Tag Archives: Orange Coast College

California Community Colleges driving climate action

This week was the C3 Converge2024 Climate Summit in Sacramento.

Thank you to Endee Grijalva for sharing this photo of the Kern CCD team!

We announced the Chancellor’s Climate Fellows at the event.

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Can you spot the moon? A pearl drop right above the green of the tree.

Good morning California.
It is September 21, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

U.S. Department of Commerce Leader Alejandra Castillo
Tours Chaffey College’s InTech Center

U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Castillo visited the Industrial Technical Learning Center with Congresswoman Norma Torres on July 26 to learn how the federal government can support workforce development in the Inland Empire. Castillo said that workforce development is not only important to the community, but also to national security because overseas organizations are investing in their people and technologies to define the future of the globe.

» Read more!


Napa Valley College Welcomes Students to New On-Campus Housing Complex

Move-in day for Napa Valley College’s $114 million student housing complex has arrived, and the chain-link construction fences that once enclosed the site feel like a distant memory.  River Trail Village comprises three multistory buildings at the north end of NVC’s campus along Highway 221. 

» Read more!


Skyline College Kick Off Fall 2024 With Earth Day Every Day Workshop

The Earth Day Every Day team kicked off the Fall 2024 semester with an interactive Flex Day workshop on supporting campus sustainability. This workshop was an opportunity to learn more about what Skyline students, staff and faculty do to promote sustainability and make every day Earth Day at Skyline College. 

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

California Community Colleges Announces Fellows for
Chancellor’s New Climate Fellows Program

This week, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office announced five fellows will take part in the inaugural Chancellor’s Climate Fellows Program – a two-year commitment for faculty and staff to support statewide level climate related work with Chancellor Christian and the Chancellor’s Office.

The fellows are:

  • Carla Grandy, vice president of Instruction, College of San Mateo
  • Holly Bailey-Hoffman, faculty, West Los Angeles College
  • Tonya Huff, faculty, Riverside City College
  • David Liebman, Energy & Sustainability manager, Santa Rosa Junior College
  • Norma Rojas-Mora, associate vice chancellor, Public Affairs and Development, Kern Community College District

» Read more!

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California Community Colleges: Leading the Way on Climate Action

This inaugural report will highlight the unique roles in climate action of the California Community Colleges, the largest system of higher education in the nation. The report details the California Community Colleges’ work to date across three fields of climate practice: Workforce Development and Curriculum, Assistance to Communities for Climate Resilience, and Sustainability in Facilities and Operations. Additionally, the report serves as a resource for colleges, partners, policymakers, funders and beyond to learn about connection between the system and climate issues, leveraging the California Community Colleges to advance climate solutions across the network and state.

» Read the Report!

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Survey: 86% of Students Already Use AI in Their Studies

For its 2024 Global AI Student Survey, the Digital Education Council gathered 3,839 responses from bachelor, masters, and doctorate students across 16 countries. The students represented multiple fields of study. On average, surveyed students use 2.1 AI tools for their courses. ChatGPT remains the most common tool used, cited by 66% of respondents, followed by Grammarly and Microsoft Copilot (each 25%).

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Long Beach City College:

LBCC is expanding our global reach! Our delegation, which included Yvonne Gutierrez-Sandoval, Dean of Enrollment Services and Dr. Nina Richardson, Director of International Studies recently traveled to Cambodia for the groundbreaking of our new recruitment center in Phnom Penh. This center represents LBCC’s dedication to providing educational opportunities for Cambodian students and strengthening our partnerships with the Ministry of Education, Cambodian Chamber of Commerce, and local universities/high schools. We’re excited for the growth and possibilities this brings for our LBCC community!

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Cuesta College shared this video for HSI Week:

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From Orange Coast College:

Thanks for joining us for the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration earlier this week! The celebration included a mooncake and tea tasting, origami crafting, and a lion dance performance.

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And check out this video from Copper Mountain College – Their Area 62 podcast produced a Tiny Cactus Concert:


And From the Home of the Renegades

The 40th Annual Kern Shakespeare Festival

The Kern Shakespeare Festival is back and bigger than ever! For our historic 40th season, we’re inviting back old friends, welcoming new faces, and celebrating 40 incredible years of producing Shakespeare in Kern County. This year’s plays are an exciting collection of comedy, drama, hilarity, and emotion. You won’t want to miss any of the action!

» 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 wonderful world

I began my week at the celebration of life for Delaine Eastin. She was a true pioneer for California education, and was the first – and only – female state superintendent.

