Tag Archives: Imperial Valley College

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.

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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!

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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

Autumn bring luster to the skies

Uncategorized November 8, 2025 Leave a comment

‘Tis the season of clouds –

As we ease more deeply into the autumn season, my mind is drawn to the beautiful skies during sunrises and sunsets.

There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky.
Percy Bysshe Shelley in “Hymn To Intellectual Beauty” –

This week I was back at the Home of the Renegades for the California Renewable Energy Lab (CREL) fall event.

It was fun seeing everyone and walking the campus. I spoke about the history of CREL and the importance of climate action in Vision 2030.

It was great seeing Karen Goh.

West LA College brought out their students to the event. Here is a photo with West LA President Jim Limbaugh and the director of their climate center Jo Tavares.

Here is the CREL gang with Norma Rojas-Mora and Ellen Morris.

Trustee Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg.

I grabbed this photo that Trustee Yovani Jimenez posted on social media.

Here is Board of Governors President Hildy Aguinaldo.

President’s panel with Jonathan Eldridge, Martha Garcia, Jim Limbaugh.

Director of CREL – Ellen Morris

Good morning California.
It is November 8, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Long Beach City College Receives $50,000 Scholarship Fund
from Western Governors University

 Western Governors University (WGU) has established a $50,000 Grow Long Beach Scholarship Fund in partnership with Long Beach City College (LBCC) to expand educational opportunities for students continuing their academic journey at WGU. The fund will provide vital support for working learners preparing for careers in high-demand industries aligned with the City of Long Beach’s Grow Long Beach initiative, which includes logistics, supply chain, healthcare, and education. 

» Read more!

Fullerton College and Anaheim Union High School District
Launch Exclusive Game Design and eSports Pathway 

Fullerton College and the Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) are proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking Game Design and eSports Pathway at Katella High School and South Junior High School, beginning the 2025–26 school year. Developed through an exclusive partnership with Fullerton College, and supported by industry leader Extron, this first-of-its-kind initiative will empower students with the technical, creative and collaborative skills needed to succeed in the rapidly growing video game and interactive media industries. 

» Read more!

Clovis Community College STEM Student Selected
to Attend Prestigious Youth Summit

Cayleigh Sitchon, a CCC STEM student and inspiring youth leader, is one of only sixty-five students across the country selected to attend the prestigious Allstate Foundation National Youth Service Summit. Cayleigh is a researcher and STEM outreach leader and also serves as the president of the Valley Health and Science Club.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

California colleges brace for food aid delays, offer assistance to students

Food assistance and basic needs programs across California’s colleges and universities braced for an influx of students on Monday in anticipation of delays to federal food benefits despite a partial last-minute reprieve.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it would pause funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beginning Monday because of the ongoing government shutdown. But after two federal judges ruled Friday that the freeze was likely unlawful, the White House said Monday it would pay half of the normal SNAP benefits. Federal officials also warned of potentially lengthy delays before November benefits reach the nearly 42 million Americans who receive the food aid.

» Read more!

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Commentary: Rural students shouldn’t have to leave home to succeed

Imperial Valley College’s LIFT the Valley initiative demonstrates how rural colleges can serve as workforce anchors. By connecting students to local jobs in lithium production, advanced manufacturing, and industrial automation, programs like this demonstrate that when education and employment are linked locally, rural students can achieve meaningful, sustainable careers without leaving home.

These place-based programs illustrate what’s possible when we design education with communities, not just for them.

To continue this momentum, California must intentionally invest in rural-serving colleges as catalysts for workforce development.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Santiago Canyon College:

Santiago Canyon College is honoring Veterans Day this week with unique, student-led events hosted by the Veterans Resource Center. On Tuesday, President Jeannie G. Kim, Ph.D., her cabinet and campus staff experienced a taste of the field through Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), served by our student veterans. From beef stew and spaghetti to cookies and classic field drinks, the event offered insight into military life and deepened our appreciation for those who serve, especially the veterans in our SCC community working toward degrees and certificates.

