Tag Archives: Ohlone College

May 25th remembered 63 years later

Uncategorized May 25, 2024 Leave a comment

Did you know that it was 63 years ago today – May 25, 1961 – that President John F. Kennedy gave his famous speech before Congress that the US “should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth.”

That goal was realized on July 20, 1969, with Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

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I began my week in Sacramento with the Board of Governors meeting. I want to extend a very special thank you to Paul Medina, who is ending his time as our student BOG member.

Back at home, I had a fun visitor in my pool:

I so enjoy the visiting ducks.

Neo…not so much.

Good morning California.
It is May 25, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Miramar College Earns Career Innovation Award

Miramar College is a proud recipient of the 2024 Career Innovation Award from The Career Leadership Collective. The team at The Career Leadership Collective was impressed by Miramar College’s innovative and equitable practices that the Career Education team is leading such as the Discover Series events which include Discover Your Passion, Discover Your Drive and Discover Your Superpower.

» Read more!

Ohlone Celebrates Junior Leadership Academy 2024 Graduation and Showcase

Ohlone College, held a graduation ceremony for its Junior Leadership Academy (JLA) students. This event marks a significant triumph for the students who have dedicated themselves to this transformative 15-week Spring semester series, emerging as equipped leaders ready to conquer challenges in the classroom, workplace, and community.

» Read more!

Sierra College Presents Dinosaur Day and Science Fest

Sierra College welcomed the community May 5 to the annual Dinosaur Day and Science Fest – a festival for all ages, focusing on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics), education, and so much more. The event featured hands-on activities, demonstrations, dissections, live animals and educational games. 

» Check out more photos!

Cypress College Students Coach Junior Chef Academy

From April 22 to 26, 11 Hotel, Restaurant, Culinary Arts students and graduates volunteered as Culinary Coaches for the third annual Junior Chef Academy (former Maple Master Chef Competition) at Commonwealth Elementary School in Fullerton. This event was organized by teacher Melissa Zaucha, and is the third time that Cypress College has helped mentor the budding bakers and cooks. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

California Community Colleges Honor Four
With Classified Employee of the Year Award

Four classified professionals, committed to equitable student outcomes, have been honored with the Classified Employee of the Year Award from the California Community Colleges Board of Governors.

The honorees, Yvette Garcia, Melissa Jauregui, Amanda Mellett and Anissa Mitchell were recognized at the Board of Governors meeting in Sacramento on May 20.

» Read more!

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AP: Community colleges offer clean energy training
as climate-related jobs expand across America

West Los Angeles College student Sarah Solis was featured in a recent AP piece about clean energy job training at community colleges.

“The 1,000-acre Inglewood Oil Field, near West Los Angeles College, where she first enrolled, was what pushed Solis to pursue environmental studies. She later switched to the school’s climate change degree, which was new at the time. Its climate offerings have grown since then; it now hosts the California Center for Climate Change Education.“

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From BOG Member Harry LeGrande:

Spent the morning at David Weir Elementary School in Fairfield assisting Principal Guerney handing out K-2 Awards for attendance, academics and citizenship. Totally inspiring to see parents and students there. Then went Teacher Julie Bictor’s 2nd grade class and signed and handed out promotion certificates to her class. Her class has Cal as it’s adopted college. Thanks to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office for providing the swag. Several second graders used the notebook to capture me and Ken Montgomery’s signatures to document the day.

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From Mission College:

What a wonderful time it was celebrating our international students at their Graduation Luncheon put on by the International Student Center on Wednesday, May 22! It was an inspiring event where we honored the incredible journeys and achievements of our students!

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From Compton College:

This past Sunday, our Head Baseball Coach, Shannon Williams, was the recipient of the 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers Teacher Appreciation Award!

Former and current student athletes he mentors, along with some our athletic staff, joined to celebrate and watch the head coach throw the first pitch for the LA Dodgers vs Cincinnati Reds game

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From Folsom Lake College:

Today we were excited to welcome a team from Mercy Hospital of Folsom including President/CEO Lisa Hausmann to discuss FLC’s Allied Health career education programs, bridging Mercy Folsom and FLC’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion efforts and improving access to healthcare for the Hispanic community, exploration of partnership opportunities, and touring the campus and the new science building.

