Tag Archives: Dare Might Things

November 1, 2025

Uncategorized November 2, 2025 1 Comment

It was a whirlwind of activity this week…. started in LA with the Vision 2030 Regional Workshop, then to Boston for a Workforce and AI convening at Harvard and wrapped up the week in Denver with a presentation at HACU and finally back home Saturday evening to watch the last game of the World Series… and what a phenomenal game and a phenomenal series.

The Chancellor’s Office team at the LA Vision 2030 Regional Workshop

Terrence Willett, Cheri Fortin, Tony Cordova, Sonya Christian, Carla Grandy, Linda Bermudez, Siria Martinez, Ebony Jeffries, Don Daves-Rougeaux

Hello Boston!

And the view from my room. You can see the Charles River off in the distance.

It was cloudy and rainy for the two days I was in Boston with the sun coming out only when I was on my way back to the airport anticipating the long tunnel built under the Boston Harbor – quite the engineering feat.

Then onto Denver. The landing and take off from Denver airport is always bumpy and it was the case this time around.

Sonya Christian, Paul Machen, Loretta Martinez Nov 1 2025

This was an annual ritual that I did with Joe Castro. Here we are in 2023 and 2024. I miss Joe.

Joe Castro, Sonya Christian Nov 1, 2024 in Denver
Joe Castro, Sonya Christian, Tito Guerrero Oct 27, 2023 in Chicago

Good morning California.
It is November 1, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Mt. San Antonio College Launches Tuition-Free LVN Program

Mt. San Antonio College has  launched the state’s only tuition-free Vocational Nursing program, offered through the School of Continuing Education. By removing tuition, the program opens doors for aspiring nurses to enter the profession without incurring the costs typically associated with similar programs. The full-time program is fully accredited by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, and spans three 18-week terms and blends classroom instruction with extensive clinical training.

» Read more!

West Valley College Honored with 2025–2028
FamilyU Seal for Commitment to Student Parents

West Valley College has been named one of only four higher education institutions nationwide to receive the 2025–2028 FamilyU Seal, a prestigious national certification from Generation Hope recognizing colleges and universities that are leading the way in supporting student parents.  The FamilyU Seal celebrates institutions that go above and beyond to create family-inclusive campuses and foster cultures of belonging that empower parenting students to thrive.

» Read more! 

Santa Barbara City College Partners with Mentavi Health
to Deliver Rapid, Clinically Validated ADHD Evaluations for Students

Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is adopting Mentavi Health’s Diagnostic Evaluation to provide timely, rigorous ADHD assessments for students seeking academic accommodations. The partnership enables SBCC to reach accommodation decisions faster, when appropriate, and helps students stay on course during the term’s most demanding weeks.

» Read more!

Lake Tahoe Community College Dedicates First-Ever On-Campus Student Housing

History was made at Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) as the college officially dedicated its first-ever on-campus student housing facility. This milestone moment had been more than a decade in the making. The new 100-bed residential community isn’t just a place to live; it’s a place to belong. Designed to support student success and well-being, the building features semi-suite units with both single- and double-occupancy options, shared lounges and study nooks, a community kitchen, and panoramic views of the Tahoe Basin that make “home” feel like inspiration.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Eight-week courses have gotten traction at community colleges in states like Virginia, Indiana and Texas, and are gathering momentum in California. Researchers last year published a paper finding that shortened courses have spread in California as educators look for ways to improve enrollment and retention following pandemic-era downturns. Almost a quarter of California community college enrollments in 2021 were in courses lasting less than 10 weeks, researchers found, up from about 15% pre-pandemic.

Colleges like Bakersfield College, Orange Coast College and Long Beach City College are among those experimenting with shorter course lengths. Similar efforts around the state are getting a boost from a project seeking to launch more shortened academic programs at California community colleges in fall 2026 and assess how well they work for students. 

