Tag Archives: #DareMightyThings

From the Capitol to the Central Valley ….

Uncategorized April 25, 2026 Leave a comment

This week it was from the Capitol to the Central Valley …

Earlier in the week, we participated in Assembly budget and policy hearings in Sacramento.  Then headed to Fresno to speak at the CVHEC Summit

And back home to my boy Neo.

Also, check out Board of Governors member Cirian Villavicencio’s new YouTube channel – Navigating College with Dr. V.

Here’s one of his recent videos – “Meet Your College Success Team”:

Good morning California.
It is April 25, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cuesta College Awarded $1.2M STEM Scholarship Grant

Cuesta College has been awarded a six-year, $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation through its Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program. The grant will support low-income students pursuing degrees in computing and engineering. The project will provide scholarships alongside comprehensive academic and career support to help students persist, transfer to four-year institutions, and succeed in high-demand STEM fields.

» Read more!

Porterville College’s “Entree to Employment” Bridges the Gap
Between Classroom & Career

The Porterville College Transfer Center, in partnership with the Office of Instruction and the Career Education Department, recently hosted a groundbreaking event designed to redefine how students and local industries connect. Moving away from the traditional, often impersonal job fair model, the “Entree to Employment” dinner provided a high-contact, low-stress environment where students and business partners could engage in authentic dialogue over a world-class meal.

» Read more!

Santiago Canyon College’s New Water Sciences Lab
Will Enhance Classes in Water Technology

A new, modernized water technology classroom is in final planning stages for the Santiago Canyon College campus that will feature state-of-the-art equipment to help train students for well-paying careers in water districts throughout Orange County and beyond. The new lab will enhance SCC’s substantial Water and Wastewater Technology program. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Why Two-Year Schools Are Higher Education’s Fastest-Growing Sector

When the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center released its final enrollment data for Fall 2025 in January, the headline told a familiar story with a striking new intensity. Total postsecondary enrollment in the U.S. rose by 1.0% in fall 2025, reaching more than 19.4 million students, and growth in undergraduate enrollment was driven by a 3.0% surge in community college enrollment, compared to a 1.4% increase at public four-year colleges. Private four-year institutions, meanwhile, saw enrollment declines.

The scale of the community college resurgence is difficult to overstate. Community colleges added approximately 173,000 more students in Fall 2025, a 3% increase that drove the overall undergraduate gains across all of higher education. Over a two-year span since Fall 2023, the sector has grown by 9.6%, compared to just 4.1% at public four-year institutions.

» Read more!

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Insights from ‘Some College, No Credential’ learners

Approximately 43.1 million people in the United States have, at one time, enrolled in postsecondary education but did not complete their intended degree or certificate.

A new report from Trellis Strategies attempts to answer those questions. In spring 2025, researchers surveyed 3,182 former undergraduate students who had been enrolled across 58 institutions – including 33 community colleges – to get to the heart of the matter.

More than a third (36%) of survey respondents were first-generation students, 25% were parenting students and 72% were working while enrolled.

Though a majority of survey respondents said they believe in the value of higher education –73% said that re-enrolling and completing their degree would improve their career earnings and potential – there are barriers to completion.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Check out this photo from the Designing Pre-Apprenticeship Pathways event:

If we do a BCP for FY27-28 for additional funding for ELL Healthcare Pathways, we are considering earmarking the first $25 million to expand community college pre-apprenticeships as mechanism to help scale apprenticeship.

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From Shasta College:

We’re really excited for the student-designed project by the 1100 building! Students from the landscape construction class designed and are landscaping the area into what we think will be nice place to study once it’s done. We can’t wait to see how it turns out!

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From Gavilan College:

Earth Day recap: we touched grass. Literally.

Gavilan broke ground on the Community Garden with campus partners and students.

Good turnout. Great energy. Strong start.

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From Hartnell College:

The Career and Transfer Hub hosted its annual Career and Resource Fair in the Student Center yesterday, bringing together over 85 employers and 300 students to explore careers and connect with employment opportunities. The event also served as a resource hub, where students learned about career pathways, transfer options, and in-demand skills.

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From Moorpark College:

Our final MC Day at Simi Valley High School. Thank you for having us! Great connecting with students and sharing all things Moorpark College!