Blast from the Past

Four years ago, I shared this video letter with my Bakersfield College colleagues following the death of George Floyd on Memorial Day 2020:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Campus Stories: Voices of AANHPI Scholars at Bakersfield College

In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, BC’s Student Government Association recently hosted Campus Stories: Voices of AANHPI Scholars at Bakersfield College.

The event featured a panel of three BC faculty and staff members and two BC students and was moderated by Bryan Hirayama, Professor of Communications at BC, all of whom are of AANHPI heritage. Each panel member shared stories from their individual experiences and answered questions about their families, cultural backgrounds, and educational and career journeys. Their stories of perseverance, overcoming obstacles, and personal achievements were truly inspirational and resonated strongly with those who gathered in the Renegade Events Center for the afternoon.

» 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

Celebrating the Courageous Leadership of California Community Colleges

Uncategorized December 9, 2023 Comments: 2

What a great first week of December!

On Wednesday, we held the final System Webinar for the year: Celebrating the Courageous Leadership of California Community Colleges.

As I wrap up 6 months in my role as state chancellor, I experience this attribute of courage everywhere and anywhere I go….

  • I see leaders who stand unwavering in commitment to equity in success, equity in access, and equity in support fearless in the face of adversity. 
  • I see leaders with a extraordinary ability to listen, to adapt, to learn and to drive change.
  • I see leaders who ignite passion and purpose, foster trust and empathy while challenging norms with determination.

It has been an amazing experience working with everyone at the chancellor’s office. We have accomplished so much this year, and I can’t wait to see what the future brings!

I enjoyed writing for the LIFT publication, you can find the 12-page pdf here. https://ed.fullerton.edu/lift/_resources/pdfs/lift_publications/LIFT%20YOUR%20VOICE%20Fall%202023.pdf

Good morning California.
It is December 9, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

CCC Faculty Selected for STEMSEAS Community College Oceanic Expedition

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Student Experiences Aboard Ships (STEMSEAS) is a multiyear project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF Grants 1701174 and 1701168) to provide students with inspirational opportunities to experience life on an oceanic research vessel.

A recent voyage from Seattle, Washington, to Honolulu, Hawaii, had a STEMSEAS team entirely comprised of community college science educators – including a few from California community colleges!

  • Dr. Tess Weathers, an Associate Professor in Engineering at Chabot College 
  • Roman P. de Jesus, professor of oceanography and Earth science at Fullerton College
  • Waverly Ray, professor of geography at San Diego Mesa College

» Read more!

» Learn about STEMSEAS!

Ohlone College Receives $400K Grant from
National Science Foundation to Boost Regional Innovation

Ohlone College is proud to announce that it has been awarded a significant grant of $400,000 from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) investment. This grant recognizes Ohlone College’s commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening regional partnerships.

» Read More!

Calbright Offers Student Leadership Training With Real Life Opportunities

While all students who come to Calbright learn key technical and career skills, their career aspirations vary widely. For students who want to move into management and leadership roles, Calbright has developed a set of optional leadership programs for them while they are completing their required coursework.  

» Read more!

Gavilan College Awarded $1.5M to Create Juvenile Justice Program

Annette Gutierrez, Director of Basic Needs; Noah Lystrup, Dean of Student Learning, Equity, Success for Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Susan Sweeney, Dean of Career Education Workforce and Educational Partnerships

Gavilan was awarded $1.5 million by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, over the next five years, to create the “Gavilan College Higher Aspirations Juvenile Justice Program,” a part of the Rising Scholars Network, beginning in January 2024.

» Read More!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Mission College:

Mission College’s celebration of Kwanzaa earlier this week was a vibrant occasion that provided all with an opportunity to come together and learn about the celebration of African heritage, unity, and community.

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From Allan Hancock College:

Hancock police officers responded to a call of an injured bird, which turned out to be a protected Killdeer Plover. The bird was rescued and turned over to our friends at the Santa Barbara County Animal Control.

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Check out these pictures from Cerro Coso Community College‘s Jingle Jog:

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Foreign Agriculture Service Administrator Daniel Whitley visited the College of the Desert to speak with faculty, staff and students about USDA internships and careers:

Blast from the Past

Check out this video from 2017, talking about student veterans at Bakersfield College:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College and The Open Door Network
Partner to Serve Vulnerable Populations

Bakersfield College Adult Education and celebrated its inaugural graduation ceremony for students of The Open Door Network on December 4th.