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From Compton College:

This past week we celebrated Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) here on campus! No tricks, only treats and good fun with the community. Thanks to all those that came and especially big thanks to all those who volunteered at our Trunk Or Treat event and Dia De Los Muertos Celebration, hosted by the Mecha Club! Hope to see you all for Halloween next year!

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From Cuesta College:

Promise Day 2025 was a success! Nearly 540 local high school students visited the SLO Campus today to explore areas of study, connect with faculty, and discover all the ways Cuesta College supports student success. For more than a decade, the Cuesta Promise has empowered SLO County high school graduates to pursue their dreams with two years of fee-free education. Thanks for spending the day with us, future Cougars! Don’t forget to submit your Cuesta Promise application by August 1, 2026. We can’t wait to welcome you back on campus next fall

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From Modesto Junior College:

There was something for everyone at the MJC Club Rush event held in September. New and returning students connected and explored over 30+ student-led clubs that offered informative opportunities. Joining a club is more than just meetings; it’s about discovering your passions, making lifelong friends, and shaping the student experience.

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From Glendale Community College:

Thank you to everyone who joined @gccveterans for today’s Veterans Day BBQ! The GCC community came together to honor those who have served, all while raising funds to support our military connected students.

And From the Home of the Renegades

HBCU Caravan Returns to Bakersfield College

Earlier this week, the California Community Colleges Transfer Guarantee Pathway to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caravan returned to Bakersfield College, providing an incredible opportunity for students to explore transfer options, connect directly with HBCU representatives, and learn more about academic programs available across the country.

Hosted in the Renegade Event Center on BC’s Panorama Campus, the event welcomed almost 300 attendees, including Bakersfield College students, local high school students, and peers from neighboring community colleges such as Taft College, Antelope Valley College, and College of the Canyons. 
This year’s Caravan brought together 27 HBCU representatives from 16 institutions, including Harris-Stowe State University, Lane College, Talladega College, and Stillman College, among others. The event offered a distinctive opportunity for community college students to apply on-site to participating HBCUs with support from visiting college staff, a hands-on experience that made the transfer process more accessible and approachable. 

» 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 College Students on the move – March in March

Uncategorized March 8, 2025 Leave a comment

Spring is in bloom! A friend shared this pic with me, with a text –

“Flowering Plum Trees are in bloom. When there’s a slight breeze the flower petals  sometimes fall off as if there are snow flakes.”

I started my week in San Francisco, presenting at the CISOA conference on Monday – the annual conference for the Chief Technology Officers of the California Community Colleges.

Monday afternoon, I dropped by for the student March in March event. Here are some photos.

The fabulous Linda Vasquez selfie.

With Board of Governors Member Cirian Villavicencio

With Ivan Hernandez – SSCCC President

On Thursday, I spoke at the A2MEND Conference with Board of Governors member Pam Haynes.

Chris Ferguson, Rowena Tomenang, Sonya Christian, Ebony Jeffries
Chris Ferguson, Rowena Tomenang, Sonya Christian, Don Daves-Rougeaux

And with a group of students from Southwestern College:

Good morning California.
It is March 8, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

The Human Library® Returns to Cuesta College

Cuesta College, in collaboration with the Cuesta College Library, Cuesta College Student Health Services, and San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health, is proud to announce the return of The Human Library® to its San Luis Obispo campus on March 5.

Originating in Denmark over two decades ago, The Human Library® is a global movement designed to challenge stereotypes and biases through open and meaningful conversations. The event creates a safe and inclusive space where topics are discussed openly between the human books and their readers, providing an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and foster deeper understanding. 

» Read more!

Peralta CCD Hosts Event With House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries

On February 21, 2025, the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center in partnership with the Peralta Community College District hosted a forum dedicated to civic engagement, bringing together community leaders, elected officials, and citizens to discuss the vital importance of defending democratic principles in today’s challenging political climate. 

» Read more!