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And check out this video from Cypress College’s Transfer Fair

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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

Happy Pi Day All

Uncategorized March 14, 2026 Comments: 3

Happy Pi Day
3.14
3.14159265…..

Spring is the time of beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

I started my week at the Wheelhouse Program for presidents, then headed to Sacramento for meetings.
A beautiful Sacramento sunset for you…

And then back home enjoying a walk with my boy Neo.

I wrapped up my week at the inaugural Stemapalooza at Lemoore College.

The West Hills District and Lemoore College are doing real cool things on their campus. Their enrollments are booming. Check out the picture with both the president and the chancellor of the district.

Jonathan an engineering alum from Lemoore, Gustavo Enrique the MESA advisor, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, President James Preston, Sonya Christian, District Chancellor Robert Pimental

This event had mostly MESA students and their advisors along with STEM faculty in attendance.

MESA began in 1970 at the University of California, Berkeley, during a time when leaders in higher education were increasingly concerned that students from many communities across California were not entering fields such as engineering, mathematics, and science at the same rates as others. The early vision of MESA was straightforward but powerful: create structured academic communities that support talented students from underserved backgrounds in preparing for STEM majors and careers.

Over the decades that followed, California made the decision to expand that idea into something much larger.  With continued support from the Legislature and multiple across administrations, MESA evolved into a coordinated effort that now connects middle schools, high schools, community colleges, and universities. Today, MESA operates through three primary components: the MESA Schools Program, the MESA Community College Program, and the MESA Engineering Program at four-year institutions.

What began as a single initiative on one campus has since grown into a nationally recognized model for expanding participation in STEM education. States across the country have looked to California’s MESA framework when designing their own STEM pipeline programs.

The event was coordinated by Jonathan Hernandez from Porterville College. It was so fun…. My heart was full as I reconnected with colleagues from the Central Valley whom I had not seen in quite some time. It felt like coming home.

This is what I saw in the room for the conference. Posters of We love Neo.

Check out this picture that Lemoore College MESA Director Gustavo Enriquez shared on his social media –

I loved the Lemoore MESA sweatshirt. Check out my wardrobe change. Thank you President James Preston. Thank you Gustavo Enrique. Thank you Jonathan Hernandez.

Good morning California.
It is March 14, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Antelope Valley College Student Leaders Meet with Congressman George Whitesides

Student leaders from Antelope Valley College’s Associated Student Organization (ASO) recently met with Congressman George Whitesides to discuss issues affecting community college students and the future of higher education. During the meeting, ASO representatives shared concerns and ideas related to artificial intelligence, expanding research opportunities for students and recent funding cuts affecting Hispanic-Serving Institutions such as AVC.

» Read more!

College of San Mateo’s MESA Program and STEM Priorities Honored by Stanford University for Community Partnership

College of San Mateo was recently honored by Stanford University with its Community Partnership Award, recognizing CSM’s Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program’s impactful collaboration with the Stanford Community College Outreach Program (CCOP) and its commitment to expanding STEM opportunities for community college students. In addition to Stanford’s recognition, MESA also received a Certificate of Recognition from California State Assemblymember Marc Berman, acknowledging the program’s regional impact and leadership in supporting community college students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

» Read more!

Southwestern College x USC: Building the Next Generation
of Community College Leaders

Through a new collaboration with the University of Southern California’s USC Rossier School of Education, Southwestern College has launched the Community College Innovation Scholars Program, a three-year, $4.2 million pilot designed to expand graduate education opportunities while strengthening leadership across California’s community college system. Beginning in fall 2026 and for the next three years, a total of 120 Southwestern College faculty and staff members can pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in education through USC Rossier.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Cyber security lab coming to San Diego City College thanks to $1M grant

San Diego City College is leading education on cyber security in California with a new four-year bachelor’s degree in Cyber Defense and Analysis. The curriculum provides students with the skills and knowledge to protect digital infrastructure and strengthen cybersecurity across most industries and government agencies.

“We must have some way to ensure the education we provide is at the same level students would get going to a traditional four-year college, and we are now a four-year college,” said David Kennemer, the program’s director.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

I loved this picture of BOG member Cirian Villavicencio and BOG student member Maria Blaze at the student March in March event:

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From San Diego Miramar College:

Our trio of aviation students is having a great first day of competition at Verticon 2026 in Atlanta, GA!

