This week, I was in Anaheim for the Vision 2030: Noncredit Summit, hosted by North Orange Continuing Education.
Thank you President Valentina Purtel who put together an incredible two days of engaging conversations. From data to policy and practice. The speakers were were exceptional and the camaraderie in the room was palpable.
We had 40 of the 72 districts represented in a sold-out auditorium. If you missed this year’s event, plz mark your calendar and plan to attend in October 2025 in San Diego.
Among noncredit’s many strengths is vocational education, and enrollment in vocational-focused community colleges across the country grew by 16% last fall to the highest level since the National Clearinghouse began tracking such data in 2018.
I enjoyed moderating a CEO Panel – “Leading the Charge: Campus Presidents on Noncredit Education’s Vital Role.” Thank you to Columbia College President Lena Tran, Mt. San Antonio College President/CEO Martha Garcia, and Calbright College President & CEO Ajita Talwaker Menon for sharing the great work happening at your colleges!
Snapped a picture of an student panel –
Here are some more pictures.
Good morning California.
It is October 5, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!
West Hills Community College District Partners with Fresno State to Offer Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Criminology and Psychology
West Hills Community College District (WHCCD) announced a groundbreaking partnership with Fresno State University to offer bachelor’s degree programs in Criminology/Administration of Justice (AOJ) and Psychology at Coalinga College and Lemoore College.
Launching in fall 2025, these programs are designed to provide local students with greater access to four-year degrees through the innovative “Convivir” initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Title V grant.
New Bins Installed Across Contra Costa District Campuses
in Attempt to Achieve Zero Waste
New three-stream bins have been added across campuses within the Contra Costa College district as part of a larger effort to address environmental and equity issues. Unlike previous bins, the new containers were designed with the intention of making it easier for students and staff to sort their waste.
Orange Coast College Student Affairs Leader Selected for
NASPA’s 2025 Pillar of the Profession Award
Orange Coast College Dean of Students Dr. Derek Vergara has been named a 2025 National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Pillar of the Profession, one of 20 individuals nationwide selected for the honor. Dr. Vergara will receive the award at the 2025 NASPA Annual Conference. Dr. Vergara has been at OCC since 2013 and has served in various roles, including dean of Title IX and student relations. He developed Title IX protocols during his tenure to ensure students can safely report and receive care and support resources.
In Case You Missed It
Undocumented Student Action Week: Education and Career UndocuDreams Made Possible
Register today for the Eighth Annual California Community Colleges’ Undocumented Student Action Week (USAW) on Oct. 14 – 18, 2024. Join the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, the Foundation for California Community Colleges, the Community College League of California and our statewide partners for a week of collaboration and supporting students, faculty and those involved in advocating for undocumented students.
» Register for in-person event
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California Community Colleges Expands Financial Aid Access for Adults Without High School Diplomas
Adults without a high school diploma can now enroll in California community colleges and have easier access to federal financial aid thanks to approval by the U.S. Department of Education of a plan put forward by California leaders, Chancellor Sonya Christian and Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
From Moreno Valley College:
MVC’s iMAKE Innovation Center Plant Lab, in collaboration with Emma Pacheco, professor of English, and the Puente Program, teaches students how to plant and care for local crops while improving their language skills with hands-on activities.
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From Fullerton College:
Feelin’ like sunshine in the rain while celebrating Filipino American History Month! We kicked off our inaugural celebration with an inspiring keynote and book signing from Dr. Anthony Ocampo, author of “The Latinos of Asia: How Filipino Americans Break the Rules of Race.” Attendees enjoyed Filipino food and great conversations, all while looking forward to the exciting events ahead!
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From Irvine Valley College:
Lasers! What an inspiring two days at IVC! Our campus community came together for the Walk of Hope, raising awareness for suicide prevention, followed by an incredible keynote from Joshua Rivedal. His heartfelt stories, practical tools, and a touch of humor left us with a renewed commitment to self-care and supporting one another.
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A recent episode of Laney College’s “The President’s Desk” podcast discussed the future in the age of Artificial Intelligence.
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And check out this video from Los Angeles Mission College, as LA Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez presented a Certificate of Recognition in celebration of the college’s 50th anniversary.
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Hosts Tejon Indian Tribe Pow Wow
Bakersfield College and the Native American Student Support and Success Program (NASSSP) were honored to host the 2024 Tejon Indian Tribe Pow Wow over the weekend on the main campus near the Welcome Center. This unique, two-day event highlighted Native American culture through music, food, dancing, and more.
On Saturday, Bakersfield College President Dr. Jerry Fliger welcomed over two hundred guests to join in the celebration of Native American traditions and culture, bridging the connection between the college and community by promoting cultural awareness, collaboration, and support for Indigenous issues. This event provided Indigenous communities a platform to share their heritage with the wider Bakersfield area and promote education and understanding of Native American history.
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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
