Tag Archives: Modesto Junior College

Welcome May 2026

Uncategorized May 2, 2026 Leave a comment

It’s National Apprenticeship Week. Check out my opinion piece in the Hechinger Report.

OPINION: As graduation looms, students need pathways that are practical, affordable and connected to opportunity – The Hechinger Report

Back in San Diego and here is my traditional picture for you.

What’s not to love about San Diego?

Pathways to Equity Conference was held in San Diego this year.  We had quite a large team from the Chancellor’s Office.  Happy that Board members Pam Haynes and Adrienne Brown were able to join us.

The conference started with dance students from San Diego City College. Captured this 15-sec video for you.

Jenny Saechao snapped this photo of me with the dance students and their faculty member from San Diego City College.

And more photos of the student panel I facilitated at the event –

Yahir Melendez, Sonya Christian, Adriana Dorsey, Ana Karina Lomeli-Cadenas

Back home to my boy Neo

Good morning California.
It is May 2, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

New Calbright College and NLET Initiative Will Modernize California’s Skills-Based Economy and Workforce Infrastructure

Calbright College, California’s statewide exclusively online community college, and the National Laboratory for Education Transformation (NLET) today announced a strategic partnership to bridge the gap between workforce policy and practice. By establishing a dedicated “Education to Workforce Working Group,” the two organizations will develop and scale competency-based training in high-demand technical sectors, including emerging technology and AI infrastructure.

» Read more!

Orange Coast College Students Take Second
Against Four-Year Universities in Food Science Contest

Orange Coast College’s food science student product development team won second place at the 38th annual Student Product Development Competition hosted by the Southern California Institute of Food Technologists (SCIFTs) on March 3 in Anaheim, California. Morgan Downie, culinary/food science; Anna Jensen, food science; and Hannah Thompson, nutrition and dietetics, made up the first team that OCC has sent to the competition and were the only community college competitors.

» Read more!

West Hills Community College District Joins Fresno State Bulldog Bound Program
to Expand Transfer Opportunities

The West Hills Community College District is proud to announce its participation in the Fresno State Bulldog Bound program, expanding access to a clear and supported transfer pathway for students across the Central Valley. Chancellor Dr. Robert Pimentel, Lemoore College President James Preston, and Coalinga College President Dr. Carla Tweed joined higher education leaders from throughout the region to celebrate the launch of the program, which is now being extended to include community college students.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

OPINION: As graduation looms, students need pathways that are practical, affordable and connected to opportunity

As we wrap up Apprenticeship Week, I wanted to share my op-ed that was published in Hechinger Report:

For too long, higher education has acted as if learning only counts when it happens inside a classroom. Millions of Americans know otherwise.

Opportunity should not require relocation, excessive debt or navigating systems built for someone else’s life. Our nation needs to broaden its definition of where learning happens and recognize learning wherever it happens. 

Apprenticeship is a natural place to begin building that broader network of opportunities. At a time when the nation is debating college costs, workforce shortages, economic security and the future of work, apprenticeship offers something rare: a solution that works for students, employers and communities at the same time. It is a framework to learn, earn and advance. 

» Read more!

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Community College Reforms Have Improved Student Success in Math


Seven years after the California Community Colleges began implementing placement and remediation reforms, almost all students are enrolling directly in transfer-level math—a key milestone on the path to college completion. In a virtual briefing last week, Marisol Cuellar Mejia outlined the findings of a new report that examines the impact of these reforms and answered audience questions.

Assembly Bill (AB) 705 requires the state’s community colleges to maximize the chances that students take and complete transfer-level courses in math and English within a one-year time frame. Before AB 705 implementation, most students were placed in remedial courses and many dropped out without ever taking a transfer-level course.

“Completion rates have increased consistently since AB 705 took effect,” said Cuellar Mejia. She noted that initial increases were driven mostly by expanded access, but a 7 percentage point improvement from 2022 to 2024—when almost all students were starting in transfer-level math—indicates that changes in the classroom have recently played a major role.

» Read more!

