Tag Archives: Los Angeles Mission College

Happy Thanksgiving 2024

Uncategorized November 30, 2024 Leave a comment

The movie musical Wicked – the untold story of the witches of Oz – has taken the world by storm. It’s a great story about prejudices, first impressions, unlikely friendships, discrimination and persecution.

Check out the amazing choreography and vocal performances from “What is this Feeling”:

Amanda Gorman, who was our nation’s first ever youth poet laureate, wrote the poem “Do Us Good,” inspired by “Wicked.”

With heart alight, I raise a cheer,
For laughter, love, and dreams held dear.
A life lived big, in joy I soar,
Grateful today and evermore.

Good morning California. Happy Thanksgiving!
It is November 30, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Moreno Valley College’s Serrato Named 2024 MAP Champion of the Year for Transformative Work in Credit for Prior Learning

Arlene Serrato, a dedicated leader in the field of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), has been honored as the 2024 MAP Champion of the Year for her exceptional work advancing equitable access and career attainment for students at Moreno Valley College. Her efforts have helped thousands of students earn college credits for their prior learning, saving them both time and money while significantly impacting their educational journeys.

» Read more!

LACCD Wins Prestigious Award for Pioneering Sustainability in Design

The Plant Facilities Warehouse and Shop Replacement project at Los Angeles Mission College was recognized with the prestigious Merit for Design Award at the Annual CCFC Conference. The facility will be LACCD’s first Net-Positive facility; 574 solar PV panels will have the capability to produce up to 252,560 KW of renewable power—over 115% of the facility’s average daily use.

» Read more!

Former City College of San Francisco Parking Lot
Will Soon House More than 1,000 Residents

Construction will begin soon on the major Balboa Reservoir housing development to be located just west of City College’s Ocean campus. The project’s development team held a Community Update meeting on Saturday, Sept 28, 2024, in the plaza on Ocean Avenue next to the Muni bus turnaround. A large map of the planned project was spread out for the public to view, and many representatives from the project were present to answer questions.  

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Voice of San Diego – The Progress Report: More San Diego Unified Students
Are Taking College Courses Than Ever Before  

“We work very closely with the principals. We work very closely with the counselors,” said Mesa College President Ashanti Hands. “We do outreach at each of those schools so that they’re consistently hearing from our current students who are enrolled. We do parent outreach to the families in the communities as well to make sure that people are aware of the opportunities that we provide.” 

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Evergreen Valley College:

Our community came together for food and fellowship in the season of giving thanks. See our programs: International, Umoja and Student Affairs Office.

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From El Camino College:

Happy Thanksgiving, Warriors! Campus will be closed today and tomorrow in observance of the holiday. Have a terrific weekend and enjoy the extended break from classes. Now, let’s throw it back to last week’s Turkey Giveaway hosted by CA Senator @SteveBradford!

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From Las Positas College:

Yesterday we celebrated the ribbon cutting for the new Viticulture and Winery Technology program Buildings 3600 and 3700! We are incredibly excited about the opportunities these new buildings and state of the art technology will bring to students interested in careers and/or lifelong learning in the viticulture and enology industry. Thank you to Livermore @mayormarchand for attending to celebrate as well as representatives from the Office of Congressman @repdesaulnier, Office of Representative Bauer Kahan, and Office of Congressman @ericswalwell.

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And check out this video from the ribbon cutting for Gavilan’s Hollister campus:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Apprenticeship Program Promotes Valuable Opportunities for Students and Community

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Bakersfield College hosted an event designed to connect students with the BC Apprenticeship team and highlight the importance of apprenticeships in building successful careers. The event, held on November 28 and 29, provided students and community members an opportunity to learn more about apprenticeship programs and the resources available to help them succeed in the workforce.

Throughout the two-day event, the BC Apprenticeship team set up a welcoming station in the Renegade Crossroads, where they greeted attendees with hot coffee, delicious treats, and valuable information about apprenticeship opportunities in various fields. The team is dedicated to supporting students and community members at every stage of their apprenticeship journey, sharing insights into the benefits of apprenticeships, including firsthand training, certifications, and the potential for long-term career growth.