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Grossmont College:

When classical guitarist Fred Benedetti is not performing with the San Diego Symphony, the San Diego Opera, the American Ballet Company, the Old Globe Theatre, or across the world for the King & Queen of Malaysia, you can find him inside a Grossmont College music classroom. As a professor of music, Benedetti has been shaping the next great generation of musicians and guitar players at Grossmont College since 1986.

For his contributions and talents, Benedetti was inducted into the San Diego Music Hall of Fame in 2023 for music and education, a rare distinction honoring his role as a professor. The San Diego Music Hall of Fame called him “one of San Diego’s most influential music professors.”

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From Shasta College:

We had a great turn-out for our Spooky Spirit Day and Costume Contest! Everyone looked amazing! Way to go, Knights!

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From San Diego College of Continuing Education:

The Executive President’s Cabinet and Classified Senate came together for a fall luncheon filled with connection, gratitude, and great food! It was a wonderful time to celebrate the dedication and impact of our classified professionals who make SDCCE shine every day.

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From Norco College:

We are thrilled to celebrate the amazing awardees of the Dare to Dream Scholarship from MoC! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for this special event, including our dedicated judges and inspiring awardees. Your hard work deserves recognition!

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And check out this video from Cypress College as their VAPA students gain real-world experience at Knott’s Scary Farm:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Launches Kern-AUCC Health Scholars Pathway
to Expand Medical Career Opportunities

Bakersfield College has announced the launch of the Kern-AUCC Health Scholars Pathway, a new initiative in collaboration with the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC) and Morehouse School of Medicine that creates a streamlined, affordable path for students from Kern County to pursue careers in medicine.

Through this pathway, students will begin their journey at Bakersfield College, transfer into an AUCC institution in Atlanta, and continue on to medical school at Morehouse School of Medicine before ultimately returning home to Kern County to complete their residency.

Applications for the first cohort of Kern-AUCC Health Scholars open November 4, 2025, with the inaugural class to be announced in April 2026.

» 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 – New Orleans

Uncategorized October 25, 2025 Leave a comment

Hello New Orleans!

At the ACCT Leadership Congress this week. My first visit to New Orleans. Absolutely fell in love with the city.

Here we are at the famous Cafe du Monde

Yovani Jimenez, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Sonya Christian

Cafe du Monde is known for its cafe au lait and beignets. It’s the oldest coffee shop in New Orleans, first opening in 1862!

The shop has a simple menu, largely unchanged since it first opened – dark-roasted coffee with chicory, beignets, milk and chocolate milk, hot chocolate, fresh-squeezed orange juice. In more recent times, soda and iced coffee have been added.

Beautiful sunrise over the Mississippi –

With student Board Member Maria Blaze – an amazing young woman.

On Thursday night, wandered through the French Quarter. The energy was palpable… sound of live jazz spilling into the streets, the light of gas lamps, balconies draped in ironwork, and people all around having a great time.

Then there was St. Louis Cathedral facing Jackson Square. Way more beautiful in person than all the pictures you may have seen. Supposedly, it is the oldest continuously active Catholic church in the United States, with its first church on the site dating to 1718. 

Growing up, mom always told us: “Whenever you enter a church for the first time, close your eyes and make three wishes.” It was a quiet ritual, passed down like a family secret. I remember doing it as a child, standing next to her and it has become a habit that traveled with me across time. So even though the church was closed, I sank into the familiar ritual.

St. Louis Cathedral, is a must see if you visit New Orleans.

Life Is Not Measured By the Number of Breaths We Take,
But By the Moments That Take Our Breath Away

Wrapped up the evening sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River watching the river boats.

And back home to Neo and our walks.

Good morning California.
It is October 25, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

East Los Angeles College Students’ Lives Transformed
Through Campus Essentials Donation

Thanks to the kindness of a recent donor, students at East Los Angeles College (ELAC) received a tremendous boost to their well-being and academic success. On Friday, September 12, the ELAC Foundation, Basic Needs Center, Athletic Department, and Associated Student Union (ASU) teamed up for a shopping trip to Costco. With the generous donation, they were able to stock up on food, snacks, and basic needs items that will make a real difference for our students on campus. 

