Tag Archives: Foothill College

Healing someone else’s world

Uncategorized June 20, 2026 Comments: 2

Russia’s recent wave of missile and drone attacks on Ukraine has struck not only residential areas and infrastructure but also sites of deep religious and cultural significance. Among the locations damaged was the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, an 11th-century monastery complex and one of the holiest sites in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

The attack damaged the complex’s iconic Dormition Cathedral and sparked a fire, prompting widespread condemnation from Ukrainian officials and international organizations.

The strike has renewed concerns about the broader toll of the war on Ukraine’s cultural heritage. According to UNESCO, more than 500 cultural sites have been damaged or destroyed since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Here is a video from The New York Times as Dormiton Cathedral burned – https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/europe/100000010967495/russia-kyiv-attack-orthodox-cathedral.html

My daughter, Eisha Christian, was in Kyiv with a medical team from Sick Kids. Right now as I am writing this blog, she is on a flight from Warsaw to Toronto after finishing two weeks in Lviv and Kyiv in Ukraine.

There she is in the picture below … looking through a surgical microscope, her hands healing someone else’s world.

Here is a post from Pope Leo XIV urging for an end to this war:

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This week I traveled to Baltimore for the CCC HBCU pathway.

Pam Haynes, Walter Kimbrough, Arynn Settle, Sonya Christian

A view of Baltimore –

Another –

And at night –

Then back home to my boy Neo.

And what a treat! The ducklings have finally arrived… waited for so many days.

See if you can spot one of the ducklings trying to fly up to the mother from the pool.

Good morning California.
It is June 20, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Columbia College Participates in Regional “Every Drop Counts” Project Advancing Interdisciplinary Research on Impact of Microplastics in Water

Columbia College is participating in the collaborative initiative Every Drop Counts, a Central Valley–based project focused on investigating the impact of microplastics in water systems and their effects on biological processes. As part of the project, students studied macrophages—immune cells responsible for removing foreign particles—to better understand how microplastics interact with living systems in the Central Valley.  Student teams from Columbia College, Modesto Junior College (MJC), the University of California, Merced (UC Merced), and California State University, Stanislaus (CSUS) presented their research findings at UC Merced on April 15, 2026, and at CSUS on April 18, 2026.

» Read more!

Napa Valley College Opens Hospitality Training Center

On June 2, Napa Valley College held a ribbon cutting for the Donna Altes Hospitality Training Center, the final part of the new Napa Valley College (NVC) Wine Education Complex. The newest building in the complex features a demonstration tasting bar, a space designed to simulate hospitality and tasting-room scenarios, as well as flexible event space for training, lectures and special events. 

» Read more!

Foothill College Hosts Research and Service Leadership Symposium 2026 

On May 21, students from Foothill and a variety of other schools filled the campus to showcase their research at the 9th annual Research and Service Leadership Symposium. This yearly event is meant to provide a space for students to create and showcase either individual or group research projects in any kind of field, from the creative arts to the sciences, with the ultimate goal of expanding learning beyond the classroom and celebrating student passion and curiosity.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

California’s Career Passport to connect qualified workers to employment, with or without a four-year degree

California is continuing its push to open more doors to good-paying jobs by building the California Career Passport – a digital tool designed to better connect workers with employers based on skills, not just degrees.

When implemented, this tool will help more Californians move into in-demand careers and strengthen a workforce that reflects the full range of talent across the state. The Career Passport pilot will involve real users as part of a structured evaluation phase. The four selected vendors will participate in testing that will generate direct user feedback and technical performance data to inform final vendor selection. This approach reflects a commitment to responsible procurement that evaluates solutions based on how they perform in real-world conditions, with real Californians. The pilot demonstration will run from June 17, 2026 to August 24, 2026.

» Read more!

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Building Momentum Towards Transfer: EdInsights’ Researchers Partner with Sacramento City College to Identify Supports for Student Success

EdInsights collaborated with Sacramento City College to design and conduct a study following the academic journeys of over 10,000 first-time students. Sacramento City College, a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, serves over 21,000 students, with nearly 30 percent being first-generation college students. The composition of Sacramento City College’s student body underpins the importance of understanding the experiences of students from various disproportionately impacted groups. 

College and district leaders and EdInsights researchers worked together to identify research questions and connect the analysis to ongoing institutional priorities and strategic planning related to transfer and equitable student success. Together, we identified factors that we suspected could be linked to transfer momentum attainment, including demographic and educational characteristics.

» Read more!   