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From Norco College:

Last week, we proudly welcomed our new students during the Honors Orientation! It was an inspiring hour filled with learning and building community. We can’t wait to see how these students thrive in the #HonorsProgram!

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From Oxnard College:

Thank you to everyone who helped make our Annual 805 Industry Day a success! In partnership with the Ventura County Office of Education, we welcomed nearly 80 high school counselors from across the county for a day focused on career education and workforce pathways. This annual event connects our K–12 partners with Oxnard College’s career technical education programs, ensuring counselors are equipped to guide students toward meaningful career opportunities that meet regional workforce needs.

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From Cuesta College:

Cuesta College welcomed 320 SLO County high school students to our annual Edúcate Sí Se Puede event on Thursday. The future Cougars explored areas of study, heard from current students, and connected with campus resources as they began building their futures at Cuesta.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Women’s History Month Kick-Off Celebration

In honor of Women’s History Month, Bakersfield College hosted a kick-off celebration this week in the Levan Center courtyard on the Panorama campus. The event featured guest speakers, a performing arts preview, the BC Cheerleaders, live Mariachi music, snacks, and more.

Dr. Stacy Pfluger, President of Bakersfield College and one of the speakers, welcomed everyone and expressed excitement for the kick-off and all the upcoming events at BC celebrating Women’s History Month. Later in the event, Trinity Matthews, current BC student and Student Life employee, shared her thoughts about the significance of Women’s History Month, “This month is dedicated to honoring and recognizing the resilient women that came before us,” she said, “and if you take away anything from today, let it be resilience. Know that you can do it – anything you set your mind to.”

» 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

Our students bring us joy

Uncategorized March 7, 2026 Leave a comment

Last Friday, I caught the redeye to Toronto to spend the weekend with my daughter. This winter has been quite something. Storms seem to be sweeping across North America one after another.  Snow, wind, delays, and travel plans constantly shifting.

My daughter wasn’t feeling well, and it was very cold outside, so we stayed in. The fireplace was on, blankets were out, and we ended up binge-watching Monarch: The Legacy of Monsters on Apple TV. If you enjoy a little sci-fi and adventure, it’s a fun show.  The story moves across three generations, shifting back and forth between scenes of the grandparents when they were young and their grandchildren in the present.

I always listen to CBC when I am in Canada. Last weekend while I was listening, they announced the nominees for the 2026 Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.

One of the nominations this year was Sade. 

Here is one of my favorites:

From Toronto, I headed to Washington, DC to join our Student Senate for their inaugural federal advocacy visit. The flight to DC was delayed three hours, which, looking back, was just the beginning of the travel adventures.

Once I arrived, though, the energy from our students made it all worthwhile. The room was alive with music, dancing, and an inspiring keynote speaker. Watching our students step forward to advocate for community college students across the country was truly food for the soul.

Here I am with the keynote speaker and the President of SSCCC

Eric Mayes, Jerry Reyes, Sonya Christian

Then came the trip home. Just as our plane in DC was about to leave, it started snowing. We had already boarded and ended up sitting on the tarmac for three hours waiting to be de-iced. After that came a five-hour flight to Phoenix. By the time we landed, I had missed my connecting flight, so I spent the night in Phoenix and took the next flight the following day. Delays are part of a heavy travel schedule. I try to just settle into it and not let my nervous system get into overdrive. Try is probably the key word.

From there, it was Long Beach at 72 degrees for the A2MEND conference.

A2MEND does extraordinary work supporting the success of African American men in higher education. Being in that space with educators and students who are so deeply committed to this mission is just fantastic.

Here is a picture of folks from my Office.

Keetha Mills, Sonya Christian, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Pam Haynes, Abdumalik Buul, Linda Vasquez, Rowena Tomenang, Elaine, Aiesha Lowe

Was so happy to see folks from Kern!

Here with Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg and NaTesha Johnson

And then finally… back home to my boy Neo. Check out this quick little video of him engaging with the ducks that visit our pool in the spring. Neo is very interested. The duck, on the other hand, seems completely unbothered.

And spring has arrived with flower gardens popping up in houses. I snapped these for you.

After a week of snowstorms, flights, delays, and conferences, I have to say it feels really good to wake up at home this Saturday morning and share a little bit of the week with you.