» Read more!

Mt. San Jacinto College’s Erik Ozolins Receives
National Award for Excellence in Honors Education

Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) proudly announces that Erik Ozolins, Co-Director of the Honors Enrichment Program and Professor and Chair of the Anthropology Department, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Ron Brandolini Award for Excellence at a Two-Year Institution from the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC). This prestigious national honor recognizes exceptional faculty and administrators at two-year colleges who demonstrate outstanding leadership, teaching, and innovation in honors education.

» Read more!

First Ohlone College AA Degree Awarded at Elmwood Correctional Facility

Ohlone College’s Rising Scholars Program reached a historic milestone on September 18, 2025, when a student at Elmwood Correctional Facility became the first to earn an Associate of Arts Degree in Communication Studies. The degree, awarded with the highest honors and a perfect 4.0 GPA, reflects both academic excellence and the transformative power of education behind bars.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Making Gains in Gateway English and ESL through Dual Enrollment

In California and across the country, interest has surged in expanding access to dual enrollment (DE)—the opportunity to take college courses while in high school. Informed by abundant evidence of associated stronger high school and college outcomes, the state has enacted legislation to remove logistical hurdles and include historically underserved student populations. In the past few years, California has invested nearly $700 million to support K–12 and community college districts in these efforts. Moreover, system-level agreements and initiatives—including the Master Plan for Career Education, the CCC Roadmap, the UC and CSU Compacts, and the Golden State Pathways Program—increasingly promote increased access to DE and the completion of at least 12 college credits during high school.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Los Angeles Southwest College:

Los Angeles Southwest College proudly spent the past month honoring Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant lineup of events dedicated to celebrating the histories, cultures, and lasting contributions of our Hispanic and Latinx communities. Guided by an enthusiastic Planning Committee and embraced by students, faculty, staff, and neighbors, the celebration brought learning, joy, and cultural pride to every corner of campus.

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From Chabot College:

Tuesday we celebrated the groundbreaking for our new football stadium and track renovation!  We are very excited for the transformation thanks to the Measure A bond program. It will feature a new turf field, a reconfigured regulation track, upgraded bleachers, accessible pathways ad more! 

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From College of the Desert:

COD Cares… And It Shows! Students in our Culinary Catering class prepared a delicious breakfast buffet to thank our hardworking Maintenance and Operations team. Our M&O team keeps our campuses looking beautiful and running smoothly. Thank you to our M&O team for all that they do and shoutout to our culinary students for serving a delicious meal!

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From Irvine Valley College:

Today, we marked IVC’s official 40th birthday with sweet treats, orange soda, and a special plaque dedication honoring the legacy of the orange trees that once surrounded our campus. While the original trees are no longer standing, their spirit continues to inspire us—a proud reminder of the roots that shaped our earliest days. Here’s to our heritage that planted the seeds—and the bold possibilities ahead!

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Theater Program Celebrates Record-Breaking Success
at 41st Annual Kern Shakespeare Festival

The Bakersfield College Theater Program hosted the 41st Annual Kern Shakespeare Festival in the Edward Simonsen Performing Arts Center throughout the first two weeks of October. This year’s festival featured two Shakespearean productions – the beloved comedy Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Professor Brian Sivesind and his wife Ellie Sivesind; and the romantic comedy All’s Well That Ends Well, directed by Professor Cody Ganger.

The Shakespeare Festival has always been a well-attended event, but the 2025 offering was truly a box office smash! By the festival’s conclusion, it achieved record-breaking attendance and sales, making it the most successful event in the last five years. Much Ado About Nothing was the single best-selling production in that time period. It is the first performance to sell more than 600 tickets, with a total of 667 sold.

» 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

September 27, 2025

Uncategorized September 28, 2025 1 Comment

September 24 plan: McDonald’s fries for Mom’s birthday. Reality: work hijacked the day, so I honored mom with bonus potato chips. Happy birthday mom. Miss you everyday.

It was back to Orange County this week as we kicked off the California Adult Education Summit in Anaheim.