The Westminster Church in Sacramento was packed. Daisy Gonzales opened the program with inspirational comments followed by a series of speakers and singers giving us sneak peeks into the life of a legend. Delaine must have loved Louis Armstrong’s A Wonderful World ….. two your women perfectly performed the song. Let’s take a moment to listen to A Wonderful World, enjoy the melody and the uplifting words.

I see trees of green
Red roses too
I see them bloom
For me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world

… I see skies of blue
And clouds of white
The bright blessed day
The dark sacred night
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world

Later in the week, I spoke at the annual Online Teaching Conference. I was especially
excited to have the opportunity to mobilize our faculty and colleges in expanding and
improving our online presence. My talk focused on the intersection of AI, OER, and Online.

After the online conference I stopped by the UDW rally at the Santa Ana Zoo and joined four of our colleges (Saddleback, Santa Ana, Santiago Canyon, and North Orange Continuing Ed) to advance our low-income worker pathways demonstration project.


At home – I had a mother duck and baby duck visit this week!

Good morning California.
It is June 29, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cerritos College Alumna Helps Create Endowment to
Support Single Parents Pursuing Nursing

The Cerritos College Foundation announced that alumna Sharon Reichle created an endowment to fund scholarships for single-parent students in the nursing program. Sharon committed $125,000 to be paid over the next five years and $25,000 yearly thereafter until her passing. She has also included the Cerritos College Foundation in her estate plan. 

» Read more!


Orange Coast College’s Celebrates First Graduating Cohort
of Community Health Worker Program

Orange Coast College conferred certificates to the inaugural cohort of 18 students who completed the Community Health Worker program on Friday, May 17. Generously funded by the Samueli Foundation, Orange Coast College has developed a program that addresses the urgent need for certificated community health workers in the health and nonprofit sectors. These workers are crucial in filling service gaps for at-risk individuals and connecting those underserved by the traditional healthcare system with culturally competent health and social services.

» Read more!


Citrus College offers textbook alternatives to decrease student costs

With rising higher education expenses and inflation impacting the cost of living, many students are finding it increasingly difficult to pursue their academic goals. In an effort to remove one of the financial obstacles facing students, Citrus College faculty members have begun using open educational resources/zero textbook cost (OER/ZTC) options in their classrooms.

» Read more!


Golden West College Receives $2M+ To Expand
High School to Bachelor’s Nursing Pathways

On Thursday, April 4 the CalOptima Health Board of Directors approved a grant of $2,040,000 through its Provider Workforce Development Initiative to the Coast Community College District (CCCD) to expand the Running Start to Nursing pathway at Golden West College (GWC) and develop a K–12 pathway to the Radiologic Technology Certificate program at Orange Coast College. The Coast District is matching the grant with $2,710,000 in statewide Strong Workforce grant funds, for a combined $4.75 million.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Bridging Pathways: Strengthening Community College Transfer

Save the date for the AICCU 2024 Annual Meeting, October 8-9 in Sacramento. AICCU President Kristen Soares and I will discuss strengthening the relationship between the independent higher education sector and community colleges to improve transfer pathways.

» Find out more and register!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Coastline College:

This past week, we hosted our annual Career Exploration camp for local high school students at our Garden Grove Campus! Students developed skills and were introduced to various career educational fields. The event was a great success!

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From Tina Maria King at San Diego College of Continuing Education:

I enjoyed spending the past few days with the Black CEOs of the CCCS. We covered personal wellness, financial education, Yoga, box breathing and more techniques to keep us whole and healthy. Thank you @drshaunharper for hosting a phenomenal retreat at @uscraceequity!

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From Hartnell College:

The Umoja team accepted a proclamation from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors for the Salinas Juneteenth Celebration. Hartnell student Sierra Bryant accepted the recognition from Supervisor Luis Alejo. We honor the efforts of Dr. Kendra Cabrera and Ms. Aysa Guillory.

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And check out this great video from Antelope Valley College:


Blast from the Past

Going back to 2020, here are my remarks to Kern County graduates:


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration

The Bakersfield College Student Government Association (BCSGA) and A2Mend hosted a special event honoring and celebrating Juneteenth. Students, faculty, staff, and community members were invited to participate in the celebration which included food and fellowship, all while emphasizing the significance of the Juneteenth holiday.

» 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 care of our planet

Last Sunday, I joined 123.4 million people in watching the Super Bowl, what a game….

