Tag Archives: De Anza College

September 27, 2025

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

Let us pray for our communities in LA

Cover Page in the LA Times

LA Times updates:
https://www.latimes.com/california/live/2025-01-10/fire-los-angeles-california-eaton-palisades-updates

Raymond Chandler in his 1938 book Red Wind famously describes the Santa Ana winds as a force that can “curl your hair and make our nerves jump.” That was my experience when I came to USC as a foreign grad student many decades ago. The wind speed is typically 30-40 mph.

Last week, these winds were clocked at times over 100 mph …. combined with the fires …. the devastation at a scale we have not seen before …. 11 confirmed deaths, and more than 12,000 structures damaged or destroyed. More than 150,000 people remain under mandatory evacuation.

Even after the fires are extinguished, these communities will face harrowing times as they return and rebuild entire neighborhoods. Let us pray for our communities in LA.

LA County has prepared this list of resources for those affected by the fires.

In addition to many other organizations, the Foundation for California Community Colleges is raising money for wildfire & disaster relief. Learn more & donate!

Los Angeles Pierce College serves as an animal evacuation site for large animals. 

And deepest thanks to the brave firefighters and first responders who are working day and night to put out the blaze and keep our communities safe.

Good morning California.
It is January 11, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

College of San Mateo, College of Marin MESA Students
Win STEM Entrepreneurship Contest

A team of future STEM entrepreneurs claimed the top title of a month’s long business pitch competition. Isabelle Ablao of San Diego State University, Michelle Gantos of College of Marin and Auner Barrios Vasquez of College of San Mateo are champions of the 2024 MESA Idea Accelerator. The program empowers undergraduate students to become innovative entrepreneurs. Using the Human-Centered Design process students gain the skills to create real-world solutions for their communities.

» Read more!


Johnson Controls Renews Sacramento City College
Workforce Development Grant

Sacramento City College received a $100,000 grant for the third year as part of the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program. This funding enhances on-campus training and educational opportunities for future leaders in the HVAC, digital, fire and security industries. Sacramento City College remains committed to addressing the skilled trades gap through strategic investments to equip the future skilled trades workforce and foster strong communities.

» Read more!


Santa Ana College Journalism Students Win Top National Honors
at Pacemaker and Pinnacle Awards

Santa Ana College journalism students took home over 40 awards from the National College Media Convention held in New Orleans, Louisiana, earning recognition for their work at el Don, Santa Ana College’s student-run news organization that has been in circulation for over 100 years. The Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) Pacemaker awards and the College Media Advisers (CMA) Pinnacle Awards were both presented at the conference which was held from Oct. 30- Nov. 2, 2024.

» Read more!


Chaffey College Manufacturing Day Brings Together 600 Inland Empire Students

Hundreds of middle and high school students from 15 San Bernardino and Riverside County schools visited InTech to meet with employers, try their hand at welding simulators, program robots and more. Manufacturing Day is an event that gives companies and schools a chance to showcase modern manufacturing careers to students, parents and the public.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Tune In to January 2025 Board of Governors Meeting

The January 2025 meeting of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors is Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a Closed Session from 9:05 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., in-person in Sacramento and viewable via Zoom.

» Agenda and Video Link


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From San Joaquin Delta College:

Recently our Student Food Pantry not only reached their fundraising goal, but surpassed it! All thanks to the incredible generosity of many, the pantry raised over $6,000. From monetary donations to campus contributions — thank you for fueling our students’ futures!

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From De Anza College:

We’re excited to welcome our new college President Omar Torres! Here, he’s pictured with former Interim President Christina Espinosa-Pieb. Welcome Dr. Torres, and thank you to Ms. Espinosa-Pieb!

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From San Bernardino Valley College:

Some of our fav pics from 2024!

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And check out this video of highlights from 2024 Cabrillo Talks:


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Library Welcomes Special Guests from Romania

The Grace Van Dyke Byrd Library at BC welcomed several distinguished guests from Romania as part of Friendship Force of Kern County’s initiative to expand literacy and informal education to institutions outside the US. The Romanian visitors were all library workers striving to improve the services and educational resources they provide in their home libraries.