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Oxnard College:

This week, we welcomed proud Oxnard native and 11-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Julian Gooden to campus.

Students from the Global Empathy Training Academy gathered in our STEM Center to watch Julian’s Emmy Award-winning documentary, “Above the Tide,” followed by an engaging Q&A session where Julian shared insights about his career, creative process, and journey in the film industry. The event was also attended by OC Acting President Cynthia Herrera, MC President Julius Sokenu, other college and district leaders, and community partners from the Ventura County Office of Education.

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From Ohlone College:

Cheers to the Ohlone College Deaf Center for hosting our Student Recognition Celebration!

Our Deaf Center honored our graduates, recognized the #ASL Club officers, celebrated university transfers, acknowledged the Deaf-Centered Interpreting Preparation Program (DCIPP), and celebrated the accomplishments of our students. Cheers to bright futures for our Deaf Center students!

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From Copper Mountain College:

What an incredible day at the annual Judge Bert Swift Memorial Golf Tournament benefiting the athletic programs at Copper Mountain College!

Because of the generosity of our players, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters, we raised significant funds to help support our student-athletes and the future of CMC athletics. Thank you to everyone who came together to make this event such a success.

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From Gavilan College:

Three MESA students represented the college at the Spring 2026 Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM in Atlanta, Georgia. Through this experience, they connected with researchers, universities, and industry professionals, while exploring opportunities in STEM fields.

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And check out this video highlighting Mt. San Antonio College’s aircraft maintenance program:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Recognized for Educational Excellence at Beautiful Bakersfield Awards

Bakersfield College received the Educational Excellence Award at this year’s Beautiful Bakersfield Awards ceremony. The annual event honors individuals, organizations, and businesses for their contributions in 2025. The Educational Excellence Award recognizes ‘educators, projects, or institutions advancing educational opportunities and achievement across all levels in the community’.*

» 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

Uncategorized May 23, 2026 Leave a comment

Our week started with a senseless tragedy in San Diego ….. One of our team members had his eight-year-old daughter at the school during the active shooter incident. She was among the 140 children inside the school and mosque complex at the time.

Here is an email I sent ….

On Monday, May 18th, a horrific act of violence unfolded at the Islamic Center of San Diego.

There will be time for investigations, policy discussions, and broader conversations about hate, violence, extremism, and safety in our communities. But today, let’s simply pause to focus on three beautiful people whose courage helped prevent an even greater tragedy.

Let’s imprint their names, their faces, and their stories in our minds and hearts:

Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha, and Nader Awad who gave their lives protecting children.

140 children were inside the school and mosque complex at the time of the attack. In the middle of unimaginable danger, these men instinctively moved to action and helped save those children.

Amin Abdullah, a security guard who confronted the shooters, activated lockdown procedures, and warned staff and teachers inside the building.

Mansour Kaziha is a longtime elder and respected member of the mosque community.

Nader Awad is a community member who lived across the street from the Islamic Center.

These men acted out of love for their community and an instinct to protect children.

Our hearts are with the families of the victims, the Muslim community in San Diego, and all those impacted by this tragedy. As educators and public servants, we reaffirm our commitment to campuses and communities where every individual feels nurtured, respected, welcomed, and safe.

Let’s envelope our colleagues and friends in San Diego with warmth and love as they cope with this senseless tragedy.

With much love,
Your colleague,
sonya

Let us pray.

This week we had our May Board of Governors meeting.

Snapped this photo of a boat on the Sacramento River for you.

At this week’s meeting, we presented six honorees with the 2026 Classified Employee of the Year award.

The recipients are:

Misti Hardy, Shasta College

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Carmen Hirkala, Sacramento City College

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Lusyna Kim-Narvaez, Mission College

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Desiree Ortiz, Irvine Valley College

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Natalie Vázquez, Riverside College

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Crystal Villafaña-Tafoya, Barstow Community College

Congratulations to this amazing group, and thank you for all you do for our students!

Here is another great shout out to the apprenticeship work we are doing. Thank you to Gary Adams for sharing this update –

The CCCCO Apprenticeship Team was invited to present, along with DAS Chief Adele Burns and LAUNCH Director Charles Henckles, at the 2026 Apprenticeship for America Annual Summit in Washington, D.C. on the nation leading innovation and investment that California’s community colleges (the nation’s largest system of workforce training and development) are undertaking in the first of its kind statewide and regional employer engagement network, called LAUNCH.