» 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

California Community Colleges highlighting Noncredit Programs

Uncategorized October 5, 2024 Leave a comment

This week, I was in Anaheim for the Vision 2030: Noncredit Summit, hosted by North Orange Continuing Education.

Thank you President Valentina Purtel who put together an incredible two days of engaging conversations. From data to policy and practice. The speakers were were exceptional and the camaraderie in the room was palpable.

We had 40 of the 72 districts represented in a sold-out auditorium. If you missed this year’s event, plz mark your calendar and plan to attend in October 2025 in San Diego.

Among noncredit’s many strengths is vocational education, and enrollment in vocational-focused community colleges across the country grew by 16% last fall to the highest level since the National Clearinghouse began tracking such data in 2018.

I enjoyed moderating a CEO Panel – “Leading the Charge: Campus Presidents on Noncredit Education’s Vital Role.” Thank you to Columbia College President Lena Tran, Mt. San Antonio College President/CEO Martha Garcia, and Calbright College President & CEO Ajita Talwaker Menon for sharing the great work happening at your colleges!

Snapped a picture of an student panel –

Here are some more pictures.

Stewart Knox, Amy Costa, Sonya Christian, Evangelina Rosales, Josh Newman, Eloy Oakley
Congressman Lou Correa, Sonya Christian, Byron Breland
Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Stewart Knox, Sonya Christian, Amy Costa, Evangelina Rosales, Cheryl Aschenbach, Tony Cordova

Good morning California.
It is October 5, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

West Hills Community College District Partners with Fresno State to Offer Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Criminology and Psychology

West Hills Community College District (WHCCD) announced a groundbreaking partnership with Fresno State University to offer bachelor’s degree programs in Criminology/Administration of Justice (AOJ) and Psychology at Coalinga College and Lemoore College.

Launching in fall 2025, these programs are designed to provide local students with greater access to four-year degrees through the innovative “Convivir” initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Title V grant.

» Read more!

New Bins Installed Across Contra Costa District Campuses
in Attempt to Achieve Zero Waste

New three-stream bins have been added across campuses within the Contra Costa College district as part of a larger effort to address environmental and equity issues. Unlike previous bins, the new containers were designed with the intention of making it easier for students and staff to sort their waste.

» Read more!

Orange Coast College Student Affairs Leader Selected for
NASPA’s 2025 Pillar of the Profession Award

Orange Coast College Dean of Students Dr. Derek Vergara has been named a 2025 National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Pillar of the Profession, one of 20 individuals nationwide selected for the honor. Dr. Vergara will receive the award at the 2025 NASPA Annual Conference. Dr. Vergara has been at OCC since 2013 and has served in various roles, including dean of Title IX and student relations. He developed Title IX protocols during his tenure to ensure students can safely report and receive care and support resources.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Undocumented Student Action Week: Education and Career UndocuDreams Made Possible

Register today for the Eighth Annual California Community Colleges’ Undocumented Student Action Week (USAW) on Oct. 14 – 18, 2024. Join the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, the Foundation for California Community Colleges, the Community College League of California and our statewide partners for a week of collaboration and supporting students, faculty and those involved in advocating for undocumented students.

» Register for virtual events

» Register for in-person event

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California Community Colleges Expands Financial Aid Access for Adults Without High School Diplomas

Adults without a high school diploma can now enroll in California community colleges and have easier access to federal financial aid thanks to approval by the U.S. Department of Education of a plan put forward by California leaders, Chancellor Sonya Christian and Gov. Gavin Newsom.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Moreno Valley College:

MVC’s iMAKE Innovation Center Plant Lab, in collaboration with Emma Pacheco, professor of English, and the Puente Program, teaches students how to plant and care for local crops while improving their language skills with hands-on activities.

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From Fullerton College:

Feelin’ like sunshine in the rain while celebrating Filipino American History Month! We kicked off our inaugural celebration with an inspiring keynote and book signing from Dr. Anthony Ocampo, author of “The Latinos of Asia: How Filipino Americans Break the Rules of Race.” Attendees enjoyed Filipino food and great conversations, all while looking forward to the exciting events ahead!

