Tag Archives: Golden West College

And We’re Back! Fall 2026 Across California’s Community Colleges

Uncategorized August 29, 2026 Leave a comment

This week, we lost a true icon when Dolly Parton passed at the age of 80.

She was well-known as a legend of country music, but was also a great philanthropist, donating millions of dollars and providing countless children with free books through her Imagination Library foundation.

A few of my favorites:

Of course, I have to include the Whitney Houston version of this gorgeous song ….

Had a great time visiting Golden West College this week. Here’s a fun photo with ASCCC leadership … and me with a Golden West hat.

President LaTonya Parker-Parnell, Sonya Christian, ASCCC Vice President Robert Stewart

And then we were joined by our Board of Governors and student senate leadership.

Board Members Jennifer Perry, Blas Villalobos, Lillian Coral joined us.

Golden West College is located in Huntington Beach, the college has a beautiful 122-acre campus and serves more than 19,000 students, with strong transfer programs and a wide range of career education—from nursing and automotive technology to business and the arts. What stood out to me during the visit was how much is happening at once: expanding dual enrollment, impressive progress with zero-textbook-cost courses, strong transfer pathways, and career programs that connect students directly to employers and universities.

And you cannot spend much time at Golden West without seeing how proud President Meridith Randall is of the college. She greeted us in Golden West gear and took us around campus with the enthusiasm of someone who genuinely loves the place, including, I learned, a favorite tree!

We were also joined by Coast Community College District Chancellor Whitney Yamamura, who talked about the culture of innovation across the district and the freedom the colleges have to try new things. It was a fun visit, full of ideas, great people, and a very clear sense that this is a college and district that like to keep moving.

I then headed out to LA City College for their convocation.

Board Past President Pam Haynes, President LACC Amanuel Gebru, Sonya Christian

Los Angeles City College has such a remarkable history. Founded in 1929, LACC sits on the original site of UCLA before UCLA moved to Westwood and the campus later also played a role in the early history of what became Cal State LA. Today, “The City’s College” remains right in the heart of Los Angeles, serving a diverse community and continuing its long tradition of creating pathways to transfer, careers, and economic mobility. There is something pretty special about walking a campus that has been part of the educational life of Los Angeles for nearly a century.

And it was wonderful spending time with President Amanuel Gebru, whose pride in LACC and its students comes through immediately. Amanuel brings a warmth and energy to the college that fits the place, deeply connected to its history but very much focused on where it is going next. I especially enjoyed being there for Convocation, seeing the faculty and staff coming back together for the new academic year, and feeling that unmistakable sense of possibility that comes when a college community gathers to begin again.

I spent the night in downtown LA at the urging of Amanuel who warned me about the LA traffic and getting to the convocation on time. Snapped this appetizer at the hotel restaurant…. plantain chips and guava jam. just delicious. two of my favorite items growing up in Kerala.

Good morning California.
It is August 29, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

De Anza College and Tesla Launch Hands-On
Engineering Technician Training Partnership

De Anza College, in partnership with Tesla, announced the launch of a structured, hands-on training program for the company’s incoming engineering technicians, marking the college’s growing role as a workforce training partner for Silicon Valley employers. Co-developed with Tesla, the 480-hour curriculum draws on De Anza College’s expertise in Automotive Technology and Design and Manufacturing Technologies. Participants receive applied instruction in safety, mechanics, instrumentation, electrical systems, and diagnostics, preparing them to support Tesla’s test engineering, R&D, and manufacturing environments. 

» Read more!

College of the Canyons Team Wins Second Place at NASA Orbit Challenge

College of the Canyons student team CARE-D3 earned second place and a $25,000 prize at the 2026 NASA ORBIT Challenge, held in July at Space Center Houston in Texas. Led by students Sophia Cranshaw and Tatiana Torrecampo, CARE-D3 was the only community college team competing in the challenge’s Space Track and one of more than 100 teams from colleges and universities nationwide. CARE-D3 is a clinical decision-support system designed to help astronauts assess health risks during long-duration space missions where communication delays and limited medical resources can complicate care. The technologies developed for CARE-D3 also have the potential to support healthcare providers in rural, remote, and other resource-limited environments on Earth.

» Read more!