Our session had over 200+ attendees (see photo below) and we were interviewed by the American Association on Community Colleges by their workforce team, who videotaped the interview for posting to the website and listserve. Our time is now and we must be bold in our visioning of the future of apprenticeship and work-based learning as the core career education strategy of the nation’s largest system of public higher education – Gary Adams

Good morning California.
It is May 23, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Los Medanos College showcases research at 10th Annual STEM Symposium

LMC’s 10th Annual STEM Symposium, featured 48 poster presentations and about 200 student scientists who conducted research in chemistry, biology and biochemistry. Presentations included experiments using essential oils to break down plastics, research on the effects of natural versus synthetic fertilizers on earthworms, testing varied procedures for creating catalysts to break down plastics, and more.

» Read more!

Los Angeles Valley College MESA Team Wins HackMESA 2026

The LAVC MESA (Math, Engineering & Science Achievement) Program teams won first place of HackMESA 2.0 and best Video Game Design during the second-annual MESA student-led hackathon in downtown Los Angeles. The HACKMESA 2026 competition brought together 150 registered students from 15 MESA programs across the state—from Oakland to San Diego—for a 24-hour hackathon to build real projects, gain industry experience, and launch their tech careers.

» Read more!

Berkeley City College Celebrates OakTown Leaders Graduates

Berkeley City College hosted a graduation ceremony for nearly 90 Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) dual enrollment students completing their early education youth pre-apprenticeship through the OakTown Leaders teacher preparation program. Graduates participated in an earn and learn model that allows students to gain college credit while in high school, creating a clear and structured pathway into careers in education and related fields.

» Read more!

Contra Costa College Foundation Erases the Debt of Nearly 200 Graduates

Nearly 200 Contra Costa College students woke up to a surprise this morning: A text informing them that the CCC Foundation has paid off their outstanding fees and tuition.

This initiative applies to all Contra Costa College Spring 2026 graduates who qualify for California residency under California’s tuition structure. That includes refugees and other immigrants who qualify for in-state tuition under California law.

On average, each student carried about $173 in remaining debt. While that amount may seem small, for many students balancing school, work, and family responsibilities, this relief represents something much bigger: a clean slate.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

New tool allows college student parents to compare resources across campuses

Using The California Student Parent Resource Hub, parenting students can check if campuses offer on-campus childcare, family-friendly study spaces, food pantries and academic support. They can also verify if schools have in place the resources that the law requires them to provide, such as a webpage with information for student parents and designated lactation spaces on campus.

Students can find detailed information about specific campuses, compare colleges by viewing their resource profiles side-by-side and search for campuses that provide the resources they are specifically interested in. The database also collates information on progress made by the California Community Colleges, California State University and University of California systems in providing legally required resources and highlights schools with particularly good programs.

» Read more!

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Who Will Staff the AI Economy? They’ll Be Community College Grads

The emerging AI workforce is actually a vibrant tapestry of trades and occupations, spanning healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, and retail, each with its own version of AI integration and its own skill demands. What’s missing is a trained middle tier of workers who understand AI well enough to work with it, manage it, and apply it in their specific field. 

That missing middle is the mandate community colleges are uniquely built to answer, and which becomes more critical by the day.

Community colleges already educate more than 40% of the American workforce. They are deeply embedded in their regions, accessible to working adults, and structured around applied learning by partnering with local companies. No other type of institution is better positioned to train the people who will staff the AI economy at scale. The question is, does the policy and industry infrastructure exist to support them in doing it?

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Sheri Horn Bunk of the Taft College Foundation:

I had the pleasure of enjoying a wonderful dinner at Ella’s in Sacramento last night with some esteemed guests. My gratitude goes to Assemblyman Stan Ellis for organizing a fantastic evening. Special guests included Sonya Christian, Keetha Mills, Karen Sue Yarrow-Zuber, and Rob Duchow, all of whom expressed their support for our Non-Profit of the Year award.

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From American River College:

Co-hosted by the Electronics Technologies and Welding departments, the Solar Contest on May 9 challenged student teams to race head-to-head constructing professional ground-mount solar systems. This electrifying event showcased a powerful blend of grit, technical gear, and cross-disciplinary teamwork.

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From Imperial Valley College:

Twelve Imperial Valley College agriculture students recently showcased their project-based field research at the University of California Desert Research and Extension Center (UC DREC) in Holtville.

Through hands-on drip irrigation system trials, students demonstrated innovative approaches to water management while gaining real-world experience in agricultural science.

This partnership highlights IVC’s commitment to experiential learning and preparing students for careers in Agri-STEM.