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Meanwhile, Board Member Cirian Villavicencio attended the press conference hosted by Assembly Member Mike Fong and Senator Eloise Reyes announcing two bills that establish Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANHPI) designations. Deputy Chancellor Rowena Tomaneng represented our system and spoke at the event.

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Mission College:

The Rising Scholars Program participated in the Santa Clara County Adult Probation Employment and Resource Fair in recognition of Second Chance Month. Program Analyst Steve Duong and Hospitality Management Instructor Eve Little connected with justice-impacted individuals.

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From Modesto Junior College:

This month, students and community members united to celebrate the 2nd Annual Traveling Around MJC: A Multi-Cultural Event. Everyone came together in the spirit of cultural awareness, inclusivity, and unity.

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From Glendale Community College:

Spring at GCC Garfield Campus is a whole mood. The Jacarandas are in full bloom, turning our daily walk to class into a purple dream. Sometimes you just have to stop and take it all in.

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From Saddleback College:

It was a busy week at Saddleback, but one that showed what a vibrant and energetic campus we are! Discover Saddleback High School Senior Day on April 21 – Over 1,350 local high school seniors came to campus to discover all that Saddleback has to offer!

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From San Diego Miramar College:

We are just about ready to host our Scholarship awards banquet! Over 150 students are about to receive $137,000 in scholarship aid.

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And check out this mini-documentary about the De Anza Auto Tech program! It was produced as part of the California Career Training Showcase.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC STEM Hosts Physics Olympics for Local High School Students

Last week, the STEM Department at Bakersfield College hosted their annual Physics Olympics for local high school students. The event took place on BC’s Panorama Campus and participants competed in a variety of physics activities. More than 200 students from twelve local high schools competed in the event, and one school went home with an award for earning the most points throughout the day.

Stephen Waller, Dean of Instruction at BC for Math, Science & Engineering, has helped coordinate this event for more than 15 years. “Today, we are hosting our annual Physics Olympics that we coordinate with Kern High School District,” he said, “which includes competitions set up by Physics faculty from the local high schools that cover different areas of physics including catapult launches, egg drop, bridge building, paper airplanes, and more.”

» Read more!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

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

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

The One whose verdict counts most in your life is the one staring back from the glass

Uncategorized April 18, 2026 Leave a comment

Started my week at ASU-GSV.. in San Diego. What is not to love about San Diego?

And at night –

And a short video during break from the conference:

The Chancellor’s Office showed up to ASU+GSV in full force back in 2024, when we were shaping the concept for the Digital Center, a concept that came before the Board in July 2024 and was adopted.

Now, two years later, in 2026, we returned again in full force, but this time, with a clearer sense of where this work needs to go next.

I also got a chance to present with will.i.am!

Michael Crow, Sonya Christian, will.i.am

Ran into President of National University, Mark Milliron. We have a great partnership with National.

Mark Milliron, Sonya Christian

Evening walk and talk with Lee Lambert planning for the Digital Center.

Lee Lambert, Sonya Christian

With Board Member Lilian Corral

Rebecca Ruan O’Shaughnessey, Amber Hroch, Sonya Christian, Lilian Corral, Eloy Oakley

Later in the week, we visited College of the Desert, located in Palm Desert in the heart of the Coachella Valley, surrounded by one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing regions of inland Southern California. Founded in 1958, the college has now been serving students for nearly seven decades and first opened its doors in 1962 on a 160-acre campus. It was created through a local vote by residents who understood that higher education would be essential to the future of the desert communities.

What I appreciate about College of the Desert is how closely its story mirrors the region it serves … entrepreneurial, resilient, and always evolving. Over the years, the college has grown alongside the Coachella Valley, developing strong programs in nursing, agriculture, hospitality, public safety, and transfer education, all aligned with local workforce needs. It is also a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), reflecting the communities around it.

Andrea Reynolds, Tony Cordova, Student Jonathan Garcia (DJ Limon),
Sonya Christian, Jesse Melgar, Val Garcia

Jonathan Garcia, who goes by DJ Limón appears to be a College of the Desert student based in Indio, active in student leadership, media, and the local creative scene. He is involved with Associated Students at College of the Desert, connected to COD Roadrunner Radio, and pursuing studies in film, television, and media.