» 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

Moments that take our breath away

Uncategorized August 26, 2023 1 Comment

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.

I enjoyed seeing Jules last weekend, a sweet, well made movie about how a rural man’s life is turned upside down when a UFO crashes in his backyard and he befriends a mysterious alien. Ben Kingsley plays the 78-year old senior citizen, Milton, who has a routine life which includes taking his civic responsibilities seriously and attending the weekly city council meeting in quiet, cozy Boonton, Pennsylvania. Fellow senior citizens Sandy (Harriet Sansom Harris) and Joyce (Jane Curtin) become co-conspirators with Milton in keeping Jules, the alien, a secret from the rest of the town.

Kingsley is a fave of mine and I really liked his portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi in the 1982 movie Gandhi. He was born in England to a British mother and an Indian father of Gujarati descent.

I have always enjoyed Jane Curtain’s deadpan expression when delivering funny lines in Saturday Night Live…. also enjoyed both John Lithgow and Jane Curtain in 3rd Rock From The Sun.

Check out the trailer:

Talking about spaceships … India successfully landed a spacecraft on the moon’s surface. India is now the fourth country to land on the moon – and the first to land on the south pole.

Chandrayaan-3’s lunar rover Pragyan is now spending 2 weeks roaming around an area of the moon’s surface that has never before been explored.

Scientists think that there could be substantial quantities of water ice in the rocks of the polar craters, which are permanently in shadow. If this water can be extracted, it could lower costs of future human moon exploration, or be split into hydrogen and oxygen to make fuel for rockets.

Good morning California.
It is August 26, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

College of San Mateo Dual Enrollment Team Hosts Summer Experience

Earlier this month, the College of San Mateo Dual Enrollment team hosted a 2-day summer experience, “Strategies for Successful Teaching in Dual Enrollment” for the college’s new and returning faculty who will be teaching dual enrollment courses in the new academic year.

» Read more about CSM’s “Strategies for Successful Teaching in Dual Enrollment”

Oxnard College Receives $100,000 Grant from
Metallica’s All Within My Hands’ Scholars Initiative

Oxnard College has been selected to receive a $100,000 grant from the Grammy Award-winning band Metallica and its foundation, All Within My Hands. The award will support students in the college’s Culinary Arts, Dental Hygiene and Fire Academy programs as the band continues its multimillion-dollar investment in critical workforce programs at community colleges nationwide.

» Read more about the grant!

Ohlone College students join Tesla program for bright future

Ohlone College announces that 55 students joined the esteemed Tesla Manufacturing Development Program (MDP), paving the way toward a career in a high-tech, high-demand, high-paying industry. 

» Read more about this program!

In Case You Missed It

Public Policy Institute of California:
Improving College Access and Success through Dual Enrollment

The PPIC recently published a report about how College and Career Access Pathways Programs can improve access to higher education, as well as success for those students.

Students gain an array of benefits from participating in dual enrollment in both high school and college: participation is associated with higher high school completion, college readiness, attendance, retention, and academic achievement (Berger et al. 2014; Edmunds et. al 2015). Dual enrollment students also enroll in college at higher rates and accumulate more credits, earn higher GPAs, and attain overall higher achievement in college (Allen and Dadgar 2012; An 2013; CLP and KCCD 2022; Giani et al. 2014; Struhl and Vargas 2012; Fink, Jenkins, and Yanagiura 2017; Ryu et al. 2023).

» Read the report

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LA Times: A big remake is coming
to California community college education, new chancellor says

Recently, I spoke with LA Times reporter Debbie Truong about some of my goals for the California Community Colleges.

“The fundamental principle of Vision 2030 is the idea of taking college to the future learner. One is definitely dual enrollment. We have 436,000 eighth graders going into the ninth grade. What if, in the ninth grade, the default schedule was for those students to have at least a one college credit class — bringing college to them so they can start seeing what college is about. Twelve credits is a specific goal by the time they finish their four years of high school.”

» Read the article

» Read more about Vision 2030

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LA Times De Los: What former first-gen students wish they knew about college

I saw a piece in LA Times’ De Los publication about former first-gen students, including Audrey Dow – senior vice president at the Campaign for College Oportunity.

