Earns National Recognition for Excellence in Agriculture

The National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) named Reedley College the Outstanding Postsecondary Agriculture Program Award winner in Region 1 for 2025, which covers the Western United States (California, Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington & Wyoming). 

» Read more!

SisterWeb Partners with City College of San Francisco
to Launch Credited Community Doula Training Course

 In a groundbreaking move to expand equitable access to pregnancy, labor, and postpartum support—and to increase workforce development opportunities for Black community members—SisterWeb has partnered with City College of San Francisco (CCSF) to offer the Blossoming Birth Community Doula Training Course (HLTH 210, Community Birth Worker/Doula Education). This three-unit credit course is the first of its kind in the Bay Area.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

EdSource Commentary: New California AI laws that matter to you in 2026

As we head into 2026, it already feels clear that 2025 will be remembered as a turning point: the year artificial intelligence (AI) became a regular part of daily life. ChatGPT is now as ubiquitous as Google, Waymo cars are a familiar sight on big city streets, and distinguishing between real and AI-generated images or videos is no longer straightforward. 

Every sector, whether entertainment, finance, health care and beyond, is grappling with the implications. Education is no exception.

» Read more!

*****

LA Times: Auto shop class is thriving. Community college students
basically fix your car for free

Los Angeles Trade-Technical College offers the largest community college auto repair program in the region, turning out graduates ready to work at dealership service centers, independent shops and the fleet departments of municipalities, among other areas.

The college has offered the training for decades, and its Automotive and Related Technology program has evolved with industry changes — including the advent of fuel injection, airbags and the rise of electric vehicles.

As the rising cost of four-year universities has led many to question the value of higher education, training for high-demand trades has been growing. An American Staffing Assn. survey conducted by the Harris Poll and released in June found that 33% of U.S. adults would recommend to high school seniors that they attend vocational or trade school.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Moorpark College:

Day 2 of IN THE HEIGHTS rehearsals- After an energetic night of plunking out parts for the AMAZING Lin Manuel Miranda music in this play, the cast continues their bonding and growing friendships as they come together for a first cast picture! This is an exciting collaboration between the Theatre Arts, Music and Dance programs and a full-court press for the PAC on the Moorpark College campus. IN THE HEIGHTS opens March 12th and runs through March 29th and promises to be one of the biggest and most energetic productions to come to our main stage in some time. 2026 @ Moorpark College is starting with celebration and fireworks!

*****

Santa Ana College is celebrating the grand re-opening of their Main Campus Entrance:

*****

From Chaffey College:

The wind didn’t stop us from enjoying Unity in Community today! Thank you to everyone who joined us.

*****

From Merced College:

Hoops & Hello’s was a success! Thank you to everyone who came out today to meet our Men’s & Women’s Basketball teams and show some Blue Devil love to our student-athletes!

*****

From Cerritos College:

When @cerritoscollegepres is away, the real big dog comes out to play. Okay, she’s little, but we’re betting Delta is speedier than Dr. Fierro on his scooter! Shoutout to Professor @crystallovetere for stopping by before the spring semester with her pup.

*****

And check out this video of the Santa Barbara City College Trombone Quartet playing “Auld Lang Syne.”

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Athletics Hosts Sports Media Day for Spring 2026

This week, Bakersfield College Athletics hosted their Sports Media Day for the Spring 2026 semester. Local news outlets, students, staff, and the community were all invited to learn more about the teams and athletes that would be competing throughout the semester. The event included players and coaches from men’s baseball, women’s softball, men’s and women’s tennis, track and field, women’s wrestling, swimming, and more. 

Representatives and players from each team addressed attendees, and discussed goals for their upcoming seasons, preparation strategies, team chemistry, goals, and a variety of other topics. Marc Gomez, Head Coach of the BC Women’s Tennis team, shared excitement about the prospect of their upcoming season. “We have some girls who are returning from last year’s state championship finals team,” he said, “and we’re looking forward to building on that success.” 

» 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

Hello October 2025

Uncategorized October 4, 2025 Leave a comment

I had a wonderful time at the C3CONVERGE: The Community College Climate Summit this week in Anaheim. It was a great discussion on climate leadership and workforce innovation with Josh Fryday, GO-Serve Director.

Check out these pictures from BOG member Dr. Cirian Villavicencio:

We also visited Feather River College this week.