This annual event is presented by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the California Department of Education in partnership with the CAEP Technical Assistance Providers, North Orange Continuing Education, the Sacramento County Office of Education, and the Foundation for California Community Colleges.

Good morning California.
It is September 27, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Diego City College Celebrates Grand Opening of AANHPI Connections Center

San Diego City College proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Connections Center on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. The event, held at the Business and Technology Quad, marked the official launch of the college’s newest identity space dedicated to fostering belonging, cultural pride, and student success.

» Read more!

Solano Community College Unveils Solar-Powered Soofa Signs,
Ushering in a New Era of Smart, Sustainable Campus Communication

Solano Community College (SCC) proudly announces the installation of solar-powered Soofa Signs across its Fairfield campus, marking a significant stride toward sustainable innovation and enhanced community engagement. These state-of-the-art digital kiosks, powered entirely by solar energy, provide real-time information on campus events, transit updates, and community news, aligning seamlessly with SCC’s commitment to environmental stewardship and modern communication. 

» Read more!

College of the Siskiyous Partners with NACCE
to Launch Everyday Entrepreneur Program

College of the Siskiyous (COS) is proud to announce its participation in the Everyday Entrepreneur (EE) Program, a national initiative led by the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) that empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to start and grow small businesses in their local communities. The program is designed to serve both students and community members with the ambition and passion to create or expand a small business.

» Read more!

Citrus College Expands Nursing Program

Citrus College is significantly expanding its Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program to prepare more graduates for successful health care careers. This growth is in response to increased student demand and will help address the region’s critical shortage of skilled medical professionals. For more than a year, Citrus College has collaborated closely with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) to grow the scope of the program. Last month, the BRN granted the college its official approval to increase enrollment from 30 to 120 students each year, opening the door for more aspiring nurses to begin their careers.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

OPINION: Rural community colleges are uniquely positioned to tackle complex regional challenges and drive community transformation. Here’s how

Every person deserves a place close to home where they can learn, grow and build a better future. In rural areas, that place is often a community college.  

But in today’s environment, community colleges are under threat. Enrollment has been declining for most of the past 15 years as increasing numbers of Americans question the value of higher education. Recent reductions in federal support for college programs and for low-income Americans will almost certainly create additional pressure on community colleges to deliver education more effectively and efficiently.  

But improving delivery alone will not be enough to regain trust, enrollment and government investment. Rural community colleges must become rural development hubs, delivering value by bridging economic, social and civic sectors to address regional challenges.  

» Read more!

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Santiago Canyon College/UC Irvine Partnership
Streamlines Master’s Degree in Accounting

Students who earn an associate degree in accounting at Santiago Canyon College are well-prepared for a variety of entry-level positions, as well as promotional opportunities, in such areas as accounts receivable/payable, income tax preparation, payroll and more.

However, those seeking to aim higher are encouraged to enter a unique program that will fast-track them toward an eventual master’s degree in this in-demand field.

Created through a partnership between SCC and UC Irvine, the SCC and UCI 2+2+1 Masters of Accountancy Pathway Program closes the gap between a community college and a graduate degree. Students spend two years completing prerequisite courses at SCC, earn a bachelor’s degree at UCI (or another accredited four-year university) over the next two years and complete UCI’s Master of Professional Accountancy Program the final year: hence the term “2+2+1.”

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Fresno City College:

California Native American Day – A celebration with drummers, dancers, cultural practitioners, artists & poets

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From Cañada College:

Womxn of Color Collaborative kicked off Fall 2025 with a powerful Community Circle!
Students, faculty, and staff shared reflections on today’s social and political climate, found affirmation, and wrapped up with food & fellowship. 

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From Ventura College:

La Batalla Esta Aquí We celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a multimedia presentation explaining the Chicano/a Movement. Thank you Dr. Elias Serna for this great discussion about ethnic studies.

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From College of Marin:

Club Fest 2025 is in the books! Thanks to everyone who joined us, here’s to an exciting year ahead!

