Another week of travel promoting the Vision 2030 plan for California Community Colleges. Started in Santa Ana, then San Diego, on to Chicago and traveling back home today as I blog on my flight.
Chancellor Marvin Martinez of the Rancho Santiago Community College District hosted Vision 2030: A Focus on Workforce and Economic Development, a wonderful one-day summit focusing on various priorities in Vision 2030 – Apprenticeship Programs, the community college baccalaureate, industry partnerships and partnerships with trade unions.
Three Board of Governors members were in attendance- Amy Costa, Bill Rawlings, and Adrienne Brown.


On Thursday, I spoke at the Chief Instruction Officers conference in San Diego. Here is a photo with the CIO Board after my talk.

The Executive team also took the opportunity for a mini planning meeting at the Southwestern Aquatic Center. A beautiful location to work through our next steps.

After San Diego, I headed out to Chicago to present at the HACU conference. Ran into a large group of our very own California Community College students from El Camino.

Caught Hamilton at the Nederlander Theater. Amazing! Enjoy this opening number.
This coming week, California Community Colleges will host a system webinar – “Vision 2030: A Focus on Equity in Support.” Please join us at 9 am on Wednesday – register at https://t.co/iiWEeNJt72!
Good morning California.
It is October 28, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!
Contra Costa Compass Center Wins Outstanding New Project/Program Award

The Contra Costa Council on Homelessness has awarded Contra Costa College’s Compass Center the “Outstanding New Project/Program” accolade. The Compass Center is designed to provide students with comprehensive support and vital referrals, ensuring they can focus on their academic goals while having their basic needs met.
West Valley College Student Awarded Patti Grace Smith Fellowship
West Valley College student Elizabeth Antoine-Hands has been named one of only two community college students in the country to be awarded a Patti Grace Smith Fellowship, following a rigorous four-round selection process. This year, the fellowship was awarded to thirty-nine exceptional Black students seeking experience in the aerospace industry. The fellowship consists of a summer internship, a scholarship, and a pair of personalized mentors to guide fellows in their career aspirations.

Sierra College Student Leads Team to Grand Prize at Brembo Hackathon

Sierra College computer science major Serhii Demchuk and his team tied for first place in the 2023 Brembo Hackathon held this month in Sunnyvale, Calif. Brembo is a world leader in manufacturing braking systems for most motorsports and high-performance cars, and according to Demchuk, “The event combined both my passions of cars and coding, so it was a no brainer [to participate].”
Chaffey College Hosts 700 High School Students for Manufacturing Day
Chaffey College hosted 700 students for National Manufacturing Day, which takes place every October to showcase manufacturing careers to the next generation of workers and positively shift perceptions about the industry. Students toured the center’s industrial electrical and robotics laboratories, participated in welding demonstrations and more.

In Case You Missed It
Vision 2030: Pathways to Equity and Economic Mobility in Healthcare
On November 7, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office will host state leaders, legislators, community college peers, and representatives from labor and industry in a day-long summit exploring how innovation in the healthcare industry will transform the earning power of those entering critical careers.
The event is co-hosted by the El Camino Community College District and will be held at El Camino College in Torrance.
Registration deadline is October 31.
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Reimagining Online Education in California:
A Roadmap for Advancing Access and Quality
California Competes has released the Reimagining Online Education in California: A Roadmap for Advancing Access and Quality report that examines online education at universities and colleges in California.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
From Los Angeles City College:
Mesrobian School High School Students Explore Exciting Opportunities at LACC! On October 6, talented high school students embarked on an inspiring journey to Los Angeles City College (LACC), where they got an exclusive taste of the endless possibilities that await them!

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From Santiago Canyon College:
SCC hosted the 20th USA National Folklorico Competition on Sunday. The organization is the longest-running Folklorico Dance Competition in the United States.
More than 500 Folklorico enthusiasts from across California watched 13 teams – featuring 250 dancers – exhibit their skills in friendly competition.
SCC is excited about the partnership with event co-producers, International Folklorico Institute, as our Dance Department is developing a Folklorico specialty.



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From Citrus College:
On Aug. 10, Citrus College held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the upgraded Educational Development (ED) Center, which reopened with new classrooms and state-of-the-art science laboratories. Check out this brief video recapping the morning’s festivities!
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From Laney College:
The tiny house @laneycarpentry built for @shelterwood_collective got delivered to its home today! So grateful for the collaboration and feels so good to see in its forested surroundings


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And check out these pics from Porterville College President Claudia Habib:
Great discussion at The Central Valley CEO Policy Summit and Legislator Convening sponsored by Central Valley Colleges CEO Caucus and @CVHEC_ Addressing issues concerning our ability to better serve students in effective and equitable way @AsmSoria @AsmArambula @JuanAlanisCA


And From the Home of the Renegades
Bakersfield College Brings Back the BC Alumni BBQ

Bakersfield College was filled with Renegade pride this past Saturday, October 21, at the 63rd BC Alumni BBQ. The event, hosted by the Bakersfield College Alumni Association and the Bakersfield College Foundation, was held in conjunction with Renegade Promenade. The day started with a festival that included community vendors, Bakersfield College exhibits, and live music and performances by talented BC students and alumni. The crowd was in awe of some of these performances by the BC Jazz, BC Choir, BC Drumline, and the BC Ballet Folklorico Ritmo y Sabor.
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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