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
Woke up this morning to Scott Simon’s 2-min remarks on the Minnesota shooting incident that took the lives of Harper Moyski (10) and Fletcher Merkel (8). What a profound tragedy.
You can find the audio and the script in the link below.
Somehow, we’ve already reached the end of August – the golden hour of summer. It’s that bittersweet stretch where we cling to lingering sunlight while secretly welcoming the promise of cooler nights and fresh beginnings in the new school year.
I hope you are all able to to have some quiet time this Labor Day weekend as we close out summer and get ready for the busy months ahead.
A beautiful dusk for you –
I spent much of the week in Sacramento. On Wednesday I spoke at a Noncredit summit hosted by Woodland Community College.
with the Delta College team
Noncredit-to-credit pathways are a priority in Vision 2030; they expand access to higher education leading to economic mobility. These pathways provide adult learners, working professionals, and underserved populations with low-cost, flexible entry points into career and academic programs. They serve as onramps for students to gain confidence, build skills, and ultimately transition into credit-bearing certificate and degree programs that lead to family-sustaining wages. A shining example of leadership is North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE), which has been a trusted technical assistance provider for the Chancellor’s Office.
The picture below is the team that planned the conference. Thank you Gary Adams and Mayra Diaz on Tony Cordova’s team.
Also thank you to Chancellor Byron Breland, President Valentina Purtell, and President Lizette Navarette.
Good morning California. It is August 30, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Coalinga College Expands Dual Enrollment, Brings High School Seniors to College Campus
Coalinga College is expanding its dual enrollment program to give more high school students in the Central Valley the opportunity to earn college credit — and experience life on a college campus — before graduating. This fall, the College’s Firebaugh Center is hosting 45 Mendota High School seniors enrolled in three agriculture pathway courses, with additional classes planned for next spring.
Ribbon-Cutting for Innovative, $140M Student Success Center at City College of San Francisco Marks New Era of Access and Opportunity
City College of San Francisco (CCSF) will celebrated the Grand Opening of the Student Success Center on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 2 p.m. This outstanding building consolidates over 30 student development programs, including academic counseling, tutoring, career center, and transfer center, all under one roof.
At LAHC, the program will officially be launched in Fall 2025. In this first year, initial initial goals include building strong infrastructure, recruiting students, and creating an early support network while continuing to grow the program’s long-term vision.
Crafton Hills College Recognized Statewide for Adult Education Innovation
Crafton Hills College was recently named an Advancing California Adult Education Model Program by the California Adult Education Program (CAEP) for its Crafton Leadership Academy for Student Success (CLASS). It honors the CLASS summer bridge program as one of the top initiatives in the state for helping adult learners transition to higher education.
A life reclaimed: From incarceration to UC Berkeley
The message that Santiago Canyon College grad Charlie Nguyen has tattooed on his left wrist serves as a daily reminder of how far he’s come after bottoming out at age 16: “No one is unworthy of redemption.”
Imprisoned for nearly eight years after committing what he calls “a violent gang-related crime,” Nguyen found his own redemption through persistence, hard work and whip-smart intelligence, along with crucial assistance from Rising Scholars, an empowering SCC program that serves incarcerated, formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted students facing similar challenges.
Commentary: Working Students Face New Challenges in a Shifting Policy Landscape
Most undergraduates today are juggling academics with paid work, many logging 40 or more hours a week. That load leaves little margin: more non-academic responsibilities, less time for coursework, and fewer opportunities to engage on campus mean these students often feel the effects of federal policy changes first.
The budget reconciliation bill signed into law on July 4 threatens to make those challenges worse, reshaping student loans and public benefit programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid in ways that risk cutting off critical financial lifelines. On Pell Grants, the news is mixed: the bill restores a revised Workforce Pell program that could open doors to short-term training, but makes other changes that may reduce access for some students.
ICYMI: The Citrus College Registered Dental Assisting (RDA) program completed its first cohort of Orthodontic Assistant Permit (OAP) students! This is a new state certification course offered as an extension to the RDA program. Students who complete the course are eligible to sit for the California Orthodontic Assistant Permit examination. Obtaining an OAP allows an orthodontic assistant to perform more advanced duties, such as placing and removing orthodontic appliances. The OAP also increases job opportunities, resulting in potentially earning a higher salary!
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From San Diego City College’s 2025 Opening Day and Student Resource Fair:
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From Cañada College:
Earlier this month, Fashion Design Professor, Jaleh Naasz, was invited to speak on sustainability in fashion at the Earth Gala in San Francisco. Students from Cañada’s Fashion program joined her in presenting a stunning runway showcase, highlighting their creativity and commitment to sustainable design.