West Los Angeles College Levels Up Game Design & Esports Program

West Los Angeles College (WLAC) is expanding educational pathways in game programming, game art, game design, and esports through new industry partnerships, dual enrollment opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for careers in Southern California’s thriving interactive entertainment industry. One of the program’s most exciting opportunities is its collaboration with IndieCade, the internationally recognized festival celebrating independent game developers. Students enrolled in GAD 210: Capstone Game Development are recently participated in IndieCade’s annual Climate Jam, a six-week game development challenge that invites teams to create original games inspired by this year’s theme, “Plant a Seed.”

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

USGBC California helps expand green career pathways for more than 2.5M students

Los Angeles-based U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC California) has announced partnership agreements with California State University (CSU) and the Foundation for California Community Colleges, the official nonprofit partner to the California Community Colleges (CCC).

These partnerships bring together more than 2.5 million undergraduate, graduate and community college students across 22 CSU campuses and 116 CCCs—amplifying access to green career pathways, technical training, hands-on internships and robust professional networks.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Mission College:

Summer highlight reel: Mission College students were recognized by the Santa Clara City Council for earning the Silicon Valley Power Sustainable Futures Scholarship, each awarded over $2,000. Huge congrats to these future leaders.

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From Cabrillo College:

Sammy the Seahawk has been busy welcoming students and staff this week. Sammy is taking a break here with the Mariachi Santa Cecilia, who made an appearance on Wednesday August 26, 2026 during the Week of Welcome. Looking forward to the new semester!

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From Santa Monica College:

New students, new connections, and a whole lot of SMC spirit! VIP Welcome Day was the perfect way to kick off a new journey at SMC.

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From College of San Mateo:

College of San Mateo MESA students took their research to Stanford University!

Through Stanford’s Community College Outreach Program (CCOP), these dedicated students gained hands-on experience conducting research in university labs alongside Stanford mentors before presenting their findings to members of the scientific community.

The partnership between CSM’s MESA program and Stanford CCOP began in 2021, spearheaded by two former community college students who went on to become graduate scholars at Stanford. What began with mentorship has grown into a powerful pathway connecting community college students with paid research internships, academic enrichment, and new possibilities in STEM.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Excited to Welcome Students Back to Campus for Fall 2026

All Bakersfield College’s campuses were brimming with excitement and student activity as students returned for the Fall 2026 semester. During the first week of classes, there will be a variety of Welcome Week activities and events to help kick off the start of the new academic year.

Throughout the week there will Welcome Tents on all BC campuses that will have representatives available to help students find their classes and provide other information. Each booth will have BC swag, and on select days, free coffee and donuts! Other events include a Bright Future Crafting workshop, a Renegade Rally of Belonging, Lip Sync Battle, and more.

» 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!

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Closing out February in beautiful San Diego 2026

Uncategorized February 28, 2026 Leave a comment

Since we are sill in the month of February, let me re-post my Valentine’s Day message from two weeks ago. Take 3 minutes to read it again and enjoy our California Community Colleges. https://sonyachristianblog.com/2026/02/14/a-love-letter-to-the-california-community-colleges-on-valentines-day-2026/

This week it was back to beautiful San Diego…. what is there not to like about San Diego.

San Diego Feb 24, 2026

We had our Board of Governors retreat at Southwestern College Crown Cove Aquatic Center on Coronado Island.

Board of Governors with Chancellor’s Office Staff

The retreat focused on three interrelated areas where investment and innovation can accelerate meaningful outcomes:

  1. Building, renewing, and modernizing our infrastructure:
    From aging facilities to climate-friendly redesigns and data/technology systems essential for equitable learning and AI-ready campuses.
  2. Deepening our work in equitable baccalaureate attainment:
    Strengthening transfer pathways and expanding community college baccalaureate opportunities so that more of our students access and complete bachelor’s degrees linked to economic mobility.
  3. Scaling internships for our students:
    Reimagining work-based, project-based, and service-based learning so that internships become a default option in every pathway, connecting students to career-relevant experience and workforce opportunities.

Here is a photo with panelists for one of the sessions.

Erin Larson, Cecelia Rios-Aguilar, Michal Kurlaender, Sonya Christian, Daisy Segovia, Terrence Willett

What a fun photo discovered by one of our Board members,

Thank you so much to Southwestern College for hosting us this week. President Mark Sanchez, you rock!

Good morning California.
It is February 28, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Pasadena City College Launches a New Facility to Help Increase
the Skilled Trades Workforce and Support Fire Recovery

Pasadena City College has broken ground on a new construction trades facility that will train students to help rebuild fire-ravaged communities. The groundbreaking for the Construction Trades Lab was held January 14, as Los Angeles County continued its commemoration of the anniversary of the Eaton and Palisades fires. In January of 2025, the fires destroyed 16,000 structures. By the time the Eaton fire was contained on January 31, 2025, it had destroyed or damaged more than 10,000 homes, businesses, schools, and places of worship. Pasadena City College is located minutes from neighborhoods devastated by the fires.