Mt. San Antonio College Turf Teams Sweep Contest

Mt. SAC Turf Teams recently mowed the competition at the annual Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) contest, taking first, second and third place and beating out major universities. Three teams of four competed in the Student Challenge, a two-hour exam testing knowledge of the sports turf industry, covered subjects as diverse as Turfgrass Identification, Selection and Morphology, Soil Management, Soil Fertility, Water Management, Drainage, Turfgrass Mathematics, Pest Identification and Management, and both turf and non-turf Sports Field Management. 

» Read more!

Mendocino College Announces the Purchase of Property
for Future Student Housing

Mendocino College is pleased to announce the purchase of a property at the corner of Perkins and Main Streets in downtown Ukiah, marking the first phase of a multi-year initiative to develop future student housing. This project aims to increase the availability of affordable housing for students and support the local community.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Victor Valley College:

Victor Valley College’s inaugural Community Education — Paint Night Experience in VVC Performing Arts Center Black Box Room was a sold-out success! It was incredible to watch our lead instructor, Theresa Shellcroft, guide and inspire participants as they brought their unique Desert Sunset masterpieces to life.

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From San Diego College of Continuing Education:

What an amazing afternoon we had celebrating Women’s History Month! We came together to share inspiring affirmations, create uplifting messages, and take home a beautiful flower. Thank you to everyone who joined us in spreading joy and empowerment!

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From Madera Community College:

On February 25, we held another CAMP Seminar for the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) 2024-25 Cohort at Madera Community College! This event offered a valuable opportunity to engage with CAMP students. They received essential information regarding academic advising, CSU/UC transfer requirements, financial aid, health services, psychological services, and tutoring resources available on campus.

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From Imperial Valley College:

Step right up! We’re all set inside the Preble Building at the California Mid-Winter Fair, ready to hear your big ideas for Imperial Valley College’s future.

*****

From Rio Hondo College:

This weekend, we hosted the LA Regional Science Olympiad Tournament, where Division B & C teams from across LA County showcased their STEM skills! Congrats to those advancing to the State Tournament in April! Thanks to Ryan Wong & all the volunteers!

*****

And check out this video from Evergreen Valley College –

McTate Stroman, a staff member at Evergreen Valley College, whose hometown of Altadena was devastated by the Los Angeles Fires, wrote and recited this poem. McTate also curated an art exhibit in his hometown.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Students Travel to Arizona for Theatre Arts Festival

Recently, twenty-seven BC Theatre students traveled to Mesa, Arizona to participate in the Region 7/Region 8 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) at Mesa Community College. This Festival is a celebration of the work in Theatre Arts that college students in these regions have done throughout the year, as well as a place to audition and compete for scholarships, gain knowledge and skills through workshops, see plays, and network with students from other schools.

Three BC students – Riss Halbwachs, Savanna Lux, and Jesse Magdaleno – and their partners advanced to the Semi-Final Round of the Irene Ryan auditions, which is a huge accomplishment! Out of hundreds of preliminary participants, only sixty make it to the Semi-Final Round. Then, Jesse Magdaleno and his partner Nathan Armendariz made it to the Final Round of the audition– the top fifteen participants of the entire festival. This is the first time a BC student has made it to the Final Round of the Irene Ryans.

» 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

Rolling into March 2024

Uncategorized March 9, 2024 Leave a comment

I started my week in Austin presenting on a panel at SXSW – Higher Education’s Role in
Climate: The Missing Piece. Jeff Clary moderated the panel with Martin Keller, Director of
the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Katy Launius from the Lumina
Foundation, and me.

The panel touched on the unique potential of community colleges to
accelerate climate action at scale. Serving millions of students, community colleges have
large operational footprints; a focus on technical education for essential careers in green
energy, transportation, and infrastructure; and close ties to their communities, where they
give voice to many who often go unheard.

I enjoyed seeing the Foundation there in full force.  Here is a photo that Bryan Miller snapped right before the session.

The very brief time I was in Austin, literally a one-day trip for the presentation, I checked out the Rainey Street that was bustling with music, musicians and DJs everywhere and walked the trail that ran along the river.  The trail is beautiful as you can see in the photos.  There is quite a lot of  recreational activity as well.