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From Irvine Valley College:

Lasers! What an inspiring two days at IVC! Our campus community came together for the Walk of Hope, raising awareness for suicide prevention, followed by an incredible keynote from Joshua Rivedal. His heartfelt stories, practical tools, and a touch of humor left us with a renewed commitment to self-care and supporting one another.

» Check out more photos!

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A recent episode of Laney College’s “The President’s Desk” podcast discussed the future in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

» Listen now!

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And check out this video from Los Angeles Mission College, as LA Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez presented a Certificate of Recognition in celebration of the college’s 50th anniversary.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Tejon Indian Tribe Pow Wow

Bakersfield College and the Native American Student Support and Success Program (NASSSP) were honored to host the 2024 Tejon Indian Tribe Pow Wow over the weekend on the main campus near the Welcome Center. This unique, two-day event highlighted Native American culture through music, food, dancing, and more.

On Saturday, Bakersfield College President Dr. Jerry Fliger welcomed over two hundred guests to join in the celebration of Native American traditions and culture, bridging the connection between the college and community by promoting cultural awareness, collaboration, and support for Indigenous issues. This event provided Indigenous communities a platform to share their heritage with the wider Bakersfield area and promote education and understanding of Native American history.

» 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

It’s all about partnerships

Uncategorized October 21, 2023 1 Comment

It was a week of travel for me… headed north to Fresno City College with the Undocumented Student Action Week, then south to College of the Canyons where Chancellor Dianne Van Hook hosted a wonderful event on Vision 2030 and I was inspired by the forward leaning work of the college… then to my office in Sacramento for Consultation Council… then back to Fresno Convention Center for the annual CVHEC summit. Wrapped up Friday night watching episodes of Stephen Colbert and John Oliver. The John Oliver piece was on safety of our foods and after watching it I think when travelling I will stay away from salads and other fresh produce which we eat fresh and without cooking.

Here are a few photos from the Undocumented Student Action Week Conference. Thank you Gina Brown and Linda Vasquez for taking care of so many details to make this happen.

With State Center team and other presenters
Selfie with Linda Vasquez
Team from Chancellor’s Office: Belen Lopez, Leah Abate, Marisela Hernandez, Sonya Christian, Gina Brown, Linda Vasquez. Second row – Theresa Brown, Alonso Garcia, Paul Medina (BOG), Heather McClenahen
Ran into Bill Moseley, BC

Find out more about Undocumented Student Action Week on the CCCCO website.

Had an inspiring half a day with Dianne Van Hook, faculty, students, administrators at the College of the Canyons. Dianne’s suggestion that the theme of the day be “partnerships” set the tone for our gathering. Vice President of the Board of Governors Hildy Aguinaldo made it a priority to rearrange her schedule to join us.

Was happy that the California Labor Secretary Stewart Knox joined us for this event. I am planning on doing another blog on the workforce development work at Canyons. For now, let me share some of the photos.

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Here are some photos from the Central Valley Higher Education Summit.

With CVHEC Executive Director Ben Duran and West Hills Community College District Chancellor Kristin Clark.
Chancellor Carole Goldsmith, Ben Duran, Sonya Christian

Good morning California.
It is October 21, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

California Community Colleges Expand Access to Bachelor’s Degrees
with Two New Programs

California Community Colleges have approved two new bachelor’s degree programs in an effort to make earning a four-year degree more attainable for all Californians. This brings to the total number of bachelor’s degrees that are now offered or will soon be offered at a community college to 33.

The new programs are biomanufacturing at Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC) and public safety management at San Diego Miramar College. Five additional bachelor’s degree program proposals are in the current evaluation cycle and are pending review.

» Read the Press Release from CCCCO

» Read about Los Angeles Mission College’s Bachelor of Science in Biomanufacturing

» Read the Press Release from San Diego Miramar College

Irvine Valley College Hosts Manufacturing Day for High School Students

Earlier this month, IVC welcomed over 150 students from the Tustin and Irvine Unified School Districts to the Advanced Technology & Education Park (ATEP) on October 6 for Manufacturing Day. This event provides students with a valuable opportunity to gain insights into various aspects of manufacturing, broadening their perspectives on the diverse career pathways within this industry.