Here we are with the culinary students who prepared an outstanding meal for us. The parfaits, beautifully layered and served in elegant slender tall cups, were as impressive visually as they were delicious. And the biscuits and gravy quickly became the talk of our team. Here’s to all our culinary students across the California Community College system.

The campus itself has a few unique touches. Its library was once a shared facility with both the City of Palm Desert and Riverside County, a reminder that community colleges often become true civic anchors. Today, under President Val Garcia’s leadership, College of the Desert continues to expand opportunity across the valley, including new campus development in Palm Springs and growing access for students throughout the region.

Board Chair Ronald Oden recited the poem “The Man in the Mirror” (also known as “The Guy in the Glass”) by Dale Wimbrow.

When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf,
And the world makes you King for a day,
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that guy has to say.

For it isn’t your Father, or Mother, or Wife,
Who judgement upon you must pass.
The feller whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the guy staring back from the glass.

He’s the feller to please, never mind all the rest,
For he’s with you clear up to the end,
And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.

You may be like Jack Horner and “chisel” a plum,
And think you’re a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum
If you can’t look him straight in the eye.

You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you’ve cheated the guy in the glass.

After such a busy week, it was great to be enjoying the beautiful back yard. Happy to be back home.

Good morning California.
It is April 18, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cerritos College’s Innovative High School Credit Recovery Program
Earns National Award, Transforming Students’ Futures

Cerritos College transformed the recovery process into an opportunity; the college’s credit recovery program was awarded the 2025-26 League for Innovation in Community Colleges Excellence Award. In collaboration with the Downey Unified School District, the college launched a program in Summer 2025 to help high school students recover credits for missed or failed classes. 

» Read more!

San José City College Celebrates the Career Education Complex,
Marking Largest Campus Investment in Decades

Students, faculty, classified professionals, elected officials, and community members gathered on the San José City College campus Tuesday evening to celebrate the completion of the Career Education Complex (CEC). This sprawling, four-story building represents the most significant investment in SJCC’s facilities since the college was founded more than a century ago. The new CEC building stands four stories tall and encompasses 91,000 square feet of classroom space, labs, and collaborative learning environments. Its design, led by Steinberg Hart Architects, was intentional from the ground up.

» Read more!

East Los Angeles College’s Sisterhood Expo
Celebrates Women Who Lead, Build, and Inspire

On March 24th East Los Angeles College (ELAC) hosted the 2026 Sisterhood Expo, drawing community members to a vibrant marketplace celebrating women’s entrepreneurship. The event spotlighted women-owned businesses from across Los Angeles County, offering attendees the opportunity to shop, connect, and engage with the creative and entrepreneurial talent that defines the East LA community.

» Read more!

Barn Owls Take Flight on Moreno Valley College Campus

Moreno Valley College is advancing its approach to environmental stewardship by welcoming a new team of nocturnal specialists: barn owls. This innovative initiative marks a shift in the college’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, which is an ecosystem-based approach focused on long-term pest prevention through biological controls and habitat manipulation rather than traditional chemical pesticides. A single barn owl is capable of consuming approximately 1,500 rodents per year. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

AI is remaking the workforce. How can colleges ensure students thrive?

Though the long-term effects of artificial intelligence on the job market remain to be seen, the rapidly developing technology has already begun changing how employers discuss work and hiring. Colleges now face the daunting task of preparing students for occupations that could look radically different in a relatively short timeframe.

A 2025 report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce found that the rapid implementation of AI could simultaneously ease and worsen skills shortages, reducing the need for workers to complete some routine cognitive tasks but prompting demand for advanced technical and adaptive skills.

» Read more!

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Students Earning Credentials at Younger Ages

For the first time, students ages 18 to 20 made up the largest share of first-time associate degree earners, 32.6 percent, beating out older students ages 21 to 24. More broadly, the number of 18- to 20-year-olds who earned an associate degree was up 47.7 percent compared to a decade ago. A relatively small but fast-growing number of students under the age of 18—52,500—also earned their first undergraduate credentials. Students under 18 who completed their first associate degree tripled, while the number who finished their first certificates quadrupled. The report suggests that these trends reflect a surge in dual enrollment.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Coastline College:

A simple conversation at Coastline College led to something extraordinary.

