Tag Archives: #OurTimeisNow

September 27, 2025

September 24 plan: McDonald’s fries for Mom’s birthday. Reality: work hijacked the day, so I honored mom with bonus potato chips. Happy birthday mom. Miss you everyday.

It was back to Orange County this week as we kicked off the California Adult Education Summit in Anaheim.

This annual event is presented by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the California Department of Education in partnership with the CAEP Technical Assistance Providers, North Orange Continuing Education, the Sacramento County Office of Education, and the Foundation for California Community Colleges.

Good morning California.
It is September 27, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Diego City College Celebrates Grand Opening of AANHPI Connections Center

San Diego City College proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Connections Center on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. The event, held at the Business and Technology Quad, marked the official launch of the college’s newest identity space dedicated to fostering belonging, cultural pride, and student success.

» Read more!


Solano Community College Unveils Solar-Powered Soofa Signs,
Ushering in a New Era of Smart, Sustainable Campus Communication

Solano Community College (SCC) proudly announces the installation of solar-powered Soofa Signs across its Fairfield campus, marking a significant stride toward sustainable innovation and enhanced community engagement. These state-of-the-art digital kiosks, powered entirely by solar energy, provide real-time information on campus events, transit updates, and community news, aligning seamlessly with SCC’s commitment to environmental stewardship and modern communication. 

» Read more!


College of the Siskiyous Partners with NACCE
to Launch Everyday Entrepreneur Program

College of the Siskiyous (COS) is proud to announce its participation in the Everyday Entrepreneur (EE) Program, a national initiative led by the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) that empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to start and grow small businesses in their local communities. The program is designed to serve both students and community members with the ambition and passion to create or expand a small business.

» Read more!


Citrus College Expands Nursing Program

Citrus College is significantly expanding its Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program to prepare more graduates for successful health care careers. This growth is in response to increased student demand and will help address the region’s critical shortage of skilled medical professionals. For more than a year, Citrus College has collaborated closely with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) to grow the scope of the program. Last month, the BRN granted the college its official approval to increase enrollment from 30 to 120 students each year, opening the door for more aspiring nurses to begin their careers.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

OPINION: Rural community colleges are uniquely positioned to tackle complex regional challenges and drive community transformation. Here’s how

Every person deserves a place close to home where they can learn, grow and build a better future. In rural areas, that place is often a community college.  

But in today’s environment, community colleges are under threat. Enrollment has been declining for most of the past 15 years as increasing numbers of Americans question the value of higher education. Recent reductions in federal support for college programs and for low-income Americans will almost certainly create additional pressure on community colleges to deliver education more effectively and efficiently.  

But improving delivery alone will not be enough to regain trust, enrollment and government investment. Rural community colleges must become rural development hubs, delivering value by bridging economic, social and civic sectors to address regional challenges.  

» Read more!

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Santiago Canyon College/UC Irvine Partnership
Streamlines Master’s Degree in Accounting

Students who earn an associate degree in accounting at Santiago Canyon College are well-prepared for a variety of entry-level positions, as well as promotional opportunities, in such areas as accounts receivable/payable, income tax preparation, payroll and more.

However, those seeking to aim higher are encouraged to enter a unique program that will fast-track them toward an eventual master’s degree in this in-demand field.

Created through a partnership between SCC and UC Irvine, the SCC and UCI 2+2+1 Masters of Accountancy Pathway Program closes the gap between a community college and a graduate degree. Students spend two years completing prerequisite courses at SCC, earn a bachelor’s degree at UCI (or another accredited four-year university) over the next two years and complete UCI’s Master of Professional Accountancy Program the final year: hence the term “2+2+1.”

» Read more!



Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Fresno City College:

California Native American Day – A celebration with drummers, dancers, cultural practitioners, artists & poets

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From Cañada College:

Womxn of Color Collaborative kicked off Fall 2025 with a powerful Community Circle!
Students, faculty, and staff shared reflections on today’s social and political climate, found affirmation, and wrapped up with food & fellowship. 

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From Ventura College:

La Batalla Esta Aquí We celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a multimedia presentation explaining the Chicano/a Movement. Thank you Dr. Elias Serna for this great discussion about ethnic studies.

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From College of Marin:

Club Fest 2025 is in the books! Thanks to everyone who joined us, here’s to an exciting year ahead!

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From De Anza College:

Welcome Day was a blast! Thank you to everyone who made this day possible. We were so glad to see so many of you back on campus today for the start of fall quarter!



And From the Home of the Renegades

VP of Student Services César Jiménez Named to 20 Under 40

Bakersfield College is proud to celebrate Vice President of Student Services César Jiménez, who has been recognized as one of Bakersfield’s 20 Under 40.

