Spoke at the Collective Equity Institute in Irvine and had a lot of fun with our team from the Chancellor’s Office the Student Senate for the California Community Colleges and other leaders in the state.
The main theme song I used for my speech was Nina Simone’s I am Feeling Good. Was so happy when one of my friends snapped this picture of me walking onto the state with the song blasting through the event ballroom.
Here is the song for you to enjoy.
Good morning California.
It is October 11, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!
El Camino College Selected for 2025–2026 National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC) Mentorship Program
El Camino College (ECC) is proud to announce its selection to participate in the 2025–2026 Mentorship Program of the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium (NAAIC). This prestigious opportunity positions El Camino College among a select group of institutions nationwide working to expand access to artificial intelligence education. Through this nationwide program, El Camino College will partner with NAAIC to develop and launch an associate degree in Artificial Intelligence.
$100,000 Investment for San Diego MiraCosta College
Strengthens Pathways for Student-Owned Businesses and Economic Mobility
MiraCosta College Foundation has received a $100,000 grant from San Diego Foundation’s El Camino Fund. The funding will support the Latina/o Entrepreneur Advancement & Contracting Initiative (LEACI), which will expand and enhance the College’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) programs to focus specifically on Latina/o entrepreneurs.
Yuba College Earns Silver-Level Caring Campus Certification
Yuba College has been recognized as a Silver-Certified Caring Campus, marking the first time the college has achieved certification through the Institute for Evidence-Based Change’s (IEBC) Caring Campus initiative. The certification, which lasts three years, highlights Yuba College’s commitment to institutionalizing caring practices that strengthen student belonging, connection and success.
Moreno Valley College Hosts HR Network Business Meeting
to Strengthen Apprenticeship Partnerships
More than 48 industry partners gathered at Moreno Valley College on Sept. 11 to strengthen apprenticeship and career education pathways during the Inland Empire HR Network and Business Meeting, a private event focused on workforce collaboration. The meeting, organized in partnership with the Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire (MCIE), featured presentations on regional workforce development, a networking breakfast, and a guided tour of MVC’s new Industrial Automation classroom. For many attendees, it was their first time on campus, offering an opportunity to expand education-industry connections.
In Case You Missed It
New Research Shows How Many California College Students Benefit
from CalWORKs and CalFresh benefits
New research from the nonpartisan California Policy Lab shows how many students in California Community Colleges and in the University of California (UC) system are enrolled in two safety-net programs that help pay for expenses while in college.
One data point focuses on CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids), which provides cash assistance for low income students who are also parents, and for students who are younger than 18.
A second data point focuses on CalFresh, which provides monthly benefits that can be used by low-income students (of any age) to purchase food. CalFresh is much more widely used among college students than CalWORKs.
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California Community Colleges begin rollout of statewide AI tool
The California Community Colleges system is expanding access to an AI platform from an education technology company called Nectir AI.
Eighty-four community colleges participated in a pilot program last year, according to reporting by Axios. And now the technology is expanding statewide.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
From Orange Coast College:
Yesterday, OCC hosted a vibrant celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival! This festival is a cherished tradition across many Asian cultures. OCC’s event included cultural performances, delicious mooncakes, tea tasting and a resource fair.
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From Oxnard College:
The “Miracle League of the 805” turns every inning into a celebration by bringing the joy of baseball to children of all abilities. Our Condors were honored to coach the Miracle League’s teams over the weekend in Camarillo. It was a beautiful and fun day for all!
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From Gavilan College:
On 9/5, Judy Rodriguez, Hollister Campus Site Director, accepted an award from the Santa Cruz Breastfeeding Coalition. The award recognizes Gavilan’s Hollister Campus for providing dedicated lactation accommodations that support the health and well-being of our campus community.
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From Santa Rosa Junior College:
We are so proud of our SRJC Shone Farm and all the hardworking students and staff! The college farm has earned multiple awards at this year’s Sonoma County Harvest Fair, which celebrates its 50th anniversary. Shone Farm received the Excellence in Local Food Production award. The estate-grown olive oil, Miller’s Blend, was awarded Best in Show. Additionally, the wines won a Double Gold and three Gold medals.
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And check out this video showcasing Las Positas College’s photography program:
And From the Home of the Renegades
Bakersfield College Hosts Annual High School Counselor Conference
to Strengthen Regional Partnerships
On Friday, October 3rd, Bakersfield College hosted its annual High School Counselor Conference, bringing together over 100 high school counselors and staff from across the region to strengthen partnerships and support student success for all high school students.
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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