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From De Anza College:

Welcome Day was a blast! Thank you to everyone who made this day possible. We were so glad to see so many of you back on campus today for the start of fall quarter!

And From the Home of the Renegades

VP of Student Services César Jiménez Named to 20 Under 40

Bakersfield College is proud to celebrate Vice President of Student Services César Jiménez, who has been recognized as one of Bakersfield’s 20 Under 40.

At 39, César has already built a career defined by service and community impact. Born and raised in Chicago, he came to Bakersfield in 2023 and quickly found a home here, embracing the city’s mix of opportunity and small-town connection. “I have been loving every single moment living in this great city,” he says.

» 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

BOG at NOCE

Uncategorized September 21, 2025 Leave a comment

This week the Board of Governors headed to the NOCE Anaheim Campus. I love having the opportunity to visit our campuses!

And look who we met – Lindon, NOCE’s first-ever Facility Dog! NOCE does a great job, with innovative ways to keep students, staff and faculty healthy and reduce stress.

We had a wonderful lunch at Cypress Bistro, Cypress College’s student-run bistro, located on the Anaheim campus.

It was a fabulous visit.

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My daughter sent me this beautiful Bessie video.  I thought I would share it with you.

Bessie six years old.  Forever young.

Good morning California.
It is September 20, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Laney College Program Builds Bridge to Union Careers for Students

In a bold step toward expanding access to union careers, Laney College is offering students a direct pathway into high-demand construction trades through a new pre-apprenticeship program. Developed in partnership with the Alameda County Building Trades Council (ACBTC) and the Construction Trades Workforce Initiative (CTWI), the program is already transforming lives and strengthening ties between education and labor.

» Read more!

Barstow Community College and IEHP Foundation Launch
a Three-Year, Community-Driven Health Initiative in Barstow

Barstow Community College (BCC) is proud to announce a new partnership with IEHP Foundation to launch Vibrant Villages, a community-driven health improvement initiative in Barstow through a three-year investment of over $600,000. The college will partner with IEHP Foundation to lead a collaborative initiative aimed at improving health and wellness in the region by working with Barstow community members to identify the critical health priorities for students and all residents of Barstow.

» Read more!

Landmark $9.2M State Investment in Merced AgTech Alliance Accelerates
Central Valley Innovation and Economic Growth

Ahistorically underserved region is set for transformation as Merced and California’s Central Valley secure a record $9.2 million California Jobs First investment—the state’s largest agtech award to date. The Merced AgTech Alliance, led by the Community Foundation of Merced County, Merced College, UC Merced, and the Reservoir, will launch immediate, shovel-ready projects to create more than 3,000 high-quality jobs, support over 100 agtech startups, and provide 250 internships for underserved populations.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Transfer Project Update: from CCC ‘demo’ to national stage at CCA

The demonstration status that the Central Valley Transfer Project was conferred by California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian in 2023 has been elevated with the inclusion of the project into the CCC “Vision 2030,” the system announced recently.

Simultaneously, the Transfer Project became formalized when the California State Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom approved state funding for all colleges to align with the “Program Pathways Mapper” software platform that is the Transfer Project’s central feature.  

Now, CVHEC announces that its team will present the Transfer Project at the Complete College America national conference later this fall along with the Central Valley Math Bridge Program presented by College Bridge.

» Read more!

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Clovis Community College Puts Industry 4.0
Into The Hands Of Students & Teachers

Next to the robotic arms, the off-the-shelf miniature smart homes may not appear to be a key part of Clovis Community College’s Automation, Robotics & Mechatronics lab, but this unassuming hardware is providing students and instructors alike with a unique opportunity to build industry-grade automation applications.

Located in Fresno, California, Clovis Community College is well-regarded for its high transfer rate to four-year institutions. Now, by incorporating Ignition into its curriculum, Clovis is giving students in its Automation, Robotics & Mechatronics program the tools to develop a multifaceted skillset suited to both future higher-learning endeavors and local industry.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Napa Valley College:

Yesterday, we were honored to welcome our community to the rededication of Napa Valley College’s Japanese Tea Garden. First established in 1981 as a gift from our sister city, Iwanuma, Japan, the garden has long been a place of friendship, reflection, and cultural connection.