Good morning California.
It is March 7, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Barstow Community College Awarded $750,000
to Expand Rural Mental Health Services

Barstow Community College has been awarded $750,000 in federal funding to expand its Rural Mental Health Services Program and increase access to unmet mental health care needs in Barstow and surrounding rural communities. This award also builds on Barstow Community College’s recent partnership with the Inland Empire Health Plan Foundation through the Vibrant Villages Barstow initiative.

» Read more!

Carbajal Visits Ventura Collegeto
Understand Student Cost-of-living Crisis

U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal visited Ventura College on Feb. 19. Carbajal’s talk was part of a tour of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties to learn more about the student affordability crisis and other issues affecting residents. Sudents who got to speak to Carbajal were recommended by different departments across campus.

» Read more!

New Health Products Vending Machine Now Available
in Los Angeles Pierce College Library Courtyard

Pierce College has installed a new Health Products Vending Machine in the Library courtyard area, expanding convenient access to essential wellness resources for students. The machine provides a range of items supporting sexual health, personal health, and general health, offering students discreet and easy access to important supplies throughout the day. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Expanding credit for prior learning

Turning prior learning, work experience, military service and other credentials into college credit can save students time and money. Despite that benefit, it’s been underutilized.

Only about 11% of adult learners, for example, have benefited from prior learning assessment (PLA) – also referred to as credit for prior learning (CPL) – according to a 2020 report from the Council for Adult & Experiential Learning (CAEL) and Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

There are a lot of different reasons for that, says Beth Doyle, CAEL’s chief of higher education strategy and impact: It’s not talked about or promoted broadly at the college level, and processes may be burdensome for students – and for colleges.

Though there are resources and guidance available, such as the American Council on Education’s (ACE) learner evaluations and the Competency-Based Education Network’s (CBEN) learning model, each college has to develop its own policies and processes – and get faculty and staff on board.

Doyle is seeing a positive shift, though, as colleges move toward more and better use of PLA. 

“Institutions are getting more sophisticated in how to assess,” she says.

» Read more!

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Coalinga College ‘Farm of the Future’ explores agave
as sustainable crop for West Side farmers

Water is a valuable resource for farmers across the Central Valley.

The Farm of the Future at Coalinga College is no exception.

“You know, the restrictions of water allocations are severe, and we’ve got to continue to look for ways to keep West Side farmers in agriculture, and whether that be through alternative or experimental crops,” Director of Coalinga College’s Farm of the Future Seth Yocum said.

Yocum says they are currently growing pistachios – a crop known to require a large amount of water. Because of that, many other acres of land have been left uncultivated to conserve water use.

But recently, thanks to a donation from Wolf Farms, a new crop has been added. It’s one that requires drastically less water to grow: agave.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

College of the Sequoias shared this pic of their students who attended A2MEND:

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From Woodland Community College:

Thank you to all the students who stopped by and made a sodalicious Italian sodas!

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From College of Marin:

What an unforgettable day for our campus community!

We were proud to celebrate the grand opening of the Dr. David Wain Coon Center for Student Success and it was amazing to see students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members come together for this special moment.

The CSS is a welcoming new hub that brings academic resources, student support services, wellness programs, and community spaces together in one place. Watching everyone explore the building, connect with services, and celebrate made the day truly meaningful.

A special thank you to Dr. David Wain Coon, former COM President and Superintendent, Jonathan Eldridge, current COM President and Superintendent, Dana Emerson, Assistant Superintendent and Vice President of Student Affairs, and Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California’s First Partner, for helping us mark this important milestone.

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And I loved these beautiful pictures of flowers on Chabot College’s campus –

Spring is slowly approaching at Chabot. The campus is blooming with fresh colors and that new-season energy we’ve all been waiting for. There’s something about walking through these flowers that makes everything feel like we’re entering the next chapter

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day

Recently, Bakersfield College hosted the annual Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day. This exciting event brings together young women from high schools from across Kern County to learn more about engineering and STEM career fields. The day is filled with a variety of activities, including engineering panels, professional development workshops, a keynote speaker, and more.