» 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

Celebrating Community College Innovations in California

Nine years ago, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s masterpiece “Hamilton” debuted to rave reviews, following 2005’s “In the Heights.” Here is the 4-min piece My name is Alexander Hamilton.

He’s been busy in the years since, including soundtracks like “Moana”, “Vivo” and “Encanto”.

This week, he released his newest musical – a concept album, based on the 1979 movie The Warriors.

Check out a few minutes of it:

I attended the Inspire conference at the UCLA Luskin Center. It was a lot of fun. Here are a few pictures snapped by Cirian Villavicencio, member of the Board of Governors who attended the event.

Elizabeth Gonzalez, College Futures; Sonya Christian; Michael Crow, ASU; Julia Lopez, CSU Trustee; Kim Wilcox, UC Riverside

Good morning California.
It is October 19, 2024
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Riverside City College Hosts Inaugural Digital Art & Animation Convention, Inspiring Creativity and Cultural Representation

Can you imagine what happens when educators, industry professionals, and aspiring artists come together for a day of creativity and inspiration? That’s exactly what unfolded at the 2024 Digital Art & Animation Convention, where over 150 participants gathered to explore the latest in animation technology, learn from top industry leaders, and dive into hands-on experiences that brought digital art to life. Hosted at Riverside City College (RCC), the event was a game-changer for students looking to break into the world of animation and digital media.

» Read more!


Grand Opening of Mission Market: A New Era of Student Support

Mission College is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Mission Market, an innovative initiative designed to support students by providing access to fresh, nutritious food every week. In collaboration with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley and the Bill Wilson Center, Mission Market aims to be a cornerstone of student support, recognizing that access to healthy meals is vital for academic success.

» Read more!


Cuesta College Hosts 3rd Annual Awareness Gallery for Students

Cuesta College is proud to announce the return of the 3rd Annual Awareness Gallery, an interactive health-focused exhibit open to all students, staff, faculty, and the public. The Awareness Gallery is a collaboration between the Cuesta College Student Health Center, the SLO County Behavioral Health Department, and the Cuesta College Libraries.

» Read more!


Yuba College Expands On-Campus Support for Students Through Partnership with Yuba County Health and Human Services

 Yuba College is excited to announce a significant expansion of student support services through a partnership with Yuba County Health and Human Services (YCHHS). Beginning this month, a dedicated social worker from YCHHS will be stationed at Yuba College’s Marysville Campus to provide essential services and assistance to the college’s growing population of more than 10,000 students.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Building for Tomorrow: Meeting California Community College Students’ Housing Needs

The Chancellor’s Office Student Housing team is hosting an all-day, in-person Student Housing event: Building for Tomorrow: Meeting California Community College Students’ Housing Needs on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at Sierra College in Rocklin.

» Learn more & register!

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No Magic Here: Demystifying Black Female Leadership in a California Community College HSIs

Contra Costa College President Kimberly Rogers wrote this piece for Diverse:

Today, the California Community College System, with more than 1.8 million students at 116 institutions, boasts 29 Black CEOs and nearly 40 Latine CEOs. As a Black woman, I am privileged and proud to serve as President of Contra Costa College (CCC), an institution serving approximately 10,000 students annually in the East Bay. CCC has a diverse student body, with 44% self-identified as Hispanic, 20% as Asian Pacific Islander, 14% as white, and 13% as African American. CCC is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). If Governor Gavin Newsom signs SB 1348 into law, CCC will seek status as a Black Serving Institution (BSI). 

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Citrus College:

We are so grateful to Arlene Abundis for coming back to Citrus College to share her story. A Citrus College alumna, Arlene is the author of the acclaimed children’s book, “Into the Mighty Sea.” In front of faculty, staff and students, Arlene talked about her journey as a student, mother and author. During her appearance, which also included a book signing, Arlene encouraged everyone to keep chasing their dreams.

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From Ventura College:

We’re creating a college-going culture in Ventura County! During Higher Education Week our Ventura College Outreach Team visited eight local high schools to share info about the amazing programs and services we provide

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From Fresno City College:

We are excited to announce the grand opening of our brand new Child Development Center!