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From Fullerton College:
Fullerton College’s Fall 2025 Convocation provided an amazing opportunity for faculty and staff to ring in a new academic year in community, solidarity and hope. Our theme, “Hornet Hope,” inspired a series of insightful presentations and updates that left the audience feeling empowered, seen and optimistic. From unveiling our exciting partnership with CSUF to celebrating the work of our Student Success Advocates, we thank everyone who attended and worked to make this event possible.
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And check this out from Monterey Peninsula College:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Hosts Annual New Student Convocation
There was buzz and excitement on the Panorama Campus of Bakersfield College as they recently hosted the annual New Student Convocation. Incoming freshman, first-time students, and their families were all invited to join the festivities to officially welcome them to the Renegade community and showcase BC’s various services and resources.
Mama duck with 7 ducklings. If you listen carefully, you will hear Neo in the background.
And for the first time, the Catholic Church is led by an American pope. On Thursday, the cardinals at the papal conclave elected Robert Prevost, who was born in Chicago, as the head of the Catholic church. He has chosen the papal name Leo XIV, and is a dual citizen of the United States and Peru. He is the first pope born in the United States, and the first to hold either U.S. or Peruvian citizenship.
Good morning California. It is May 10, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
San Diego College of Continuing Education Breaks Ground on $50-Million Renovation to Historic Theatre
San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the $50-million renovation of its historic 275-seat theatre at the Educational Cultural Complex (ECC). More than 150 people attended the event, including employees, students, community members, partners, and local elected officials.
Butte College celebrates Latinx culture with inaugural ‘Festival de Nuestras Voces’ event
Butte College hosted its inaugural ‘Festival de Nuestras Voces’ (Festival of our voices) on Wednesday, an event dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the diversity and heritage of Latinx and Hispanic cultures. The festival featured a lineup of live music and performances by local artists, offering students a taste of cultural music and dances. Additionally, guests enjoyed authentic cultural foods, art displays that reflected the heritage of the community, and keynote speeches that explored queer identity and immigration.
Long Beach City College Wins National Award For Advancing Institutional Equity And Belonging
Long Beach City College (LBCC) was named the national winner of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Award of Excellence in the category of Advancing Institutional Equity and Belonging. This distinguished honor was presented at the AACC’s annual national conference in Nashville and recognizes LBCC’s trailblazing efforts to embed equity, belonging, and inclusion throughout its campus culture and operations.
San Jose City College Embraces Diversity At Spring Cultural Festival
San Jose City College students and faculty gathered for the Spring Cultural Festival on April 30. The festival aimed to celebrate cultural pride and connection. Traditional dances were held on stage. The Vietnamese Student Association performed a fan dance, and the Latinx Unity Zone, or LUZ, did baile folklórico. Attendees also participated in water activities hosted by the Burmese Student Association, or BURSA.
More, but not enough, Californians accessing free money for college, career
Over 3.9 million school-aged children across the state now qualify for at least $500 with CalKIDS, the savings account launched by the state in 2022. It automatically awards at least $500 to low-income students and English learners with the goal of helping families save for college or career training. In 2024, EdSource found that fewer than 8.3% of eligible families had claimed their account, despite fanfare surrounding the launch.
From Nick Strobel – “Kindness is not political” is on a magnet being produced by a fellow member of my church to distribute everywhere. This is not some sappy, sweet sentiment message but, rather, a reminder that regardless of your political views, we’re called to treat all people with a sense of human dignity and respect. This used to be a commonly-held expectation but in today’s social climate, it can seem like a radical counter-culture statement at times.
Still feeling the joy from our Black Graduate Ceremony last night! It was an evening of pride, culture, and achievement. Congratulations to all the graduates—you inspire us!
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From Los Angeles Harbor College:
Congratulations to the brand new LAHC E-Sports team, led by Professor Nick Garcia, for winning 1st and 2nd place in the first annual Los Angeles Regional Consortia (LARC) SMASH BROS Cup! The students have been practicing and having scrimmages since last Fall. Their hard work and dedication paid off.
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From Shasta College:
As part of our 75th anniversary celebration, we sealed a whole lot of Knight pride into a time capsule — including a commencement booklet and stole, local publications, a letter from President Dr. Frank Nigro, and more!
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From Allan Hancock College:
Thanks to @SBCAG_info for stopping by our Santa Maria campus and celebrating CycleMAYnia with our students, faculty, and staff!
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From Lake Tahoe Community College:
LTCC welcomed Assemblymember @hhadwickAD1 to campus for a tour and a discussion about the student support programs helping Coyotes thrive, shared by LTCC leaders and a student representative. Thank you for supporting our students and community!
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Jazz Combos Releases New Album of Original Compositions
The Bakersfield College Jazz Studies program is proud to announce the release of Funky Orca, a full-length album that features 12 original jazz compositions. The songs on the album are composed by BC Jazz students and were recorded in the PAC music lab on BC’s Panorama campus between 2023-24.