Sara Sullivan, Program Manager of the California Renewable Energy Lab at Kern CCD and one of the event coordinators, talked about the importance of the event, “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day is important because it expands access and opportunity for young women who may not otherwise see engineering as an attainable career,” she said, “The event highlights the importance of diversity in STEM fields and aims to motivate young women to imagine themselves in technical careers.”

» 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

Grammys, Winter Olympics – life is good

Uncategorized February 7, 2026 Leave a comment

Moments that take our breath away

I watched the Grammy’s on Sunday.  Apparently this is the last year on CBS – next year it will be on a streaming service ….. feels like a sign of the times …. a little bittersweet for those of us who made a night of it. I’ve always loved watching the Grammys. The anticipation, the surprise performances, the talent, the sense that for a few hours we were all tuned in together.

And since Superbowl is tomorrow I thought I would mention the hilarious scene with Trevor Noah and Bad Bunny.

You see, although Bad Bunny won big at the Grammys taking home major awards, he couldn’t officially perform on music’s biggest night because he’s contractually committed to headlining the Super Bowl LX halftime show which I will be watching tomorrow. Trevor Noah cheekily coaxed him into a spontaneous mini performance by singing Bad Bunny’s hit “DtMF” and bringing out a live band. Check it out….

I could not possibly list all my favorite parts….. but here is another – a tribute to Roberta Flack.

My favorite song:

Yesterday, after a loooong work week, I sank into the start of the Winter Olympics. Here are two of the many favorite moments from the Opening Ceremony.

One cool segment – Fantasia.
In this surreal and joyful piece, dancers appeared with oversized heads representing the towering figures of Italian opera history, Rossini, Verdi, and Puccini. Loved the swirling colors, choreographed motion, and references to everything from opera to Renaissance aesthetics. Check it out.
Check out the video on YouTube.

And a performance of Italy’s National Anthem by Laura Pausini. Before the national anthem, the stadium transformed into a runway in celebration of Giorgio Armani. Models moved across the field in silk suits the colors of the Italian flag, their silhouettes unmistakably Armani.
Check out the video on YouTube.

Good morning California.
It is February 7, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Coastline College Launches First Dolphin Tank Pitch Competition
to Support Former Foster Youth Entrepreneurs

Coastline College successfully hosted its first Dolphin Tank Pitch Competition, an innovative, Shark Tank–inspired capstone experience designed to support aspiring student entrepreneurs, with a special focus on students who are current or former foster youth. The event served as both a graduation celebration and a live pitch competition, giving students the opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of experienced community leaders while receiving real-time feedback and mentorship.

» Read more!

Pending Sacramento City College Program Enhancement Will Address
National Air Traffic Controller Shortage

Last month, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) joined leaders from the Los Rios Community College District, Sacramento County, and the aviation industry at Mather Airport to celebrate Sacramento City College’s (SCC) progress toward becoming one of the nation’s only dual-certified Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) programs.  Upon final approval, Sacramento City College would be the first Enhanced AT-CTI program on the West Coast, and one of only two institutions in the country with dual certification to train students for both tower and en route air traffic control careers. 

» Read more!

A First Day, Reimagined: Inside San José City College’s
New Career Education Complex

The Career Education Complex, now open for instruction, represents a significant shift in how San José City College imagines learning spaces. Over the course of the spring semester, 140 class sections will be taught inside the new facility, spanning career education programs and general education courses alike. English classes meet alongside high-tech labs. Students heading to their first lecture pass classmates gathering in open study areas and sunlit corridors.

» Read more!

Long Beach City College And Congressman Robert Garcia
Announce $1.5 Million Community Project Funding

Thanks to the advocacy of Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42), Long Beach City College will receive $1.5 million in Community Project Funding to support the LBCC Child Development Center (CDC) at the Trades, Technology, and Community Learning Campus (TTC). The funding will be used to purchase and install new playground equipment at the TTC CDC. The funding will support a redesign of the center’s outdoor play area, replacing outdated equipment and creating a more functional space tailored specifically to early childhood use. The new playground equipment will serve children ages 3–5.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

How Community Colleges Are Becoming America’s AI Talent Engine

In August 2024, while the technology world fixated on billion-dollar AI startups, something quieter but potentially more consequential was happening in American education. The National Science Foundation announced a $2.8 million grant to establish the National Applied AI Consortium—an initiative placing community colleges, not elite research universities, at the center of America’s AI workforce strategy.