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And check out these videos from De Anza College:

As Latinx Heritage Month draws to a close, we want to share the new Tiny Mic videos created by the Office of Communications in celebration of the month. Students and employees were asked about their culture, traditions and favorite foods, as well as any advice they have for our Latinx students.

Find the rest at https://www.deanza.edu/news/2024/latinx-heritage-month.html.


And From the Home of the Renegades

Headline

Bakersfield College hosted a series of events to celebrate Homecoming Week. Students had the opportunity to participate in the various activities and contests all leading up to the Homecoming football game on Saturday, October 19th.

The week kicked off with ‘Conquer the Gauntlet’, which featured a large, inflated obstacle course for students to race through. Students could compete against each other while running through inflated stations, climbing hills, and a huge slide to the finish line.

» 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

Happy Father’s Day 2024

Happy Father’s Day

Paul Christian and Pam Christian
Paul and Pam Christian

I spent last weekend in Toronto with my daughter.

Anthony Bourdain when asked about Toronto said: “It is a city of surprises. The fact that over 50 per cent of the residents of Toronto are not from Canada, that is always a good thing, creatively, and for food especially.”

And yes, we enjoyed every meal. For example, the chickpea fritters with lemon & parsley appetizer at Ardo, a little Sicilian Restaurant on King Street.

Snapped this photo for you ….

At 1,815.3 feet, the CN Tower in downtown Toronto held the record for the world’s tallest free-standing structure for 32 years – from its completion in 1975 until 2007. It is currently the 10th tallest free-standing structure in the world, and the tallest free-standing structure on land in the Western Hemisphere.

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I also want to wish a Happy 6th Birthday to Bessie! Check out this short reel I created on instagram…. my first reel ever 🙂

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I started my week with a visit to Saddleback College for the low-income pathways launch at Saddleback College.

Then Zav’s retirement event at Kern.

Check out this 4-min video with fun Zav photos

And then the celebration held by the Campaign for College Opportunity as the leadership baton was passed from Michele Siqueiros to Jessie Ryan.

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Congratulations to Daisy Gonzales, who has been selected to lead California Student Aid Commission.

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Good morning California.
It is June 15, 2024. Happy Father’s Day!
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Moorpark College Advances to Top 10 in National Competition
for $1 Million Prize

Moorpark College has been named a top 10 finalist for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Presented by The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, the $1 million award is the nation’s signature recognition of strong performance among community colleges. 

» Read more!


Santa Rosa Junior College Art Students Created
New Major Exhibit Of The Children’s Museum Of Sonoma County

One of the latest projects involving SRJC’s Sculpture and 3D-Design students is the newly redone Dino Dental Clinic at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County (CMOSC). The project just had its grand opening on June 1st, 2024.

» Read more!


Cerritos College Team Rocks
NASA’s Gateways to Blue Skies Competition with Award

Cerritos College proudly took center stage at NASA’s 2024 Gateways to Blue Skies Competition in May. The Cerritos College student team Project F.I.R.E. (Fire Intervention Retardant Expeller) was one of four winners, earning the Future Game-Changer Award. 

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Educate. Elevate. Podcast

In the season finale of the Educate. Elevate. podcast, find out what today’s students think about the Brown vs. Board of Education decision and the ongoing effort to uplift Black and African American students at California community colleges. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about overcoming barriers and the supportive role the California Community Colleges play.

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Transfer students triumph in the Class of 2024

From University of California: Out of some 61,000 graduates in the University of California’s Class of 2024, close to a third started their higher ed journey at a California community college.

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Lake Tahoe Community College President Jeff DeFranco:

Thrilled to announce the ‘topping off’ of the new student housing @LakeTahoeCC! This milestone marks the midway point, ensuring we’re on track to welcome students in Summer 2025. From humble beginnings in an old motel, #LTCC is now closer to becoming a residential campus.

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De Anza College shared this video describing their Guided Pathways Villages Centers:

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From Monterey Peninsula College:

MPC’s Superintendent-President Dr. Marshall T. Fulbright III welcomed Upward Bound students to our Monterey Campus! We’re proud to support Monterey County’s college-going rate!