I enjoyed Reba McEntire’s rendition of the National Anthem.

And one of my all time favorites Usher’s halftime performance.

Check out the video at this link. His best song “Yeah” starts at 10:30 timestamp, but the whole 13 minutes are worth a watch.

After all that, it was right to work for another busy week.

On Monday I was at a climate summit hosted by Second Nature and was on a panel with
Chancellor Millie Garcia, CSU, and Executive Vice President Nathan Brostrom, UC. The panel was moderated by Lande Ajose, who is now with Waverley foundation.

It is impressive what all the systems are doing as it relates to climate action. 

Chancellor Garcia, Lande Ajose, Nathan Brostrom, Sonya Christian

Here are a few points I made about our work:

  • The three fields of climate practice – facilities, workforce, community
  • For facilities: The Board of Governors has adopted the Climate Action and Sustainability Framework and Goals which includes specific measurable goals for 2025 through 2035. By 2025, colleges are encouraged to benchmark metrics for reliance on greenhouse gas, energy usage by campus, water usage, waste, purchasing and procurement, fleet vehicle composition and purchases, and sustainable food purchases. By 2030, the plan calls for specific reductions in each category, and by 2035 districts are encouraged to reach zero net greenhouse gas emissions and all goals as summarized in the table below.
  • Workforce: Gave examples of the different regional work with coastal colleges working on aspects of the blue economy to the central valley focusing on Agtec.
  • Community: CCs being the anchor institutions for the community including shelters during disasters.

Tom Epstein, member of the Board of Governors, attended the event and participated in an invitation-only discussion with governing boards and presidents.

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On Tuesday, I attended a Vision 2030 event at LA Southwest College. Paul Medina was also
at the event. It feels great seeing how colleges are really committed to operationalizing the
various elements of Vision 2030. I love this picture that we took with the students. You can
see President Anthony Culpepper beaming with pride.

With the students of LA southwest College

BOG member Paul Medina, President Anthony Culpepper, Sonya Christian, Jeremiah Stevens, Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez
Sonya Christian, Dr. Erum Syed, Academic Senate President

Good morning California.
It is February 17, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!


Cabrillo College Unveils Mural Celebrating HSI Designation

Cabrillo College unveiled a new mural created by tudent artists of the Fall 2023 ART 91 Mural class, guest muralist, Yermo Aranda, and their instructor, Danielle Torvik-Staffen. This project, funded by Cabrillo College’s HSI Task Force, is intended to celebrate the College’s designation as an Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).


Golden West College Art Gallery Presents:
In the Places Beneath the Sand by Lorenzo Baker

The Golden West College Art Gallery is pleased to present In the Places Beneath the Sand, a solo exhibition from multimedia conceptual artist Lorenzo Baker, curated by Jasmine McNeal. The show, which will run from Feb 1–29, coincides with the start of Black History Month and explores different forms of light, tracing the visibility of Black spaces and their effects on universal truths.

» Read more!


Cypress College Student Recognized for Outstanding Community Service

A Cypress College student has won the Surfer of Distinction award for his outstanding contributions to the community. Then 18-year-old Andrew Baldwin was nominated for his humanitarian efforts to support the Navajo Nation during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Report: 4 Ways to Engage and Graduate Stopped-Out Students

Over six million Californians aged 25 to 64 have completed some college but have yet to earn a credential, according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. A new report from California Competes identifies four themes in supporting stopped-out students to help them re-enroll and attain degrees in California.

Through interviews, researchers learned institutions have an opportunity to better support students’ degree-completion rates through adaptation to adult learner needs, strategic outreach, removing barriers to enrollment and providing personalized support.

» Read more!

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2024 CACCRAO Annual Conference – Register Now!

The annual CACCRAO conference is the organization’s premiere event, where members benefit from a wealth of information pertinent to their areas of operation.

The conference includes keynote speakers such as the California Community Colleges Chancellor and Admissions and Records professionals throughout the state. In addition, information on regulatory developments, budgetary issues, technology, and many other topics are presented and explored. With the support of the association, CACCRAO members have an opportunity to gain meaningful insights that will develop sound enrollment and record-keeping practices that comply with the prescribed regulatory framework of the California Community College system.

The event is March 24th, 2024 in Sacramento, CA.

» Read more & register!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Gavilan College:

The Welcome Center introduced UbiDuo devices to bridge communication gaps between the deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing. This was championed by peer mentors Kristiana Stricker and Kylie Silvia.