Over 50 songs were recorded for Funky Orca, and the album’s 12 tracks were carefully selected by the program’s faculty and staff. “This album is a really solid and diverse collection of tunes,” says Tiner, “and it’s a very entertaining listening experience from start to finish.”
Last Sunday, The US’s Noah Lyles took gold in the men’s 100M final. It was a photo-finish; he beat the silver medalist, Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson, by only .005 seconds. It was another in a series of amazing finishes and great story lines that have been all over these Olympic Games.
A huge congratulations to Diablo Valley College student Amit Elor, who took gold in 68kg women’s wrestling. Her cumulative score during the Games? 31-2.
20-year-old Amit is the youngest American to ever win wrestling gold at the Olympics.
Former Giant Quincy Hall made College of the Sequoias proud with a comeback win to take the men’s 400M gold. College of the Sequoias hosted a watch party –
And congratulations to MiraCosta College student Bryce Wettstein, who made the finals for Women’s Sktateboarding Park, ending up in 6th place.
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As for me …..
This week I signed a MOU with Jensen Huang of NVIDIA and Governor Gavin Newsom as we launched a new state initiative to expand AI tools and resources for students, educators and workers.
This initiative will help our more than 2 million students get prepared with industry aligned skills in AI, and will support our Vision 2030 work about Generative AI and the Future of Learning.
Next I made a stop in Orange County to attend the Credit for Prior Learning workshop. It was a great conversation of how we can scale this work and bring it from the margins to the mainstream.
Valerie Lundy-Wagner, Erin Larson, Gar Adams, Sam Lee, Gina Browne, Don Daves-Rougeaux, Michelle Smith, David O’Brien, Sonya Christian, Billy Wagner, Ginni May
Then I headed south to San Diego to speak at the Hunt Institute. I try to always squeeze in a walk when I am in San Diego.
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Good morning California. It is August 10, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
U.S. Department of Commerce Leader Alejandra Castillo Tours Chaffey College’s InTech Center
U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Castillo visited the Industrial Technical Learning Center with Congresswoman Norma Torres on July 26 to learn how the federal government can support workforce development in the Inland Empire.
College of the Canyons Aerospace and Science Team Receives $136,000 Grant from NASA
It’s all systems go for the College of the Canyons Aerospace and Science Team (AST), which has received a $136,000 grant from NASA to support its High-Altitude Student Platform (HASP), RockOn, and RockSat-X suborbital rocket programs. To date, COC is the only community college that has successfully participated in HASP eight years in a row, as well as four RockSatX missions and two RockOn missions.
Norco College’s Rising Scholars Program at CRC Achieves Unprecedented Success
In June 2024, 52 students graduated from Norco College’s Rising Scholars Program at CRC with Associate Degrees for Transfer. This milestone was marked by the first graduation ceremony since 2019 that allowed the presence of family and friends, making it a particularly special event for the graduates and their loved ones. According to the 2024 Rehabilitative Programming Report by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Norco College’s Rising Scholars Program at CRC has awarded more college degrees than any other CDCR institution.
MSJC’s Roger Schultz Elected as League Board Chair, CEOCCC Board President
Roger Schultz, Ph.D., Mt. San Jacinto College’s President/Superintendent, has been elected as the President of the Chief Executive Officers of the California Community Colleges (CEOCCC) Board of the Community College League of California. Schultz will also serve as the Chair for the Community College League of California (League) Board of Directors.
California Community Colleges Expanding Nursing Programs to Meet State’s Regional Nursing Shortages
The California Community Colleges announced the launch of a new initiative to increase the number of nurses to meet the growing needs of California’s aging and diverse population.
Twelve community colleges convened in a virtual kick-off of the associate degree for nursing demonstration project led by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. The goal of the initiative, part of the community colleges’ Vision 2030 strategic framework, is to increase enrollment in associate degree nursing programs to address the shortage of registered nurses in rural and remote areas while ensuring equity in access to the profession.
The 12 colleges participating in the demonstration project are: Butte College, Cabrillo College, Monterey Peninsula College, Bakersfield College, Modesto Junior College, Cuesta College, Ventura College, Golden West College, Saddleback College, Mt. San Jacinto College, Riverside City College, and College of the Desert.
Harbor College celebrating DSPS pride month College President, Dr. Dorado and VP, Dr. Dorado welcoming students Go Seahawks!!
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From Bakersfield College’s Kimberly Bligh:
Love love love our Bridge to BC team. One week to go for Summer 24… 10 years and over 15,000 students served!
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From Allan Hancock College:
The Santa Maria Valley YMCA, in collaboration with Allan Hancock College, hosted a RiseUP Bridging Ceremony Aug. 2 celebrating the achievements of local youth as they transition to higher education and future careers.