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And Compton College President Keith Curry shared this update about a celebrity visit to Compton College‘s commencement:

@kendricklamar pulled up to @compton_college yesterday to celebrate our grads



And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Plays Host To Drum Corps International Tour Event

This week, Bakersfield College’s Golden Empire Drum & Bugle Corps, an ensemble within the Performing Arts department, announced the details of the 8th annual presentation of RESOUND, a drum and bugle tour event bringing together some of the country’s best corps, presented by Drum Corps International. The event will take place July 8 at 7:30 PM inside Bakersfield College’s Memorial Stadium and is open to the public.

» 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

CACCs celebrating our very best

This week started in Sacramento with a Board of Governors meeting.

One of the best things we get to do is celebrate the work of our community colleges, and this meeting was no different.

Chabot College, Glendale College, MiraCosta College and San Diego Mesa College have been honored by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors with 2023-24 Exemplary Program Awards in partnership with the statewide Academic Senate.

Good morning California.
It is January 27, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!


De Anza College Wins NEH Grant for Oral History Projects

De Anza has received its first-ever grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, providing $150,000 for an ambitious, three-year effort to create and expand oral history programs focused on historically marginalized communities.

» Read more!


Cerritos College Economic Development Center
for Corporate Training Receives $500K Grant

The Cerritos College Economic Development Center for Corporate Training received a $500,000 grant from the California Employment Training Panel (ETP)

» Read more!


Orange Coast College President Earns National Honor

The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) recognized Orange Coast College president, Dr. Angelica Suarez, as the recipient of its 2024 National President’s Award — the first California community college president to be honored with this prestigious award. This award is the highest honor NASPA bestows on a college or university president or chancellor.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

LIFT 2024 Webinar Series

The Classified Professional Leadership and Career Advancement Series is developed and hosted by the Leadership Institute for Tomorrow in collaboration with the California Community College Chancellor’s Office.

The four webinars are scheduled on Fridays during the noon hour 12-1 p.m.

The first webinar will be on Friday, February 9:
Cracking the Code: Navigating Campus Politics for Classified Professionals

» Learn more & Register Now!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Napa Valley College:

Congratulations to President Torence Powell for being among ‘the 24 to Watch in 2024,’ as recognized by The Press Democrat!

His impactful words resonate: ‘For many students, their success is determined by their potential to receive support in basic needs. To provide assistance in those areas significantly increases their chance of success and persistence.’ A true advocate for student well-being!

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From Cañada College:

Yesterday marked a journey into the heart of Shogatsu at the Cultural Center. From the allure of osechi snacks to the artistry of mochi-making, we embraced diverse New Year traditions. Kite-making and Daruma goal-setting added interactive joy, creating a day filled with cultural richness and shared experiences!

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From Compton College:

Every student is a success story!

Compton College 2023 graduate Shyanne Bradley wants others to know that even in times of crisis, one can always change their circumstances. “I’m just like anyone else that is indecisive about going to school but I want to emphasize that even as a mom, attending college is possible. It’s harder, but possible,” said Bradley.

The mother of two enrolled at Compton College in the summer of 2021 and graduated in 2023 with three associate degrees — in biological and physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and arts and humanities. Bradley was also honored as a 2023 Presidential Scholar, maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

“To have Compton College in my corner has given me the push I need to be the best I can be, and I know I can continue to do so much more,” said Bradley. “I’m doing this for myself and my children so they can see that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”

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From Antelope Valley College:

Our Achieving the Dream coaches met with students, classified professionals, faculty and administrators to learn more about the student journey at AVC. Our coaches engaged in meaningful conversation with various members of our campus community, and will use the feedback provided to enhance the student experience at AVC.


Blast from the Past

Check out this video from Bakersfield College’s Opening Day Spring 2021, about Competency Based Education:


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Promotes Healthy Nutrition With Food Smarts Workshop

The Office of Student Life at Bakersfield partnered with the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) for a series of workshops highlighting healthy food and nutrition choices. They hosted the first of these workshops on January 23rd in the Campus Center on BC’s main campus and Zoom.
 
During the workshop, over 50 students learned about healthy living, positive nutrition choices, and cultivating healthy behaviors in themselves and their families. Throughout the workshop, attendees were invited to sample some delicious foods made with healthy ingredients.

» 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