Meet Zekai Wu, a student veteran whose journey took him from the Veterans Resource Center to an acceptance at MIT in just 45 days.

See how the right support and a single moment can change everything. Read his story.

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From Reedley College:

Our Tiger Job Fair was a huge success!

A big thank you to all the employers and vendors who joined us to share valuable career opportunities and insights with our students and community. Your support made this event truly meaningful!

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From Modesto Junior College:

The 2026 Latinx Comic Arts Festival brought creativity, culture, and community together in a big way. Creatives from around the nation showcased their talents on MJC’s West Campus during the two day festival. Cartoonists, artists, writers, animators, and more displayed their work and shared their stories during speaker panels. Saturday guests were treated to an epic lowrider car show, where they could get a close-up of each unique ride and talk with the car builders. This festival is held every other year on MCC West Campus.

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From Santa Rosa Junior College:

An SRJC Culinary Arts student and an alumna just received $1,500 microgrants from the Sonoma Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier, a worldwide philanthropic society of professional women leaders in the fields of food, fine beverage, and hospitality.

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Hien Pham (left photo) began as a cottage baker, working from her home kitchen to serve her Santa Rosa community. Today, she is the founder of Corner Bakehouse, a neighborhood microbakery grounded in whole grains, seasonal ingredients, and slow fermentation. Her work reflects a deep respect for traditional techniques and for the farmers who grow the ingredients she uses, many sourced here in Sonoma County and from her own garden. In addition to her bakery, Hien shares her knowledge through teaching and continues to refine her craft alongside some of the region’s most respected bakeries.

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Carlee Austin (photo on the right) has been building her culinary path from an early age, beginning with cooking classes as a child and continuing through her graduation from Santa Rosa Junior College’s Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management program. Carlee is focused on creating meaningful food experiences through cooking classes, private dinners, and other catered events, while working toward launching her own business through a micro-enterprise home kitchen operation (MEHKO) license.

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And Los Angeles Trade-Tech College shared pics from their 2026 Roots & Royalty Showcase.

On February 26, LATTC proudly celebrated Black History Month with “Roots & Royalty,” an inspiring showcase honoring the achievements, contributions, and rich history of the Black community. From a vibrant Fashion Showcase Extravaganza featuring District and LATTC students, faculty, and classified professional models, to stunning designs by U.S./Ghanaian brand UDefineU, the runway reflected the beauty, resilience, and elegance of African heritage. Guests also enjoyed standout contributions from our Culinary Arts, Fashion Design, and Cosmetology departments. A special highlight of the day was the jollof rice competition, where Culinary Arts students Donald Donaldson, Cherie Jones, and Shannon Jones presented their recipes—with congratulations to Cherie Jones for taking home the win! “Roots & Royalty” was a powerful reminder to honor the legacy of Black pioneers while uplifting the next generation of leaders, creatives, and changemakers. 

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Launches College Corps Career Development Program

This week, Bakersfield College announced an exciting partnership with College Corps which provides a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable professional development while earning money to help pay for college. BC has been awarded a $3.2 million dollar grant through the California Volunteers College Corps program to launch the initiative.

College Corps is a paid service and career training program at colleges and universities across the state. The goal is to connect students with local businesses and non-profit organizations to receive ongoing training, mentoring, and professional development while earning up to $10,000 for college. Participating students will have the opportunity to work in a variety of fields, including K-12 education, climate action, food security, and many others.

» Read more!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

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

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

A Love Letter to the California Community Colleges on Valentine’s Day 2026

Uncategorized February 14, 2026 Comments: 12

Dear California Community Colleges:

My introduction to you happened in the late 1990s.

I arrived in Los Angeles, a foreign graduate student, trying to understand America through textbooks and LA’s RTD routes.

And then I met you.

An institution built on virtues I could not quite comprehend.