The idea was deceptively simple: if artificial intelligence is going to reshape every industry from healthcare to manufacturing, then the technicians who implement, maintain, and work alongside these systems should come from the institutions that have always served as on-ramps to the American middle class.

» Read more!

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Here are 5 reasons why 2026 is an exciting year for community colleges

Rising enrollment in short-term credential courses and community colleges is not a fluke.

Students—including young cohorts—are favoring affordable programs that lead directly to career opportunities, and community colleges are answering the call.

EAB, a higher education consulting firm, recently outlined five macro trends that help explain record-setting interest in the community colleges.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Fresno City College:

Giving tours = our favorite thing. Sharing the tech = even better. Thank you, @toyotausa community!

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From Napa Valley College:

Thank you, Congressman Mike Thompson, for taking the time to visit our campus and meet with our student leaders. We truly appreciate the opportunity to share the work happening at NVC and explore ways to further support student success. Your continued dedication to expanding educational opportunities makes a meaningful impact on our community.

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From Evergreen Valley College:

Retired judge LaDoris Cordell returned to EVC to speak to the campus as part of Black History Month.

Cordell was the first African American woman to serve on the bench in Northern California, serving on the Superior Court of Santa Clara County. Cordell graduated from Stanford Law School and became a respected jurist and advocate in the Bay Area, generations after her great-great-grandmother was a slave.

Cordell discussed being an “Upstander” and shared stories of those who caused good trouble. She ended with a quote from slave Araminta Ross, who said, Always remember, you have within you the strength, patience, and passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

Ross changed her name to Harriet Tubman and became an American abolitionist, social activist, and upstander herself during the Civil War.

Cordell’s book, “Her Honor,” tells much of her story to readers.

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From Allan Hancock College:

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department donated one of its ambulances to AHC’s Public Safety Training Complex February 3.

The ambulance will be used by PSTC’s Emergency Medical Services program, and will help provide EMS students with realistic training.

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And Las Positas College shared some photos from their Winter Club & Resource Fair:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Celebrates Recognition as a Black Serving Institution

Earlier this week, faculty, staff, students, and community members gathered on the CSS Lawn to kick off Black History Month and celebrate Bakersfield College’s recent recognition as a California designated Black-Serving Institution (BSI). The distinction is an important milestone highlighting BC’s commitment to advancing equity, access, and student success for Black students.

The event featured remarks from BC administrators, BC faculty, and community members, including BC President Dr. Stacey Pfluger, BC Faculty member Dr. Tommy Tunson, NAACP President of the Bakersfield Branch Patrick Jackson, and others. The event also included a special singing of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ by the Agapeland Christian Academy choir and concluded with food samples and a time for networking. It was an exciting way to kick off Black History Month at Bakersfield College.

» 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 January 2026

Uncategorized January 31, 2026 Leave a comment

I was supposed to be in DC this week …. but between the storm and a wave of flight cancellations, the trip just didn’t happen.

The good news…. got to see a lot more of my boy Neo

Good morning California.
It is January 31, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cerritos College delivers for local communities
with new $850,000 workforce training grant

Cerritos College continues to deliver unmatched value to workers and employers across our local communities with a new $850,000 workforce training grant from the California Employment Training Panel (ETP). As one of the region’s strongest workforce partners, Cerritos College remains the top choice for employers seeking high-quality, industry-responsive training that drives real results. Cerritos College collaborates closely with local employers to design customized, results-driven programs that strengthen the regional economy.

» Read more!

Norco College Rising Scholars Program Celebrates Historic Final Graduation
at California Rehabilitation Center

Norco College’s Rising Scholars Program celebrated its final graduation ceremony inside the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco, marking a profound moment of both achievement and legacy. The intimate ceremony honored 63 graduates—the largest cohort in the program’s history—and recognized students for their perseverance, academic success, and commitment to personal transformation. The ceremony carried special significance as the CRC is scheduled to close in August 2026, marking years of collaboration that expanded access to higher education within the institution. Norco College extends its sincere gratitude to CRC leadership and staff for their steadfast partnership in supporting educational opportunity and student success.

» Read more!