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From Ventura College President Claudia Lourido-Habib:
I’m grateful for my admin team’s openness & contributions during a productive leadership retreat. Grounded in the student experience, we worked towards increasing team cohesion and collaboration so we can lead and support our colleagues
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC History Highlight: Memorial Stadium
The Bakersfield College Memorial Stadium was not an easy feat for those credited with its creation, but certainly a triumph! The stadium was the first structure completed on Bakersfield College’s Panorama campus, and the construction plans were meticulously assembled. It required intensive research and close attention to detail by Theron McCuen, then Superintendent of the Kern County Union High School and Junior College District and its Board of Trustees, and then BC President Ralph Prator, who contributed significantly to realizing Grace Bird’s vision of a college on a hill.
This past Monday, as we paused to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I re-read his piece “The Purpose of Education.”
We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education. The complete education gives one not only power of concentration, but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate.
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., dressed in a cap and gown. King graduated from Morehouse College in 1948 with a bachelor’s of arts degree in sociology. Source: The Atlantic Journal-Constitution.
I was happy to attend Bakersfield’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast Celebration and see some of my colleagues from Kern CCD. Steve Watkin, acting President of BC was honored at this event.
During the holiday season, my travels were at a minimum and I spent 3 glorious weeks doing my zoom meetings sitting by the fireplace. This week, I was back on the road starting in Sacramento then Oakland.
The Chancellor’s Office Executive Team had a 2-day work session in Sacramento, focused on Vision 2030 and ensuring we support colleges to achieve our goals.
On Tuesday evening, I participated in a panel, Leadership on the Line, with CSU Chancellor Millie Garcia and UC President Michael Drake. The event was hosted by the Campaign for College Opportunity.
Michele Siqueiros, Sonya Christian, Millie Garcia, Michael Drake, Jessie Ryan
On Wednesday, I presented to the Association of Community College Administrators-Association of Chief Business Officers at their annual budget meeting in Sacramento. It was fun connecting with President Claudia Habib and Chancellor Marvin Martinez.
On Thursday, I spoke at the inservice for the Peralta Community College District, in Oakland, where we discussed Vision 2030, climate and Generative AI.
Good morning California. It is January 20, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Beloved Educator, Author Celebrates 50 Years At Citrus College
A longtime resident of La Verne, Dr. Dale Salwak first joined the Citrus College community as a full-time faculty member in 1973. Raised in a family of educators, he was a natural. In fact, he quickly developed a reputation for having an innovative and engaging classroom.
Skyline College Hosts Winter Research Scholars Internship Program
Starting January 2nd, the STEM division hosted 25 students as part of the Winter Research Scholars Internship program. The two-week program, which ran from Tuesday, January 2, 2024, to Friday, January 12, 2024, in Skyline College’s Fab Lab, introduced students to scientific research, topics, and skills that will help them gain further research and industry internships in STEM.
On November 14th, 2023, Cuyamaca College held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Queer Student Center. The celebration, complete with music, food, and enthusiastic support from the community, reflected the college’s sincere commitment to providing a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ students.
Glendale Community College’s Baja Program Celebrates 50 Years
Glendale Community College (GCC) has been offering field classes in the Baja California peninsula of Mexico since 1974. The program aims to expose students to a pristine and complex natural environment coupled with a unique experience in Mexican culture.
Four spring transfers share their journeys from community college to USC
USC recently posted a feature about 4 of their more than 350 spring undergraduate transfer students. Xander Singson (Los Angeles Harbor College), Jasmine Adhoot (Pasadena City College), Foris Huang (El Camino College), and Alexia Ruiz (Los Angeles City College) shared their experiences going from community colleges to USC.
From San Diego College of Continuing Education President Tina Maria King:
My family and I enjoyed walking with @sdcceedu in the MLK Parade along with all of our students, employees & community members. This year’s float was extra special, it was a dedication to ECC’s late Artist in Residence Rossie Wade’s “Black Family Sculpture”.
SPS (Special Programs & Services) hosted our first-ever collaboration event with TLSC (Teaching and Learning Support Center) today – “Jitters with Tutors”! Our goal was to introduce new and returning SPS students to the incredible services TLSC offers. From faculty-led workshops to personalized 1:1 tutoring, TLSC provides a wide range of support services.
And From the Home of the Renegades
Renegade Pantry Hosts First Farmers Market of 2024
On January 16, 2024, Bakersfield College hosted our first Renegade Nexus Farmer’s Market of the semester. This month’s market offered bananas, oranges, cabbage, red chard, chicken, and more. All items handed out were provided for free in partnership with the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK).
The Workforce & Economic Mobility Blog blog shares approaches to workforce and economic development, with a goal of supporting economic mobility for our community while staying committed to the health of our people and the health of our environment.
In the Bhambi & Christian blog, Dr. Brijesh Bhambi join together joined together with the goal of facilitating healing and conversation in our community.