Infinite hope.
Untiring patience.
Radical non-judgment.
You met people where they were.

Not where they should have been.
Not where someone thought they ought to be.
But where they were.

You were born long before I met you in the Central Valley, where community colleges first took root in California soil.
Practical. Accessible. Close to home. Built for possibility.

And then you spread.

From the Central Valley  – Fresno, Bakersfield, Merced
you reached into the Inland Empire – Riverside, San Bernardino
out to the eastern edge of our state – the Coachella Valley, Palm Desert, Indio
up the North State – Chico, Redding
across the Bay – Oakland, Hayward, San José
down the Central Coast – Monterey, San Luis Obispo
into Los Angeles – every corner, every neighborhood in LA
and all the way to the borderlands – San Diego, Imperial Valley.

Across the Sierra foothills.
Along Highway 99.
Down the 5 and the 101.

Into farmworker towns.
Into port cities.
Into rural mountain communities.
Into urban corridors.
Where opportunity needed a doorway you became that doorway.

You evolved.

You empowered people.
You improved constantly
You innovated for students.
You added programs.
Added pathways.
Added chances.

And over three decades, I have watched you love Californians by taking action in real tangible ways.

I have seen the foster youth who carried everything they owned in a backpack walk across a commencement stage because someone at a community college refused to give up on them.

I have seen the formerly incarcerated Californian who found purpose through education, completed a certificate, earned a degree, and now gives back to their community.

I have seen the veteran, resilient, carrying both visible and invisible weight, find a Veterans Resource Center and a faculty member who said, “You belong here.”

I have seen the student with a disability navigate hallways that were once barriers and find accommodations, allies, and a future not defined by limitation but by capacity.

You do not ask for perfection.
You ask for effort.
You do not require pedigree.
You require courage.

Over two million students a year.

Two million stories of trying again.
Starting over. Leveling up.

You are accessible.
You are practical.
You are relentless in your belief that Californians deserve more.

On this Valentine’s Day, I say it plainly:

I love you, California Community Colleges,
– for your open doors.
– for your stubborn optimism.
– for believing in people before they believe in themselves.

You are California at its best.

And after three decades of watching you in motion … through reform, recession, innovation, and renewal,

I am convinced of this:

If there is an institution built on hope in America,

It is you!

With gratitude, admiration, and love
Your chancellor,
sonya

Back into work in the new year 2026

Uncategorized January 10, 2026 Leave a comment

Monday, January 5th arrived quickly after the holiday break, and just like that, we were back in motion. The quiet rhythm of the holidays gave way to full calendars and early mornings.

For me, it meant heading back to Sacramento, returning to the Capitol as the new year’s work began in earnest, with budgets to review, conversations to start, and the pace of 2026 already well underway.

Flight starting the descent into the Sacramento Valley.

One more –

Good morning California.
It is January 10, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Joaquin Delta College Group Earns
Prestigious ‘Freedom Fighter’ Award From NAACP Branch

In a powerful recognition of its work to support underrepresented students, Delta College’s Black Alliance for Student Empowerment (BASE) was presented with the 2025 Freedom Fighter award on Saturday by the Stockton branch of the NAACP. BASE, formerly known as the Black Faculty Task Force, received the award for its work bringing the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Caravan to Delta. 

» Read more!

Modesto Junior College Receives $400,000
National Science Foundation Grant

Modesto Junior College has been awarded $400,000 from the National Science Foundation Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation grant program. The NSF EPIIC program is designed to strengthen the ability of two-year colleges, minority-serving institutions, and emerging research institutions to participate in the national innovation ecosystem. MJC’s award is part of a multi-institutional collaborative proposal titled A-SPARK: Agriculture and Science Practice and Access for Research-Driven Knowledge.

» Read more!

Monterey Peninsula College Launches Adult Learner Bridge Programs
with Monterey Adult School

Monterey Peninsula College has formalized a Memorandum of Understanding with Monterey Adult School  to develop and implement bridge courses and programs that support the successful transition of adult learners from the adult school to college.  This proactive partnership brings college coursework directly into the community, serving adult learners in the Seaside area where they are. 