Thanks to the dedication of alumni and community members, the garden has been lovingly restored through NVC’s Cultural Spaces Initiative. During the ceremony, we witnessed traditional blessings, offered incense, and walked together through the beautifully renewed space. We are grateful to all who joined us in celebrating this special place—a lasting symbol of cultural exchange and community at NVC.

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From Mission College:

We were so happy to see everyone at the Pop Over to Counseling event! It was nice seeing students connecting with our counselors and sharing fun moments yesterday.

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From El Camino College:

Shout out to the Transfer Center for putting together a terrific University Fair! Reps from over 50 colleges and universities were on campus to connect with our Warriors for their next chapter after ECC.

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From San Joaquin Delta College Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson:

Happy Latinx Heritage Month! Was reminded once again of Delta’s incredible diversity at our Pachanga Presente flag parade this week

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And check out this video from San Diego Mesa College:

An Exhibit Highlighting African American Women’s Clothing from 1890 to 1963. Curated by Kenneth Green.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Umoja Students Share Stories from Their Study Abroad Opportunity in Egypt

The Umoja program at Bakersfield College recently hosted a discussion panel featuring six students who participated in a study abroad opportunity in Egypt during the Summer. This incredible trip included visits to the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Temple of Karnak, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and more.

Several BC students, staff, and administrators gathered in CC 231, eager to hear amazing stories from the panelists. Dr. Paula Parks, Coordinator of the Umoja ASTEP community at BC, welcomed attendees and expressed excitement that the students had the opportunity to share their experiences in Egypt.

» 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

Chancellor’s AI Fellows Program

Uncategorized September 14, 2025 Leave a comment

This week was the AI Futures Summit in Santa Clara. This year’s theme was Educational Innovation in the Digital Era.

One highlight of the summit was that the Chancellor’s Office AI Fellows Program hosted its first retreat for the inaugural cohort. This group includes 13 AI Fellows that will develop frameworks, guidelines, and resources that support the responsible adoption of AI technologies across all 116 colleges.

Good morning California.
It is September 13, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Butte College Breaks Ground on Chico Center Expansion

Butte College officially broke ground on its Chico Center Expansion Project, a $27.2 million investment that will add nearly 24,000 square feet of new facilities to serve students in Chico and the surrounding communities.

» Read more!

Norco College Sees Success with Disposable Glove Recycling Pilot Study

Last spring, Norco College’s Sustainability and Climate Action Committee launched an initiative to redirect disposable glove waste away from landfills and into recycling centers. The project salvaged nearly six pounds of gloves, masks, and hairnets from the Coral in just one month.

» Read more!

Yuba College Manufacturing Team Wins National Championship
in Project MFG’s Clash of Trades

 Yuba College’s Advanced Manufacturing program is celebrating a national victory after three of its students claimed first place in Project MFG’s Clash of Trades, a televised competition that challenges the best and brightest in advanced manufacturing, computer numerical control (CNC) machining and additive technologies. Competing June 10 to 12 at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, Illinois, students Phoenix Farrell, 19, Adam Davis, 21, and Wyatt Curry, 21, represented Yuba College in the final round against Central Alabama Community College, Everett Community College and Autry Technology Center. The trio walked away as national champions and with $100,000 in prize money. Half will go to support the college’s manufacturing program, while the other half was split among the three students.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

California Community Colleges & Google Launch Nation’s
Largest Higher Education Systemwide AI Partnership

Google today unveiled a major collaboration with the California Community Colleges that will provide more than 2 million students and faculty across the state’s 116 community colleges with free access to AI training, Google Career Certificates, and some of Google’s cutting-edge AI tools including Gemini for Education and NotebookLM. The announcement came during the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Futures Summit 2025, an event designed to drive digital transformation and innovation across the California Community Colleges. The system will also be one of the first members of Google’s AI for Education Accelerator, an initiative specifically designed to help prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow. This announcement with Google represents a significant expansion and investment in workforce development within higher education, positioning California’s community college students at the forefront of the AI-driven economy.