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From the Campaign for College Opportunity:

We are proud to announce that our President, Michele Siqueiros (@MSCollegeOpp), has been selected as a recipient of The James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award for championing college access & student success for all Californians!

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From Napa Valley College:

Happy Valentine’s Day, Storm! Today, we’re sending a special thank you to ASNVC for spreading love on campus by passing out flowers to students!

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And check out this recipe for Honey Butter Toast from Orange Coast College chef Phi Nguyen:


Blast from the Past

Check out my remarks in this 12-min video from the Leadership Summit at Bakersfield College, back in May 2017!


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Theater Program Presents 2024 Spring Play Festival

Bakersfield College’s Theater Program announced the details of their 2024 Spring Play Festival, featuring four contemporary plays directed by BC Theatre students. The festival will be presented from February 28 to March 10, with all four shows presented in the Edward Simonsen Indoor Theatre at Bakersfield College. Tickets are available at the BC Performing Arts Eventbrite page.

» 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

CACCs celebrating our very best

This week started in Sacramento with a Board of Governors meeting.

One of the best things we get to do is celebrate the work of our community colleges, and this meeting was no different.

Chabot College, Glendale College, MiraCosta College and San Diego Mesa College have been honored by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors with 2023-24 Exemplary Program Awards in partnership with the statewide Academic Senate.

Good morning California.
It is January 27, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!


De Anza College Wins NEH Grant for Oral History Projects

De Anza has received its first-ever grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, providing $150,000 for an ambitious, three-year effort to create and expand oral history programs focused on historically marginalized communities.

» Read more!


Cerritos College Economic Development Center
for Corporate Training Receives $500K Grant

The Cerritos College Economic Development Center for Corporate Training received a $500,000 grant from the California Employment Training Panel (ETP)

» Read more!


Orange Coast College President Earns National Honor

The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) recognized Orange Coast College president, Dr. Angelica Suarez, as the recipient of its 2024 National President’s Award — the first California community college president to be honored with this prestigious award. This award is the highest honor NASPA bestows on a college or university president or chancellor.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

LIFT 2024 Webinar Series

The Classified Professional Leadership and Career Advancement Series is developed and hosted by the Leadership Institute for Tomorrow in collaboration with the California Community College Chancellor’s Office.

The four webinars are scheduled on Fridays during the noon hour 12-1 p.m.

The first webinar will be on Friday, February 9:
Cracking the Code: Navigating Campus Politics for Classified Professionals

» Learn more & Register Now!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Napa Valley College:

Congratulations to President Torence Powell for being among ‘the 24 to Watch in 2024,’ as recognized by The Press Democrat!

His impactful words resonate: ‘For many students, their success is determined by their potential to receive support in basic needs. To provide assistance in those areas significantly increases their chance of success and persistence.’ A true advocate for student well-being!

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From Cañada College:

Yesterday marked a journey into the heart of Shogatsu at the Cultural Center. From the allure of osechi snacks to the artistry of mochi-making, we embraced diverse New Year traditions. Kite-making and Daruma goal-setting added interactive joy, creating a day filled with cultural richness and shared experiences!

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From Compton College:

Every student is a success story!

Compton College 2023 graduate Shyanne Bradley wants others to know that even in times of crisis, one can always change their circumstances. “I’m just like anyone else that is indecisive about going to school but I want to emphasize that even as a mom, attending college is possible. It’s harder, but possible,” said Bradley.

The mother of two enrolled at Compton College in the summer of 2021 and graduated in 2023 with three associate degrees — in biological and physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and arts and humanities. Bradley was also honored as a 2023 Presidential Scholar, maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

“To have Compton College in my corner has given me the push I need to be the best I can be, and I know I can continue to do so much more,” said Bradley. “I’m doing this for myself and my children so they can see that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”

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From Antelope Valley College:

Our Achieving the Dream coaches met with students, classified professionals, faculty and administrators to learn more about the student journey at AVC. Our coaches engaged in meaningful conversation with various members of our campus community, and will use the feedback provided to enhance the student experience at AVC.


Blast from the Past

Check out this video from Bakersfield College’s Opening Day Spring 2021, about Competency Based Education:


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Promotes Healthy Nutrition With Food Smarts Workshop

The Office of Student Life at Bakersfield partnered with the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) for a series of workshops highlighting healthy food and nutrition choices. They hosted the first of these workshops on January 23rd in the Campus Center on BC’s main campus and Zoom.
 