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From Cañada College:

Recently, the Promise Scholars Program and TRIO Program took students on an inspiring visit to the University of San Francisco, where they explored campus life, academic programs, student resources, and transfer opportunities at a four-year university. Students connected with peers, learned more about the university experience, and envisioned their future educational journeys.

To wrap up the day, the group visited the California Academy of Sciences, exploring interactive exhibits, marine life, and incredible science and natural history collections.

The trip was a fun and enriching experience that blended college exploration, community building, and hands-on learning opportunities.

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From Foothill College:

Thank you, Assemblyman Marc Berman and Foothill-De Anza trustee, Laura Casas, for joining our Emerging Technologies team to learn about Foothill College’s groundbreaking work in Artificial Intelligence and robotics.


And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Holds 2026 Commencement Ceremony

Congratulations to the Bakersfield College Class of 2026.

This past Friday, we celebrated the dedication, perseverance, and hard work of every graduate who crossed the stage. We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished.

Bakersfield College is honored to serve this community and the students who make our mission meaningful. Wishing the Class of 2026 every success in the next chapter ahead.

Check out the stream from the Commencement Ceremony:

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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

A Love Letter to the California Community Colleges on Valentine’s Day 2026

Uncategorized February 14, 2026 Comments: 12

Dear California Community Colleges:

My introduction to you happened in the late 1990s.

I arrived in Los Angeles, a foreign graduate student, trying to understand America through textbooks and LA’s RTD routes.

And then I met you.

An institution built on virtues I could not quite comprehend.

Infinite hope.
Untiring patience.
Radical non-judgment.
You met people where they were.

Not where they should have been.
Not where someone thought they ought to be.
But where they were.

You were born long before I met you in the Central Valley, where community colleges first took root in California soil.
Practical. Accessible. Close to home. Built for possibility.

And then you spread.

From the Central Valley  – Fresno, Bakersfield, Merced
you reached into the Inland Empire – Riverside, San Bernardino
out to the eastern edge of our state – the Coachella Valley, Palm Desert, Indio
up the North State – Chico, Redding
across the Bay – Oakland, Hayward, San José
down the Central Coast – Monterey, San Luis Obispo
into Los Angeles – every corner, every neighborhood in LA
and all the way to the borderlands – San Diego, Imperial Valley.

Across the Sierra foothills.
Along Highway 99.
Down the 5 and the 101.

Into farmworker towns.
Into port cities.
Into rural mountain communities.
Into urban corridors.
Where opportunity needed a doorway you became that doorway.

You evolved.

You empowered people.
You improved constantly
You innovated for students.
You added programs.
Added pathways.
Added chances.

And over three decades, I have watched you love Californians by taking action in real tangible ways.

I have seen the foster youth who carried everything they owned in a backpack walk across a commencement stage because someone at a community college refused to give up on them.

I have seen the formerly incarcerated Californian who found purpose through education, completed a certificate, earned a degree, and now gives back to their community.

I have seen the veteran, resilient, carrying both visible and invisible weight, find a Veterans Resource Center and a faculty member who said, “You belong here.”

I have seen the student with a disability navigate hallways that were once barriers and find accommodations, allies, and a future not defined by limitation but by capacity.

You do not ask for perfection.
You ask for effort.
You do not require pedigree.
You require courage.

Over two million students a year.

Two million stories of trying again.
Starting over. Leveling up.

You are accessible.
You are practical.
You are relentless in your belief that Californians deserve more.

On this Valentine’s Day, I say it plainly:

I love you, California Community Colleges,
– for your open doors.
– for your stubborn optimism.
– for believing in people before they believe in themselves.

You are California at its best.

And after three decades of watching you in motion … through reform, recession, innovation, and renewal,

I am convinced of this:

If there is an institution built on hope in America,

It is you!

With gratitude, admiration, and love
Your chancellor,
sonya

Bye for now Toronto and hello San Diego

Uncategorized December 6, 2025 Leave a comment

I was back in San Diego this week for a Vision 2030 Regional Workshop.

As I always say … what is there not to love about San Diego!

The Chancellor’s Office team showed up strong. Here are a few photos.

James Todd, Don Daves-Rougeaux, Cheri Fortan, Terrence Willett, Chris Ferguson, Sonya Christian

Here we are with the amazing West Ed team.

On My November 29th blog I mentioned that I was in Toronto and we were expecting snow the next day. Here are a few photos from the window of my bedroom in my daughter’s place.