» Read more!

Diablo Valley College Students Shine at Nationwide AAICE Student Works Expo

Diablo Valley College students earned national recognition at the 2025 AAICE Student Works Expo, a nationwide competition celebrating student achievement in Mandarin language and Chinese culture. Five DVC students submitted projects, and four of those projects were selected for display on the organization’s official website.

» Read more!

Science Alive Marks 25 Years of Hands-On Learning at Gavilan College

Gavilan College is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Science Alive, a long-running program that introduces middle school students to hands-on science through interactive labs and experiments. Founded in 2001, Science Alive has served more than 5,000 students from South Santa Clara and San Benito counties. The program invites students to spend a Saturday on campus exploring science by building, testing, observing, and asking questions, often for the first time in a college lab setting. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

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. “Water technology is one of the most popular programs in the division of business and career education,” said Denise Foley, dean of the division. “It’s one of the few and largest programs in the state that teaches water operations in treatment and distribution.”

» Read more!

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For many college students, picking a major takes time and revising

For many students applying to college, choosing the right major and career path may seem like the most important decision they’ve ever had to make.

Some students prioritize fields that offer high salaries, while others follow their passions. Some may be inspired by their peers’ careers or influenced by their parents’ wishes. 

But the reality is, many students do not stick to their initial choice. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences reveals that 55% of students who graduated with a humanities degree began their college education intending to major in another field. Roughly 85% of college students change their major at least once, according to the Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm EAB, formerly known as the Education Advisory Board. EAB studies also show that students who delay declaring a major graduate at a slightly higher rate than those who choose a major in their first semester. 

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Skyline College:

Wrapping up Black History Month with the Black Student Union’s Soul Social. We celebrated community with games, local vendors, and campus connections. BSU delivered us soul and gave it a home right here at Fireside Dining.

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From Golden West College:

GWC’s Amphitheater was filled with culture, community and celebration today as we welcomed the Year of the Horse! From the Lion & Dragon Dance and Vietnamese fashion show to hands-on activities, performances and delicious food, it was a joyful afternoon all around.

*****

From Imperial Valley College:

Imperial Valley College is proud to share that our Mardi Gras Parade float was honored with the Mayor’s Choice Award at the 2026 El Centro Mardi Gras Light Parade! Thank you to the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and the City of El Centro for this special recognition. This award reflects the creativity and collaboration of IVC’s Associated Student Government (ASG) for envisioning the float, along with Student Affairs, Cheer Club, SSS Club, and the many students and team members who helped decorate and represent the College with pride. Warrior spirit was shining bright on Main Street!

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From Madera Community College:

A beautiful blanket of snow has transformed the Madera Community College Oakhurst Campus into a true winter wonderland! The late winter storm has brought stunning views and a peaceful glow to our campus.

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From Hartnell College:

the Financial Aid Office welcomed over 60 students and their families to a Cash for College Financial Aid Workshop, providing hands-on support with FAFSA and CA Dream Act applications to help students maximize their financial aid opportunities.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC’s Renegade Motorsports Team Competes at Sonoma Raceway

On Friday, February 13th, 2026, the Bakersfield College’s Renegade Motorsports team traveled to Sonoma Raceway in Northern California to compete in the Lucky Dog Racing League’s 14-hour race weekend. Participating in competitions like this gives students the opportunity to utilize their skills in an authentic racing environment. The team arrived Friday and went straight to work. The team’s practice and qualifying session experienced a minor setback due to a batch of contaminated fuel, but they were able to work through it and complete one hour of practice time. Student drivers Jesus Frias and Aiden Lomeli were able to complete their first laps on the iconic racetrack.

The weather on Saturday morning was beautiful, and BC’s Emanuel Trujillo took the green flag at 9:00AM and drove the first two-hour stint of the race with no issues. At the first pit stop, the team refueled and serviced the car and Aiden Lomeli strapped in to drive the second stint. During his stint, Aiden noticed a mechanical issue with the car that the team was able to repair quickly. After the repairs, Jesus Frias took the wheel for his two-hour stint. Unfortunately, about halfway through his stint, he noticed an issue and brought the car into the paddock for the team to diagnose and repair. The team worked quickly to fix the issue, and Jesus was able to finish the 7-hour race on Saturday.