During the workshop, over 50 students learned about healthy living, positive nutrition choices, and cultivating healthy behaviors in themselves and their families. Throughout the workshop, attendees were invited to sample some delicious foods made with healthy ingredients.

» 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 wrapping up August 2023 in a big way

As summer comes to a close …. another glorious Bakersfield sunset:

Was another busy week at the California Community Colleges.

On Tuesday, we reached agreement with Doug Moore, Executive Director of United Domestic Workers, for the Pathways for Workers Demonstration Project.

We also launched the Apprenticeship Pathways Demonstration Project with 25 Districts and with Dr. Marvin Martinez and Rancho Santiago taking the lead. This project aims to give college credit to apprentices for “on the job” training through their apprenticeship programs. 

Later Tuesday, the Foundation for California Community Colleges hosted a reception at the California Museum. It was wonderful to see so many colleagues from across the state, as well as representatives from philanthropic organizations.

Everyone who worked on and presented at the program was magnificent – special thanks to Keetha Mills; Daisy Gonzales; Amy Costa; Andra Hoffman, President of CCC Trustees; Chanelle Win, VP SSCCC; Hildy Aguinaldo; Cheryl Aschenbach, President of the Academic Senate; Manuel Payan, CSEA; Julianna Barnes, President of CEO Board and Chair of the League Board; Francisco Rodriguez, Chancellor of LA District; and Pam Haynes.

On Thursday, I joined new CSU Chancellor Millie Garcia and UC President Michael Drake, Superintendent Tony Thurmond, Secretary Stewart Know, Academic Senate President Cheryl Aschenbach, and others, as Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Career Education Executive Order in West Sacramento.

Good morning California.
It is September 2, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Bernardino Valley College’s Summer Bridge Program Prepares Students for College Life

For two weeks in July, more than 200 Valley-Bound Commitment students came to San Bernardino Valley College for Summer Bridge and enrolled in the Orientation to College course, where they learned about the academic and vocation programs available and watched presentations from different departments. They also had the opportunity to meet staff members and explore the campus to become familiar with it before the first day of the fall semester.

» Read more about SBVC’s Summer Bridge program!


Sky’s the Limit Observatory Becomes Satellite Campus for
Copper Mountain College Astronomy Classes

Just in time for Fall Semester Astronomy classes, an Affiliation Agreement between Copper Mountain College and Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center has established the observatory as a satellite campus for the college’s Astronomy courses.

Astronomy students from CMC will have as their “laboratory,” the dark desert skies of Twentynine Palms, on the border of Joshua Tree National Park.

» Read more about the agreement!


NASA Competition lands at Orange Coast College

Orange Coast College played host to NASA’s Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) Robotics competition. This 4-day engineering design challenge brought students together from OCC and Southwestern College who had completed two online events earlier this year.

» Read more about the competition!


100 Black Men of the Inland Empire Establishes Umoja Scholarship Fund at Riverside Community College District

Riverside Community College District (RCCD) is pleased to announce a collaboration with 100 Black Men of The Inland Empire (100 BMIE) to introduce the 100 BMIE Umoja Scholarship Fund. This investment from 100 BMIE underscores their commitment to supporting youth and young adults in their pursuit of higher education and academic excellence.



In Case You Missed It

Inside Higher Ed: Community Colleges Double Down on Dual Enrollment

The number of students taking advantage of dual enrollment has grown slowly since California lawmakers adopted a new, more structured framework for dual enrollment in 2015. The new program, College and Career Access Pathways, was designed to expand dual-enrollment opportunities “for students who may not already be college bound” by removing “fiscal” and “policy barriers.”

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Bakersfield College‘s Basic Needs Center and Nexus ribbon-cutting:

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California Treasurer Fiona Ma was a guest speaker at one of Fresno City College‘s political science classes:

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From Cabrillo College‘s new student welcome:

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And check out this video from Mission College about the Community College Collaborative project, with Mission College offering classes at Elmwood Correctional Facility.


And From the Home of the Renegades

Veterans Plaza Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Bakersfield College held a ribbon cutting ceremony to honor the Veterans plaza located in the center of the Panorama Campus. 

The plaza was built over the Summer of 2023 as a devotion and recognition of the Bakersfield College student veterans who serve our country. There are pillars with quotes from current veteran staff, faculty, and current veteran students and sitting areas for others to sit and learn about the people who fight for our freedom. 

» Read more about the ceremony!

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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