We got a look at their student housing, as well as fire management and equine programs.

Thank you to BOG member Joseph Williams, who shared this video:

As Joseph said, “Feather River College is proof that rural colleges are anchors of opportunity — preparing students, protecting communities, and shaping California’s future.”

Good morning California.
It is October 4, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Golden Globe Foundation Awards Grants to Santa Monica College
Journalism & Film Programs

The Golden Globe Foundation has given the Santa Monica College Foundation two grant awards to support the award-winning Santa Monica College film production and journalism programs. The Foundation provided a renewed grant award of $17,000 for SMC journalism students who work for/intern on the award-winning student-run media outlet The Corsair and $43,000 to help fund the film production program’s capstone class, “Making the Short Film.”

» Read more!

College of the Canyons Faculty Member Honored with NEA Award 

Wendy Brill-Wynkoop, chair of the College of the Canyons photography department, has been named a 2026 National Education Association (NEA) Foundation Global Learning Fellowship Traveler’s Award recipient for California, joining a distinguished cohort of just 48 educators nationwide. Wendy Brill-Wynkoop, chair of the College of the Canyons photography department, has been named a 2026 National Education Association (NEA) Foundation Global Learning Fellowship Traveler’s Award recipient for California, joining a distinguished cohort of just 48 educators nationwide.

» Read more!

Cerritos College Secures $1.25 Million Grant
to Break Barriers for Women in Construction

Cerritos College is breaking new ground for women in construction. The college has secured a transformative $1.25 million Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) grant from the California Department of Industrial Relations to expand pathways into one of the region’s highest-paying and fastest-growing industries. This funding will help women and underrepresented populations access stable, high-wage careers, uplifting families and communities across Southeast Los Angeles.

» Read more!

Riverside City College Donates Backpacks to Central Middle School Students

On Thursday, September 25, the Riverside City College (RCC) Black Faculty & Staff Association (BFSA), in partnership with Umoja, donated backpacks filled with school supplies to students at Central Middle School in the Riverside Unified School District (RUSD). The event highlighted RCC’s ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and community connection.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Contextualizing Completion Gaps for First-Generation Students

irst-generation students are twice as likely to leave college without completing a bachelor’s degree than their peers, even if they come from higher-income backgrounds and come to college academically prepared, according to a new report from the Common App. The findings suggest these factors do make a difference for student success outcomes but don’t erase other barriers first-generation students might face.

The report, released Thursday and the fourth in a series on first-generation students, used data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center to track enrollment, persistence and completion rates for 785,300 Common App applicants in the 2016–17 application cycle. (Students whose parents didn’t complete bachelor’s degrees made up 32 percent of the sample.) The report also took into account how a range of factors could affect student outcomes, including students’ incomes, their levels of academic preparation and how well-resourced their colleges are.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Cabrillo College:

What a celebratory morning! Cabrillo College and UC Santa Cruz broke ground on their 624-bed, affordable student housing project! Special thanks to State Senator John Laird, UCSC Chancellor Cynthia Larive, and all of our project partners and members of the Cabrillo and UCSC housing teams! Leases will be available in Summer 2026 for move-in Summer 2027!

*****

From San Jose City College:

Yesterday, the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) hosted its Mid-Autumn Festival! The event featured music, tasty food, and even lantern decorating!

*****

From Cerro Coso Community College:

What a Night Under the Stars! A huge thank-you to everyone who came out and made the Cerro Coso Foundation’s Astronomical Star Party & Barbecue such a success!

*****

From Columbia College:

Columbia College is happy to welcome over 1,000 High School Juniors and Seniors from 26 different High Schools to Claim Jumper Day! This annual preview day gives prospective students a glimpse of everything Columbia College has to offer with special presentations and tour stops all over campus.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosting Series of Events to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Bakersfield College is hosting a series of exciting events and activities to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The festivities began on September 15th with the Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off and will continue through October 15th. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are coming together to enjoy a variety of Hispanic-themed games, crafts, food, and more.

There will be a Noche de Familia at BC’s Arvin Campus, another Talavera Tile Painting at BC’s Delano Campus, a community mural project celebrating the life of Frida Kahlo at the Panorama Campus, and more!

Please visit the BC online events calendar for a full list of activities and events. We hope you can join us! Somos BC!

» 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