Most folks love watching planes in action. I remember when I was a little girl, my brother Roy routinely driving me to the airport so we could watch planes land and take off.

So here is a 17-sec video of Air Canada pulling up to the gate at LAX.

Good morning California.
It is December 6, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

L.A. Pierce College Becomes First U.S. Community College to Launch
AI-Powered Biomedical Research Program

Students at Los Angeles Pierce College took a historic step recently as they convened their first research team meeting for the newly launched L.A. Pierce AI Campus, an initiative that officially makes Pierce the first community college in the United States to launch an AI-powered biomedical research program through a groundbreaking partnership with National AI Campus.

» Read more!

Golden West College Receives Major Investment to Expand Nursing Program, Strengthen Local Workforce Pipeline

Golden West College has been awarded $3.5 million over three years from the Samueli Foundation to expand its highly successful School of Nursing and increase access to high-demand healthcare careers across Orange County. The multi-year funding will support program growth, new faculty positions, expanded partnerships with local high schools, and upgrades to clinical training technology.

» Read more!

Los Medanos College Rolls Out Hi-Tech Type 1 Fire Engine

 Los Medanos College Fire Academy students this year will benefit from training on a fully-loaded 2009 Hi-Tec Type I Fire Engine.  LMC used California Strong Workforce Program grant funding to purchase the $114,000 engine from the Cordelia Fire Protection District. The engine includes equipment for urban and wildland firefighting, and represents significant cost savings to the college. A new engine of this type would have cost about $800,000 with no equipment on board.

» Read more!

The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College Wins Prestigious
Animal Exhibit Award of Excellence

The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College has received the Animal Exhibit Award of Excellence from the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), a national honor recognizing  Annual Awards Banquet, recognizing the zoo’s excellence in new and unique live animal display, exhibit design and construction. This year’s award honors the zoo’s creation of “Rajah’s Retreat,” a state-of-the-art natural habitat for tigers. 

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Sierra College:

Yesterday we held our annual EMT Trauma Day and SWAT training on campus. This event gives Sierra College EMT and paramedics students a chance to gain valuable, real-world experience in their field and provides an opportunity for them to practice hands on skills with several local industry partners. Our annual Public Safety Career Fair was held yesterday as well. This event gives students in related fields the opportunity to connect and network with representatives and recruiters in related fields

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From Palomar College:

Last month, the ESL Department hosted an inspiring event titled Multicultural Voices: An ESL Celebration. Students united to honor the rich tapestry of languages, cultures, food, and stories that define their home countries.

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From Allan Hancock College:

Hancock’s Public Safety Training Complex welcomed the Santa Barbara County, Ventura County and Fresno fire departments for joint disaster response training this week. Crews practiced shoring damaged structures and ran search and rescue drills on the rubble pile.

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From Foothill College:

Big congrats to Nava Call for their incredible win! Presenting at Google HQ? Talk about next-level opportunities

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And check out this video from Las Positas College:

Big congrats to LPC music student Joshua Glatt for winning 1st Place in the statewide MACCC Composition Competition! His piece “Yearning for More” premiered last Spring with the Friction Quartet

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Students ‘Destress’ with Miracle Mutts

On Monday, December 1st, BC welcomed Miracle Mutts to their Panorama Campus to give students a chance to take a break from their busy schedules and enjoy some down time with their therapy dogs.

Several therapy dogs and their owners congregated in the lobby of the BC Library and students, staff and community members were able to pet and interact with the furry, friendly companions. Each therapy dog was eager to share affection with participants, while showcasing their own unique personalities. The event was part of De-Stress Week – a series of activities intended to help students get a mental health break from end of the semester exams, presentations, and projects.

» 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 May – Foster Youth awareness month, AAPI Heritage month

Uncategorized May 24, 2025 Leave a comment

This week was the Board of Governors meeting followed by the Central Valley AI Forum at Modesto Junior College and the tracking the budget process in the legislature.

This photo was snapped to celebrate AAPI Heritage month

Pam Haynes, Cirian Villavicencio, Casey Chang, Hildy Aguinaldo, Sonya Christian, Rowena Tomenang

This photo was taken at the AI Forum at Modesto Junior College

Tony Cordova, Lena Tran, Sonya Christian, Emily Lawrence, Don Daves-Rougeaux

And check out the mobile welding classroom at Antelope Valley College with 6 bays for MIG and TIG ……also, the AVC Auto club built a Racecar.