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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

California Community Colleges, your best chance – A tribute to John Beam

Uncategorized November 15, 2025 1 Comment

My thoughts and prayers are with the Laney College community after the tragic death of Athletic Director and legendary football coach John Beam. The Peralta Community College District shared this beautiful tribute to his legacy.

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This morning, I found myself re-reading The Dash by Linda Ellis.

Between the date when we arrive
and the date we go away,
there exists a horizontal line
that captures every single day.

And because these days we’re living
seem to vanish in a flash,
we need to make the most of
that special little dash.

*****

A trio of sunsets for you to make three wishes –

Pause, close your eyes, and make three wishes.

Good morning California.
It is November 15, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Allan Hancock Students Design Signage for Nature Preserve

 Visitors to the Central Coast’s rugged coastline will soon have a new way to connect with its natural beauty, thanks to Allan Hancock College graphic design students who transformed science into art for the community. A group of nine students in the college’s art, graphic design and multimedia programs teamed up with fine arts instructor Tellef Tellefson and staff from The Nature Conservancy’s Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve, located in Lompoc, to design interpretive signage for the Jalama Campground, located adjacent to the preserve.

» Read more!

San Diego Mesa College Fashion Students Redefine Couture
with Sustainable Designs at Laguna Art Museum

On November 1, 2025, four San Diego Mesa College Fashion Design students — Tiara Daring, Edwin Alba, Liliia Derkach, and Vanessa Felix — were selected to participate in the Laguna Art Museum’s (LAM) Upcycled Couture Fashion Show. The annual runway event combines community, creativity, and environmental awareness. This year’s theme, Restoring the Future, challenged students to create one-of-a-kind sustainable couture pieces that highlight the many ways local partners are making a difference in the community and beyond. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Commentary: Community colleges are where
American opportunity becomes reality 

Headlines often focus on the challenges facing higher education — rising costs, shifting workforce demands and questions about value. Yet at a time when confidence in institutions is waning, many California community colleges are quietly earning trust the old-fashioned way: by delivering on their promises.

From my vantage point as chancellor of the State Center Community College District (SCCCD), serving California’s vast Central Valley, I see that story firsthand. Community colleges are not only adapting — they are thriving — expanding opportunities for students and strengthening the communities they serve.

» Read more!

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Community colleges again lead enrollment increases

Undergraduate enrollments for this fall are up again, with community colleges again seeing the largest rate increase, according to preliminary reporting to the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) Research Center.

Overall undergraduate enrollment is up 2.4% so far, with increases in all sectors, though community colleges are leading with a 4.0% boost, compared to 1.9% at public four-year institutions and 0.9% at private, nonprofit four-year institutions. And, once again this fall, certificates appear to be a driving force — a 6.6% increase, compared to a 3.1% bump for associate degrees and 1.2% for bachelor’s degrees.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Coastline Community College:

Thank you to Santiago High School for visiting our Newport Campus for MESA Day! It was inspiring to see so many bright and eager students exploring their future in higher education.

From Río Hondo College:

El Monte UHSD honored Río Hondo College’s free Math Academy for its 81% summer completion rate! Thank you to Superintendent Dr. Zuniga and the Board for recognizing our team—and to Dean Yolanda Emerson for her leadership.

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From Hartnell College:

Today, our #HartnellCollege community gathered in honor of Native American Heritage Month. Ohlone/Costanoan–Esselen Nation Tribal Chairperson Louise J. Miranda Ramirez shared a presentation on the history and living legacy of the Esselen people, weaving together stories of land and cultural continuity. The event continued with a jewelry-making workshop, inviting participants to connect through hands-on creation and community. A heartfelt thank you to our Hartnell Ethnic Studies team and ASHC for making this event possible!

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From Mendocino College:

The Basic Needs Produce Wednesday service was successfully provided at the Lake Center. We extend our gratitude to the Lake Center staff for their valuable support and collaboration in facilitating this service.

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From Golden West College:

Psych Day was a day full of games, an internship and resource fair, a career panel and an amazing keynote speaker, Dr. James Garcia! Thank you to the Psychology faculty who helped coordinate the event.

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And check out Irvine Valley College’s 40th anniversary documentary!

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Holds First-Generation College Student Day

Last week, Bakersfield College gathered students, faculty, and staff to celebrate the inaugural First-Generation College Student Day, a moment to recognize the determination of those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. With more than 40 percent of BC students identifying as first-generation, the event highlighted the strength and resilience that shape our campus community.

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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