Tag Archives: Imperial Valley College

2026 Labor Day weekend … let’s take the day off, fly low, be quiet as a feather, and not say a word

Uncategorized September 5, 2026 Leave a comment

Happy Labor Day!

The opening weeks of an academic year bring a special kind of energy …. students returning to the fall semester, classrooms filling, new beginnings taking shape, and the thousand details that somehow need our attention all at once. We have been moving at quite a pace.

That makes this Labor Day weekend especially well timed …a moment to step away. 

Labor Day carries a meaning that is relevant to community colleges. It recognizes the dignity of work and the people whose labor built our communities and continues to sustain them.

That is very much our story.

Faculty preparing for a new semester. Classified professionals helping a bewildered student find the right office. Counselors untangling schedules. Custodians getting classrooms ready. Trustees serving their communities. Student leaders welcoming their peers. Administrators solving the 37 things that somehow became urgent before 9:00 a.m.

This weekend, let’s stop thinking about enrollment reports, budgets, legislation, AI, accreditation, facilities … or whatever else ….

The problems will still be there on Tuesday….. I checked.

Instead, let’s exhale and take a little inspiration from the American poet Mary Oliver, who captures the feeling beautifully in her poem Today:

          Today I’m flying low and I’m
          not saying a word

          …. I’m taking the day off.
          Quiet as a feather.

A friend sent me this sunset pic.

I hope you all have a wonderful and restful Labor Day Weekend.

Good morning California.
It is September 5, 2026
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Imperial Valley College Students Find a New Home at Calexico Commons 

Imperial Valley College students are settling into brand-new, affordable student housing following the grand opening of Calexico Commons, a housing community developed in partnership with SDSU Imperial Valley. Located on the SDSU Imperial Valley campus, the modern complex offers a convenient, supportive environment situated just a short five-minute walk from two Calexico-to-IVC Express bus stops.

» Read more!  

Construction Begins on College of the Sequoias University Center,
Expanding Local Higher Education Opportunities

Construction is underway at the College of the Sequoias Visalia campus as the new University Center is being built. The project is designed to expand access to four-year and graduate-level education for students in Tulare and Kings counties while creating new opportunities for local workforce development. The project broke ground April 23, 2026, and remains a work in progress. The center is expected to open for the fall 2028 semester.

» Read more!

Laney College Brings Together Global Perspectives on the Future of AI Education

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries around the world, Laney College is moving beyond conversations about AI literacy and leading the next step: building AI fluency through hands-on learning, ethical understanding, and real-world application. Following recent international conversations on the future of AI education, Laney College once again welcomed educators, industry leaders, technology professionals, entrepreneurs, and global partners from 5 different countries to explore how AI is changing the way people learn, work, and solve problems.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Fresno Pacific University, SCCCD colleges create
guaranteed transfer pathway for students

Fresno Pacific University and the State Center Community College District have formally launched a new partnership designed to make the transfer process easier and more predictable for local students pursuing four-year degrees.

Dozens of educators and administrators gathered Monday morning at Fresno Pacific University to celebrate the signing of the Sunbird Flight Plan: Direct Route to Admission, an agreement that guarantees admission to Fresno Pacific University for eligible transfer students from State Center’s colleges.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Clovis Community College:

President Armstrong recently spoke about leadership, discipline, and fearlessness at the Mamba event sponsored by Bank of America. A great opportunity to connect with the community

*****

From Ohlone College:

What has our Renegades smiling ear to ear? The start of a new semester and new headshots and pictures! Congrats to our students for starting the fall semester with great goals and energy.

Cheers to the first of many successful weeks of fall!

*****

From San Diego Mesa College:

Amazing day at the Black Student Success Resource Fair!

From connecting with campus resources to building community, networking, enjoying food, and music, it was a day centered on connection, empowerment, and student success.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this event so meaningful!

*****

From College of the Desert:

This #ThrowbackThursday we’re celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Vocational Nursing Program at College of the Desert!

“For 60 years, College of the Desert’s Vocational Nursing Program has provided students with the education and hands-on training needed to enter a profession that is essential to the health and well-being of our community,” – Superintendent/President Val Martinez Garcia.

We are proud to celebrate the generations of students, faculty, staff and healthcare partners who have contributed to the program’s success and lasting impact on the Coachella Valley.

*****

And check out this piece from CBS LA about East Los Angeles College:

Low-income Community College students from @EastLACollege have moved into @CalStateLA dorms with the promise that they’ll eventually transfer here. It’s a program created thanks to the partnership of the 2 schools and @laccd.

» Watch the video

And From the Home of the Renegades

Industrial Automation Commemorates 10 Years of Bachelors Degree Program

Last week was an important milestone for the Industrial Automation (INDA) program at Bakersfield College as it marked the 10-year anniversary of offering Bachelor of Science degrees. The four-year program focuses on the use of computer technology, electronics, and control systems in industrial environments. The program has experienced substantial growth since its inception and graduates from the program have gone on to work for NASA, AERA Energy, The Wonderful Company, Tesla, and many more.

Carlos Medina, Program Manager for INDA, talked about the history and successes of the program. “This is our ten-year anniversary of the program,” he said, “we were approved to offer a bachelor’s degree in 2015, and we accepted our first students in 2016.” Since then, the program has had more than 150 students receive bachelor’s degrees, and the May 2026 graduating class featured 34 students who completed the program. The starting salary for students completing their AS degree is around $70,000 a year, and students earning their BS degree earning around $100,000 a year. “We have students working at NASA, Boeing, and local companies like Amazon, the Walmart distribution center, Bolthouse Farms, and others” said Carlos, “nearly all the big companies – we have students from our program working there.”

» 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

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

**

Carmen Hirkala, Sacramento City College

**

Lusyna Kim-Narvaez, Mission College

**

Desiree Ortiz, Irvine Valley College

**

Natalie Vázquez, Riverside College

**

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!

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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:

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

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

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!

*****

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.

*****

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!

*****

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.

*****

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

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!

*****

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.

*****

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!

*****

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

*****

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.

*****

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