Good morning California.
It is May 24, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Santiago Canyon College’s Neon Nights Marks New Athletic Chapter

In a landmark moment for Santiago Canyon College (SCC), over 350 attendees gathered for Neon Nights, a dynamic and action-packed eSports Showcase, that marked a major milestone for the college’s growing competitive gaming program. Prior to the event, President Dr. Jeannie Kim officially announced that eSports will now be recognized as an official sport offering in the SCC athletic department.

» Read more!  

Hundreds of eighth-grade girls attend STEM conference at Yuba College

On April 1, more than 700 eighth-grade girls attended the American Association of University Women’s (AAUW) annual STEM conference at Yuba College. The event aims to provide role models and STEM classes to young women, with the hopes of opening career opportunities currently occupied predominantly by male students.

» Read more!

Golden West College Hosts Fall of Saigon 50th Anniversary Commemoration

Golden West College hosted a commemorative event recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon on April 30, inviting faculty, staff, students, and community members to reflect on a significant moment in Vietnamese and world history. Attendees were invited to explore informational displays detailing the Fall of Saigon, the journey of Vietnamese boat people, and the conditions of post-war re-education and labor camps.

» Read more!

Columbia College Creates Scholarship Honoring Fallen Firefighter

Columbia College has established the Thomas “TJ” Wennhold Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor the life and service of a Calaveras County firefighter and student who died unexpectedly earlier this year.

The fund, launched with $18,000 in donations from family, friends and community members, will award annual scholarships to students pursuing careers in fire service and emergency medical response. Beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year, the college will offer four scholarships each year — two for students in the Columbia College Fire Academy and two for students enrolled in the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course. Wennhold, a Columbia College Promise Program student, was actively working toward an Associate of Science degree in Fire Science at the time of his death on Jan. 15, 2025. In recognition of his dedication, academic achievements, and service to the community, Columbia College will award him a posthumous degree.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

CC Daily: CC baccalaureates spread as resistance wanes

Community college baccalaureate programs continue to become increasingly commonplace as more two-year schools overcome political resistance with a combination of strategic degree build-outs based on student and workforce demand, along with a respectful, partnership-oriented stance toward their university brethren.

As of mid-April — and the numbers change regularly — 24 states allowed community colleges to confer workforce-focused bachelor’s degrees, and 205 community colleges in those states were offering 736 different options, according to Angela Kersenbrock, president of the Community College Baccalaureate Association (CCBA), which compiles data on such programs, much of it in conjunction with Bragg & Associates, Inc.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Santa Monica College:

In honor of Foster Youth Awareness Month, SMC’s Foster Youth Services Support Programs hosted an art activity on May 17 at the SMC Student Equity Center. Students were invited to express themselves by pouring paint onto canvas.

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From Los Angeles Mission College:

Los Angeles Mission College wins the Culinary Cup! We swept all categories and brought home the coveted Golden Chef’s Hat Trophy — it’s ours until next year! A huge thank you to our fellow competitors from L.A. Trade-Tech and L.A. Harbor College for bringing the heat , to our amazing sponsors for their support, and to the 500+ attendees who came out to cheer us on. Go Eagles!

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From Foothill College:

The Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce spent their Education Day at Foothill College today learning about the California Community College Mission.

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From Santa Barbara City College

The Sustainability Festival hosted by @sbcc_asg and @sbcchonors brought together like-minded students to celebrate keeping earth green and clean!

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And check out this video from San Joaquin Delta College:

Last week, 13 goats from our Manteca Farm arrived at South Campus at Mountain House to help students de-stress during finals. But on Tuesday morning, led by their ringleader ‘Birria’, they busted out of their pen and made a break for it! Thanks to the quick response from Tina Le-Tran (Admin III), student worker Alondra Torres, and a farm intern, the goats were quickly and calmly wrangled back in… All was fine—except for our trees, which lost about 20% of their leaves in just five minutes! The goats are back to the Manteca farm now, but spent the rest of the week at Mountain House in their pen with extra precautions to prevent another daring escape.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Jazz Students Receive Scholarships

Congratulations to all of the students who were awarded scholarships from the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop on Tuesday, May 13, including our BC jazz students and alumni: Robert Longmire (Dolores Huerta Award), Aidan Scully (Kerry Pierce Award), Mason Heath (Larry Totten Award), Pedro Lozano (Doctora Nora Award), Sean Balingit (Aubrey Stonelake Award), Alejandro Andrade (Laura Booker Award), Nate Wy and Enrique Orozco Carrillo (BJW Discretionary Awards).

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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