“I was this 18-year-old Chicana from East L.A. talking to this white professor, and he’s like, ‘My suggestion is you drop out.’ And I said, ‘Drop out of your course?’ And he said, ‘Drop out of Brown.’”

» Read the article

Blast From the Past

I was looking through old videos from my time as President of Bakersfield College, and came across this one from March 16, 2020.

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

CCC Deputy Chancellor Daisy Gonzales spoke at San Diego Mesa College’s convocation last week.

Thank you for the opportunity to share @CalCommColleges@sonyachristian#Vision2030 with @sdmesacollege@SDCCD President @PrezHands ! Mesa College is illuminating the path by shining a light on the potential to serve adult learners and youth in San Diego with urgency

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Compton College shared this student success story:

“At Compton College, Every Student is a Success Story! Congratulations to Kaitlyn Gomez who graduated from Compton Early High School in 2023, earning both a high school diploma and an associate degree from Compton College. She is headed to UC San Diego this fall to major in astrophysics. Through our partnership with Compton Unified School District dual enrolled high school students can earn both a diploma and a degree simultaneously – saving time and money in completing their higher education!“

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From Porterville College President Claudia Habib:

I met Arnold in the quad today. He shared his amazing journey from prison to college graduate @PCollegePirates & @Fresno_State and now full time advisor for #ProjectRebound and partner of our #TogetherWeCan Student Club and #RaisingScholars program for justice involved students.

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In the latest post from the Kern CCD TALE Blog, Robert Simpkins discusses his family’s trip to the Walt Disney Studio Lot in Burbank.

The historical marker outside Gelson’s Market on Hyperion Avenue in Los Feliz, marking the former location of the Walt Disney Animation Studio from 1926 to 1940. [Photo by Robert Simpkins]

Although the studio on Hyperion Avenue no longer exists (a Gelson’s market now stands in its place, but inside are photos of the studio), standing at its former site helped me feel the presence of all those early artists working together and wonder what impact they had on each other, as they each evolved creatively while working collaboratively.

I also wondered what the equivalent experience could be in my own field of education, and how to bring together educators of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives into a place where we could learn from each other, be inspired by each other, and seek to improve ourselves with each other’s support.

» Read the post

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And check out this video from Citrus College!

Students from the Citrus College Cosmetology program recently provided free haircuts to local elementary & middle school students to kick off the new school year with confidence & excitement. Thanks to @sierrasubaru for hosting the back-to-school event!

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Welcomes Students Back to School for Fall 2023

The first week of the fall semester was a success for new and returning students at Bakersfield College. All students had the opportunity to get involved in events and find community on campus

» 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

Working with a fun and dedicated team.

Uncategorized July 15, 2023 Leave a comment

This week marked the one-year anniversary of the first image from the James Webb Space Telescope. To celebrate, NASA released a new image of the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away. 

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Started last weekend with the new Indiana Jones movie. Absolutely enjoyed it … but then, I enjoy cinema, period. full stop.

If you are an Indiana Jones fan, I have organized the trailers of all five editions of the movie franchise for you here in one spot. Enjoy!

Indians Jones 1 – Raiders of the Lost Arc 1981

Indiana Jones 2 – Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

Indiana Jones 3 – Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Indiana Jones 4 – Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

Indiana Jones 5 – Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

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Now if you think I am all play and no work, let me disabuse you of this thought.

Last Tuesday, I attended the 9th Grade to Baccalaureate Dual Enrollment Convening hosted by American River College. I was on a panel with Chancellor Brian King and Board of Governors member Pam Haynes. What fun! We talked about Vision 2030: A Roadmap for California Community Colleges.

I loved Pam’s reference to the frequently-discussed image of 3 boys looking over a fence at a baseball game.

“Why do we even have the fence? Let’s tear down the fence.
We need all of our kids on the field!”

Cheryl Aschenbach (President of Academic Senate of California Community Colleges, Carina Hoffpauir (Academic Senate President, American River college) then moderated a faculty panel with Sandra Guzman (Academic Senate President, Sacramento City College) and Alisa Shubb (Academic Senate President, American River College). They discussed best practices related to dual enrollment, and how to increase dual enrollment with equity.

Frank Kobayashi, Interim President of American River College, and Scott Pitts, Principal at Inderkum High School, highlighted their institutions’ dual enrollment partnership.

Glad we snapped this photo with some of the presidents and chancellors who were in attendance.