» Read more!

Cuesta College’s University Bound program
gets $10K donation from Bank of America

The Cuesta College Foundation is pleased to announce a generous $10,000 donation from the Bank of America Foundation for University Bound, a program supporting historically underrepresented students in their goal of transferring to universities to continue their education. The Foundation partnered with Cuesta College’s University and Transfer Center to launch the first University Bound program during the 2021-22 academic year, with money donated to the Cuesta Fund.

» Read more!

Woodland Community College hosts health & healing walk/run

In September Woodland Community College hosted “Sana Sana; Health & Healing Walk/Run.” The event was held to raise awareness of the health and healing practices in everyday life, according to organizer Dr. Melissa Moreno, a professor of ethnic studies at the college. It was part of several events scheduled throughout Woodland as part of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

EdSource: Community Colleges are key
to solving California’s toughest challenges

This week, EdSource published my commentary piece about the importance of community colleges.

The Community College System is one of our state’s most valuable assets, our main engine of social mobility. We generate $128 billion in annual income for California, amounting to more than 4% of the state’s gross product.

We are essential to the state’s achieving its ambitious goals in everything from climate policy, to growing a world-class labor force, to expanding the middle class. We are essential to the state’s ability to address a massive nursing shortage, support an aging population, prepare for an electric future in need of skilled and trained technicians and more.

» Read the article

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LA Times: New law will allow some Mexican residents
to pay in-state tuition at California community colleges

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday {October 13} signed Assembly Bill 91, which was inspired in part by a decades-old law in Texas that permits Mexican residents like Agustin to pay in-state tuition for their public education because they live so close to the border. The California law will permit low-income Mexican residents and citizens who live within 45 miles of the Mexico-California border to pay in-state tuition.

The bill permits 150 students at each of the eight partner colleges to be awarded this “nonresident fee exemption.”

» Read the article

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Constance Carroll:

Yesterday, the Assembly Higher Education Committee (Mike Fong Chair, and Tri Ta, Co-chair) held a hearing at East LA College to discuss various community college issues. I was pleased to present regarding community college baccalaureate programs and progress.

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From Allan Hancock College:

Hancock viticulture and enology program alumnus Fidencio Flores was featured on CBS’s “The Talk” as part of Hispanic Heritage Month! Congratulations Fideoncio!

Check it out at https://www.cbs.com/shows/video/0Ki0OWuKNn8OzCLEh5PaNaUzaXHruz59/.

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And check out these posts about last weekend’s solar eclipse –

College of the Desert:

San Bernardino Valley College:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Archives Celebrates 20th Anniversary

The Bakersfield College Archives is excited to announce its 20th Anniversary celebration, marking two decades of preserving the rich history and cherished memories of Bakersfield College (BC). Since its inception in 2003, the Bakersfield College Archives has been dedicated to safeguarding the legacy of BC and fostering a sense of belonging within the BC community.

» 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

CA CCs – Taking college to our future learners

Uncategorized September 30, 2023 1 Comment

I came across this article in the New York Times about the rapid growth of the mosquito population – mosquitos have been thriving as long-used insecticides become less effective. I have definitely seen an increase of the population of mosquitoes here in California.

Less than a decade ago, it was the humans who appeared to have gained the clear edge in the fight — more than a century old — against the mosquito. But over the past few years, that progress has not only stalled, it has reversed.“

We often think of mosquitos as an annoyance, but they can be extremely deadly transmitters of disease. Malaria, transmitted by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito, has killed more people than any other disease.

This past summer, the United States saw its first locally transmitted cases of malaria in 20 years, with nine cases reported, in Texas, Florida and Maryland.

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It was a big week up in Sacramento. During this week’s Board of Governors meeting, the BOG approved the Vision 2030 framework.

We enjoyed a no-host dinner at the end of day 1 of our meeting. This is a terrific group… absolutely dedicated to our students and a whole lot of fun.

We also had two more announcements at the BOG meeting.

The Apprenticeship Pathway Demonstration Project, creates a roadmap for colleges to convert apprenticeship learning experiences into college credit, including both existing and new and innovative apprenticeship experiences, as well as related supplemental instruction and prior on-the-job training.