Palomar College Stadiums Win National Award

The new football and softball stadiums at Palomar College have been recognized with a national award from the American Sports Builders Association. The projects received a bronze award in the multi-field facility category, selected from submissions across the country that ranged from schools and universities to health centers and public recreation complexes.

» Read more!

The Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges reaches
Promise Plus endowment goal of $4 million

At the December 16, 2025 Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Board meeting, the Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges announced successfully reaching the Promise Plus endowment campaign goal of $4 million. By achieving this goal, the Foundation will be able to distribute $200,000 in Promise Plus scholarships annually, in perpetuity, benefitting up to 400 East County students each year. Since its inception, the Promise Plus has provided nearly $500,000 to fund more than 900 scholarships for Grossmont and Cuyamaca college students.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

The EduLedger: Higher Ed Staff Embrace AI for Daily Work
Despite Policy Gaps, New Survey Finds

Nearly all higher education employees are using artificial intelligence tools for work tasks, but less than half know whether their institutions have policies governing such use—a disconnect that experts warn could pose significant risks to data security and privacy. According to a new report from EDUCAUSE released this week, 94% of survey respondents said they have used AI tools for work within the past six months, yet only 54% are aware of policies or guidelines meant to guide such use. The survey, conducted in partnership with AIR, NACUBO, and CUPA-HR, drew responses from 1,960 higher education professionals between late September and mid-October 2025.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From College of the Desert:

#Recap of College of the Desert students taking part in the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars program at our Indio Campus.

During the program students:

  • Competed in robotics challenges
  • Connected with STEM professionals
  • Toured Collins Aerospace and UC Riverside
  • Built teamwork and perseverance skills
  • Learned what it takes to meet NASA’s expectations for space missions

Congratulations to our NCAS scholars, and thank you to Professor Pérez, Professor Burns, Professor Blanton, the Indio Campus staff, and all who made this experience possible.

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From Cañada College:

Last week, the Cañada College Art Gallery was buzzing as students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members gathered to celebrate the opening of Guy Diehl: A Retrospective. With Guy Diehl himself in attendance, the evening was filled with meaningful conversation, connection, and reflection as guests explored nearly seven decades of his masterful still life work.

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From Cabrillo College:

Welcome Seahawks! Cabrillo’s Week of Welcome continues with new Superintendent & President Dr. Jenn Capps working the welcome table in Watsonville!

Bienvenidos, Seahawks! La Semana de Bienvenida de Cabrillo continúa con la nueva superintendente y presidenta, la Dra. Jenn Capps, atendiendo la mesa de bienvenida en Watsonville.

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From Santiago Canyon College:

Thank you to Rep. Lou Correa’s staff for visiting SCC’s Veteran Resource Center!

Student veterans led a tour & hosted a powerful Q&A with the Veteran Advisory Council.

The visit ended with a meaningful challenge coin exchange.

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From Mission College:

Mission College Nursing and Counseling faculty earlier this month traveled to Vietnam for a weeklong cultural exchange focused on advancing global partnerships and student success.

While in Ho Chi Minh City, the team collaborated with the University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMP) to share best practices and support the development of a Certified Nursing Assistant program. This meaningful exchange highlights the power of international collaboration in strengthening workforce pathways and healthcare education.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC’s Renegade Jazz Combo Performs in New Orleans

Recently, the Bakersfield College Renegade Jazz Combo traveled to New Orleans to perform at the JENerations Jazz Festival at the 17th Annual Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference. The group performed a set of original songs to a panel that consisted of professional artists and educators and received critique and feedback. During the four-day conference, the students also participated in various clinics, concerts, jam sessions, networking opportunities, and more.

Kris Tiner, Music Professor and Director of Jazz Studies at BC, was instrumental in coordinating the trip and getting the musicians ready to perform. “The Renegade Jazz Combo is the top jazz group at BC,” said Tiner, “and each year we try to take the group to a festival. The (JEN Conference) is a four-day conference and they perform a set of their original music, and they get a clinic following the performance from two professional jazz artists.” The conference represented a large part of their trip, but the students also got to experience other aspects of New Orleans. “We got to visit the French Quarter to hear some local music a few times,” said Tiner, “I wanted to take the students to Preservation Hall, because that is where the local musicians present their music. We started off at the gumbo shop to eat some local food and then we visited Preservation Hall – it was amazing.”

» 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

Sonya Christian's Blog