» Read more!

Copper Mountain College Stories: Notes from the fire line

Note from Cody Almanza, graduate of Copper Mountain College Wildland Fire Academy:

After earning my S-130, S-190, L-180, and ICS-100/200 certifications, I was deployed to the Sunset Fire in Idaho, where I spent several days digging nearly three miles of handline with my crew. Much of our work took place at night, cutting hot line and staying constantly vigilant for snags—dead, burned-out trees that threatened to fall without warning.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

After years of volatility, Newsom previews
a stable budget year for California schools

Governor Newsom’s proposed budget is $42.5 billion more than was forecast, a “windfall” that does not include nearly $3 billion from December projections. The budget projects $248.3 billion in total revenue for the general fund. Proposition 98, a constitutional amendment four decades ago, guarantees that about 40% of that total must go to TK-12 schools and community colleges.

» Read more!

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As job market tightens, more Californians are heading back to college

If you want to gauge the health of California’s economy, start with its community colleges. 

“When the economy is doing well, our enrollments are down, and when the economy is in a tough stretch or in a recession, we see our enrollments go up,” said Chris Ferguson, an executive vice chancellor with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, which oversees all of the state’s 116 community colleges. 

Ferguson said the state has yet to release authoritative data on fall enrollment, but early data shows upward trends. In interviews with CalMatters, some college presidents said they’re seeing over 10% more students compared to last fall. But they say the state hasn’t provided enough funding to keep up with their growth. 

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Shasta College:

CRAFT Apprenticeship recently hosted a Student Skills Showcase featuring Shasta College’s Heavy Equipment Logging Operations Fall 2025 students. This event builds opportunities by giving industry partners a direct look at student skills through live equipment demonstrations and resume-based evaluation, in collaboration with Sierra Pacific Industries.

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From MiraCosta College:

We have a feeling these grads are going to have the best bedside manner. Celebrating the 29th graduating class of Registered Nurses. Thirty-three students graduated this past December 2025 after completing either one or two years of nursing coursework through the program.

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From Gavilan College:

Huge congratulations to our EMT graduates. These graduates are prepared to respond in critical moments and make a real difference in our communities. We cannot wait to see the impact they will have.

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And check out this video from Citrus College:

ICYMI: Night Shift, our acclaimed group of student musicians, performed on New Year’s Day at Floatfest, a showcase of Rose Parade floats following their appearance along the parade route. Way to go, Night Shift!

And From the Home of the Renegades

Industrial Automation Students Showcase Senior Projects

Each year, the Industrial Automation Department at Bakersfield College hosts their Senior Projects Open House which allows students in the program to present the innovative projects they have been working on throughout the year. The event is open to the public, and attendees have the opportunity to preview the students’ automation creations and interact with the people who developed them. This year’s open house took place during the first week of December and was hosted in the Robotics Lab of the Science & Engineering Building.

There were a variety of projects that covered multiple industrial practices including agriculture, human-machine interface, industrial processes, and more. One of the participating projects was titled ‘Aerophonics with Weather Machine’ and was conceived and created by a student team. RJames Viloria, Juan Manriquez, and Amy Huerta have been working together on the agriculture-based project for nearly two semesters. The ambitious endeavor focuses on optimizing a controlled environmental system for more efficient farming.

» 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

Autumn bring luster to the skies

Uncategorized November 8, 2025 Leave a comment

‘Tis the season of clouds –

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

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

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

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

It was great seeing Karen Goh.

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

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

Trustee Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg.

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

Here is Board of Governors President Hildy Aguinaldo.

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

Director of CREL – Ellen Morris

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

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

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

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

» Read more!

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

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

» Read more!

Clovis Community College STEM Student Selected
to Attend Prestigious Youth Summit

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

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

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

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

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

» Read more!

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

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

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

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

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Santiago Canyon College:

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

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From Compton College:

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

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From Cuesta College:

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

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From Modesto Junior College:

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

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From Glendale Community College:

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

And From the Home of the Renegades

HBCU Caravan Returns to Bakersfield College

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

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

» Read more!

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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