The California Community Colleges and the United Domestic Workers (UDW) announced a partnership to support the ongoing educational needs of the union’s members and their dependents that will lead to educational pathways with upward socio-economic mobility.

Daisy Gonzales, Doug Moore, Stewart Knox, Sonya Christian

Good morning California.
It is September 30, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

California Community Colleges Represented
in HACU’s La Academia de Liderazgo

Laura Cantu, Freddy Ramirez, Sandra Martinez, and Giovanni Rodriguez

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities recently announced the 50 fellows who will be part of the fifth cohort of its Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo.

Several of our California Community Colleges colleagues are among this cohort:

  • Laura Cantú, Ed.D., Los Angeles Mission College
  • Sandra Martínez, Moreno Valley College
  • Freddy N. Ramírez, Ed.D., MiraCosta College
  • Giovanni D. Rodríguez, Mt. San Antonio College

Congratulations!

» Read more about the La Academia de Liderazgo cohort.

Taft College Program Teaches Skills Needed to Live Independently

Taft College’s Transition to Independent Living (TIL) Program is an inclusive post-secondary educational experience for students with developmental or intellectual disabilities that also offers on- and off-campus housing. The Program is comprehensive, with curriculum and training that promote acquisition of the functional, social, and career skills necessary for students to live a productive lifestyle. There are other programs that are similar to the TIL program at UCLA, UC Davis, and Fresno State but Taft College is currently the only school with a residential component located on a community college campus.

» Check out the 23ABC piece about the program

» Learn more at the Taft College website

New Tech High School Develops Early College Program with Napa Valley College

New Technology High School was awarded a Middle College and Early College (MCEC) Grant in July 2023 by the California Department of Education. The MCEC grant provides funding to support New Technology High School as it starts to develop an Early College program in partnership with Napa Valley College.

» Read more!

Hancock cuts ribbon on PCPA Stagecraft Building

Allan Hancock College and the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) celebrated the grand opening of the college’s new PCPA Stagecraft building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 15. The grand opening of the stagecraft building occurred as PCPA celebrates its 60th anniversary.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

EdSource – Why enrollment is rebounding at California’s community colleges

After years of pandemic declines, enrollment at California’s community colleges may finally be starting to rebound in a significant way.

Several colleges across the state, from San Diego to San Jose, are reporting that their enrollments are up by double digit percentages this fall. Statewide data for the fall isn’t yet available, but enrollment in the spring was up 8% across the system of 116 colleges, according to a memo prepared by the state chancellor’s office.…….

“Vision 2030 asks the fundamental question: Why have we not yet reached these individuals? When students cannot find their way to college, it is our responsibility to bring college to them,” Christian said.

» Read the article

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LA Times – Where to get a low-cost bachelor’s degree close to home
and a job lead: Community college

Community college leaders say they want to tap into a population of learners who otherwise wouldn’t attend a four-year college — students like Roberts, who had never entertained the idea of commuting “down below” from the Antelope Valley to Los Angeles to earn a bachelor’s degree.

» Read the article

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Rowena Tomaneng:

Celebrating Tết Trung Thu (Chữ Hán: 節中秋) at San Jose City College today, a traditional Vietnamese Autumn festival! #CultureOfBelonging #AANAPISIWeek

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From Santa Barbara City College:

Enrollment Services hosted SBCC Connect this morning. SBCC Connect is a partnership between SBCC and high schools from Lompoc to Ventura to provide an opportunity for school district members and partners to learn about the transition for students from high school to SBCC.

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From Butte College:

Our Native American Center and campus community came together in observance of Orange Shirt Day. Wearing an orange shirt signifies a recognition of the trauma that Native American children endured during the residential/boarding school era.

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And check out this Student Spotlight from the Foundation for Grossmont & Cuyamaca Colleges:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Holds 2023 Corrections Academy Graduation

Bakersfield College hosted its 2023 Corrections Academy Graduation on September 22 to recognize and honor thirty-two students who completed a rigorous program that aligns meticulously with the standards set by the Board of State and Community Corrections.

» 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

Sonya Christian's Blog