President Frank Kobayashi, President Albert Garcia, President Art Pimentel, Board Member Pam Haynes, Chancellor Brian King, Sonya Christian, President Tawny Dotson, President Santanu Bandyopadhyay

We had a good turnout from the Chancellor’s Office.

Later that day, I headed to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office for an all-staff meeting. It was a great afternoon of fun and fellowship. This was my first time seeing all the staff together at an in-person gathering.

Thank you Daisy for snapping the selfie!

And as a surprise special guest, Pam Haynes also joined us for the all-staff meeting:

Pam was recently selected as one of the Spark Community Advisors for the 2023 OER Spark Grants Funding Cycle from the Michelson 20MM Foundation.

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After a busy and rewarding week, I returned home and was able to enjoy my calla lilies – an annual treat in my backyard.

And of course, I love coming back home to this sweet boy after a week away in Sacramento:

Good morning California.
It is July 15, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Jose City College Holds Equitable Dual Enrollment Expansion Workshop

Kylie Campbell (KCCD), Naomi Castro (CLP), Dr. Rowena Tomaneng (SJCC), Dr. LaTanya Williams (CCCCO), Dr. Rene Alvarez (SJCC)

A team from the Chancellor’s Office and Career Ladders Project headed to San Jose City College this week to lead a workshop on equitable dual enrollment expansion.

Thank you to SJCC President Dr. Rowena Tomaneng and Interim SJECCD Chancellor Dr. Beatriz Chaidez for convening your college team and high school partners to engage in activities and meaningful discussions around implementing and scaling dual enrollment opportunities for your students.

Dr. Rowena Tomaneng (SJCC) & Dr. Beatriz Chaidez 

So fun to see their mascot “Jagy” in these photos …check out San Jose’s SPOT campaign, which promotes Guided Pathways to their current and future students. 

Bill Gates Visits Chaffey College

In April, Bill Gates visited Chaffey College to explore the state and region’s efforts to streamline college pathways benefitting California students. Last month, he published a blog post about how Chaffey is using pathways to foster student success with equity.

» Read more about the visit!

Congressman Cárdenas Presents $2 Million to LA Mission College

 U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas announced $2 million in Community Project Funding to Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC) to increase and diversity STEM Workforce programs.

» Read more about the funding!

San Diego CCD Creates Pathways to College Credit

Miramar College Peer Mentor Breanna Hinojosa is one of the thousands of students who have benefitted from a decade-long partnership between the K-12 San Diego Unified School District and the San Diego Community College District.

» Read more about the partnership!

In Case You Missed It

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Inside HigherEd: Leadership Academy Provides Access,
Equity in Career Development

Inside HigherEd published a piece about Ohlone College’s Junior Leadership Academy, an optional 15-week program allowing learners across the community college to engage in career exploration and receive paid internship experience.

» Read the Article!

» Learn more about Ohlone College’s Junior Leadership Academy!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Las Positas College shared this update:

“LPC’s Classified Senate had a blast at their annual Retreat Cultivating Classified Connections! Together, they set their sights on Classified Senate Goals & Priorities for the 2023-2024 AY. #ClassifiedConnections #ProfessionalDevelopment #LPC“

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Lake Tahoe Community College Superintendent/President Jeff DeFranco shared a post about the new Mobility Hub:

“We’re thrilled to cut the ribbon for the state-of-art Mobility Hub @LakeTahoeCC
Made possible through the “Power of Partnership” with @LibertyUtil_CA & @TahoeTrans (TTD), whose electric buses charge & propel our community toward a greener future!”

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Chabot College and State Senator Aisha Wahab hosted a free immigration clinic at the Chabot College Event Center:

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Rowena Tomaneng shared this photo from LEAP Advance:

“<3 my #APAHE Pamilya! #Educate#Advocate#Advance“

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Students Participate in Internship Project with Kern County Sheriff’s Office

The Baccalaureate degree program in Industrial Automation collaborated with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office on a special robotics project. Recent Industrial Automation, Early College, Wonderful Education Shafter High School graduates had the opportunity to participate in this 2-day internship project utilizing their recently gained skills. 

Also this week, the City of Bakersfield awarded BC’s Launchpad a grant – the City of Bakersfield Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Technical Assistance and Grant Program, designed specifically for those who were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

» Read more about this week at Bakersfield College!

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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