» Read more!

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California Community Colleges Launches Nation’s
Most Ambitious AI Integration Initiative

This week at the Futures Summit 2025, the California Community Colleges – the largest and most diverse higher education system in the country – will officially announce the launch of its Chancellor’s Office AI Fellows program, a bold new initiative aligned with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s statewide AI agenda and designed to make California the national leader in equitable AI education and workforce development.

The inaugural cohort of 13 AI Fellows will develop frameworks, guidelines, and resources that support the responsible adoption of AI technologies across all 116 colleges, which serve 2.1 million students and employ 88,000 professionals. Fellows will specialize in critical focus areas including AI assessment and learning analytics, AI infrastructure, AI professional development, AI research and innovation, AI student support services, AI in teaching and learning, and AI workforce development.

» Read more!

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California faces a nursing shortage. Community colleges can help

The road to becoming a nurse in California has been paved with roadblocks, sharp turns and bottlenecks. Where that education is offered has a lot to do with it.

As someone who has lived every long mile and continued to drive forward, I believe the solution lies in expanding the ability for California’s community colleges to offer bachelor of science degrees in nursing. 

Community colleges are where many nurses start. They should be where we have the chance to finish as we shift into our careers.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Evergreen Valley College:

Many of our original and early faculty (or their families) from our opening in 1975… Walter Soellner, Linda Roy, Ron Fisher, Sami Ibrahim, Evonne Davenport, Karen Strelitz (wife of our first president, Gerald Strelitz), Rose Higashi and Susan Morgado (daughter of Gene Morgado, our original auto faculty)

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From College of San Mateo:

What an incredible Transfer Day at CSM!
Nearly 60 colleges, universities, and private schools from across California and beyond visited campus, providing students with the opportunity to meet representatives, ask questions, and learn about some of their dream schools.
A huge thank-you to our Transfer Services team for organizing this packed event and to our amazing student leaders for helping spread the word and guiding students to the fair.

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From Diablo Valley College:

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 9/11 Tribute Run at DVC Pleasant Hill yesterday! Our amazing DVC student veterans and supporters ran together across campus to honor the lives lost and the heroes who rose in service after September 11, 2001. 🕊️ A special thank you to our DVC student veterans for leading this meaningful tribute and reminding us of the values of unity, resilience, and service.

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From Victor Valley College:

Earlier this month, Victor Valley College’s Workforce Development celebrated the Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (IMM) Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony at the High Desert Training Center!

We proudly honored 10 outstanding employees from employer partners, including Mitsubishi Cement Corporation, Rio Tinto, CEMEX, Church & Dwight, and Exquadrum. These graduates completed their year-long Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI) and are now returning to their organizations with advanced technical skills.

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From Saddleback College:

This summer, the voices of Saddleback were heard around the world. Our Chamber Singers and Emeritus Chorale came together for Saddleback College Choir’s first international tour. From ages 18 to 90, singers shared the stage across four countries, proving that music truly connects generations and cultures.

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From Allan Hancock College:

Cadets in our fire academy climbed the six-story tower at the AHC Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc to memorialize the first responders killed in the September 11th attacks. They made the trip up the tower 19 times, the equivalent of the World Trade Center’s 110 stories.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Transfer Pathways Hosts Transfer Day for Fall 2025

On Monday, September 8, Bakersfield College’s Transfer Pathways department hosted Transfer Day for the Fall 2025 semester. This exciting event brings several colleges and universities to the Panorama Campus, giving students an incredible opportunity to learn more about their academic options once they have completed their time at BC.

More than 50 colleges and universities participated in the event, and representatives were eager to provide students with details about admissions, campus environments, degree options, campus housing, and more. The event drew several hundred student participants over the course of the day, and each attendee walked away with valuable information, and swag, from a variety of local, private, and national institutions.

» 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