On Friday, I gave welcome remarks at Foothill College’s 2nd Annual Dual Enrollment Summit.

Here I am with Anthony Cordova and Dolores Davison:

And with Foothill College President Kristina Whalen and Student Trustee Nicole Nguyen – who also serves on the CCCT Board.

Good morning California.
It is March 9, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

ELAC Theater Arts Students Shine at
Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival

East Los Angeles College (ELAC) Theater Arts students showcased their talent and dedication at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) for Region 8, garnering numerous awards and accolades. 25 total ELAC students participated in the festival with many of them winning awards. Among the standout winners, Krystyna Colocho emerged victorious, clinching the prestigious National KCACTF Award for Theatrical Design Excellence in Scenic Design. Krystyna will be representing Region 8 at the Kennedy Center in the Spring, a testament to their outstanding creativity and skill.

» Read more!

Imperial Valley College Rolls Out Lithium Tech Certificate Program

Imperial Valley College has been working with the local Lithium companies to develop new programs to prepare Imperial Valley residents with the skills and abilities to obtain the anticipated Lithium jobs. Based on projected workforce needs, IVC rolled the first Lithium related program in Fall 2023 by starting a new Plant Operator certificate Program.

» Learn more!

» Read KQED’s story about the program!

Santiago Canyon College, Korean American Chamber of Commerce
of Orange County Sign MOU for Workplace Skills

Members of the Santiago Canyon College President’s Cabinet and SCC’s Division of Continuing Education participated in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Ceremony with the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County. The MOU calls for collaboration with SCC providing Workplace Skills Enhancement Training to the more than 100 businesses that comprise the membership of the KACCOC and thousands of Korean American businesses in Orange County.

College of the Sequoias Resource Aims to Assist Unhoused Students

The Giant Marketplace at College of the Sequoias was open with the needs of unhoused students in mind. The facility provides canned food, microwaveable dishes, milk, and fruit. Students can also be referred to assistive programs pertaining to their situation. The facility also has its own case workers who can guide students through their search for secure housing.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

In California, NREL Helps Kern County Embrace Clean Energy
in Partnership With Community Colleges

For more than 100 years, Kern County, California, has relied on energy (oil and gas) and agricultural production to stimulate the economy. People in Kern County have a fierce sense of pride and a strong sense of identity as an energy producing community, and they are expanding that vision.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg with a group at the California Community Colleges Women’s Caucus’ International Women’s Day event at Los Angeles Mission College:

Some more members of the CCCWC:

Tammy Silver, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Linda Wah,
Rowena Tomaneng, Andra Hoffman, Sharoni Little

*****

Bakersfield College and the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held a Latinas in Business and Leadership panel this week to kick off Women’s History Month at BC. Nicole also went on KGET to promote the panel and other college events.

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From El Camino College:

Happy #InternationalWomensDay! We commemorated the occasion with our Women’s Walk yesterday to celebrate women everywhere.

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From Cerro Coso Community College:

On Friday March 1st, Cerro Coso Access Programs went on a cultural field trip to Manzanar National Historic Site. Access Programs was able to bring 14 students from the IWV Cerro Coso Campus, and 4 students from the ESCC Bishop Campus. Students had the opportunity to network with fellow Access Students, travel along the Eastern Sierra Mountains, learn about WWII history, and have fun!

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And check out this video from Allan Hancock College – Hancock Conversations with ASB President Samantha Martinez, discussing student mental wellness:

Blast from the Past

Came across this 3:36 min photo roll of my time as Bakersfield College President. This was shared at BC’s Opening Day, Fall 2021. Wonderful memories ….

And From the Home of the Renegades

Introduce A Girl 2 Engineering 2024

Introduce a Girl 2 Engineering (IGE) is an event that occurs during National Engineers Week, where high school students from low-income families are invited to Bakersfield College to expose high school girls to engineering careers and recruit them to the Bakersfield College MESA Program.  The event also serves as a platform for BC-MESA students and young engineering professionals to develop leadership skills.

» 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

Sonya Christian's Blog