At 39, César has already built a career defined by service and community impact. Born and raised in Chicago, he came to Bakersfield in 2023 and quickly found a home here, embracing the city’s mix of opportunity and small-town connection. “I have been loving every single moment living in this great city,” he says.

» 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

BOG at NOCE

This week the Board of Governors headed to the NOCE Anaheim Campus. I love having the opportunity to visit our campuses!

And look who we met – Lindon, NOCE’s first-ever Facility Dog! NOCE does a great job, with innovative ways to keep students, staff and faculty healthy and reduce stress.

We had a wonderful lunch at Cypress Bistro, Cypress College’s student-run bistro, located on the Anaheim campus.

It was a fabulous visit.

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My daughter sent me this beautiful Bessie video.  I thought I would share it with you.

Bessie six years old.  Forever young.

Good morning California.
It is September 20, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Laney College Program Builds Bridge to Union Careers for Students

In a bold step toward expanding access to union careers, Laney College is offering students a direct pathway into high-demand construction trades through a new pre-apprenticeship program. Developed in partnership with the Alameda County Building Trades Council (ACBTC) and the Construction Trades Workforce Initiative (CTWI), the program is already transforming lives and strengthening ties between education and labor.

» Read more!


Barstow Community College and IEHP Foundation Launch
a Three-Year, Community-Driven Health Initiative in Barstow

Barstow Community College (BCC) is proud to announce a new partnership with IEHP Foundation to launch Vibrant Villages, a community-driven health improvement initiative in Barstow through a three-year investment of over $600,000. The college will partner with IEHP Foundation to lead a collaborative initiative aimed at improving health and wellness in the region by working with Barstow community members to identify the critical health priorities for students and all residents of Barstow.

» Read more!


Landmark $9.2M State Investment in Merced AgTech Alliance Accelerates
Central Valley Innovation and Economic Growth

Ahistorically underserved region is set for transformation as Merced and California’s Central Valley secure a record $9.2 million California Jobs First investment—the state’s largest agtech award to date. The Merced AgTech Alliance, led by the Community Foundation of Merced County, Merced College, UC Merced, and the Reservoir, will launch immediate, shovel-ready projects to create more than 3,000 high-quality jobs, support over 100 agtech startups, and provide 250 internships for underserved populations.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Transfer Project Update: from CCC ‘demo’ to national stage at CCA

The demonstration status that the Central Valley Transfer Project was conferred by California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian in 2023 has been elevated with the inclusion of the project into the CCC “Vision 2030,” the system announced recently.

Simultaneously, the Transfer Project became formalized when the California State Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom approved state funding for all colleges to align with the “Program Pathways Mapper” software platform that is the Transfer Project’s central feature.  

Now, CVHEC announces that its team will present the Transfer Project at the Complete College America national conference later this fall along with the Central Valley Math Bridge Program presented by College Bridge.

» Read more!

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Clovis Community College Puts Industry 4.0
Into The Hands Of Students & Teachers

Next to the robotic arms, the off-the-shelf miniature smart homes may not appear to be a key part of Clovis Community College’s Automation, Robotics & Mechatronics lab, but this unassuming hardware is providing students and instructors alike with a unique opportunity to build industry-grade automation applications.

Located in Fresno, California, Clovis Community College is well-regarded for its high transfer rate to four-year institutions. Now, by incorporating Ignition into its curriculum, Clovis is giving students in its Automation, Robotics & Mechatronics program the tools to develop a multifaceted skillset suited to both future higher-learning endeavors and local industry.

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Napa Valley College:

Yesterday, we were honored to welcome our community to the rededication of Napa Valley College’s Japanese Tea Garden. First established in 1981 as a gift from our sister city, Iwanuma, Japan, the garden has long been a place of friendship, reflection, and cultural connection.

Thanks to the dedication of alumni and community members, the garden has been lovingly restored through NVC’s Cultural Spaces Initiative. During the ceremony, we witnessed traditional blessings, offered incense, and walked together through the beautifully renewed space. We are grateful to all who joined us in celebrating this special place—a lasting symbol of cultural exchange and community at NVC.

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From Mission College:

We were so happy to see everyone at the Pop Over to Counseling event! It was nice seeing students connecting with our counselors and sharing fun moments yesterday.

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From El Camino College:

Shout out to the Transfer Center for putting together a terrific University Fair! Reps from over 50 colleges and universities were on campus to connect with our Warriors for their next chapter after ECC.

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From San Joaquin Delta College Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson:

Happy Latinx Heritage Month! Was reminded once again of Delta’s incredible diversity at our Pachanga Presente flag parade this week

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And check out this video from San Diego Mesa College:

An Exhibit Highlighting African American Women’s Clothing from 1890 to 1963. Curated by Kenneth Green.


And From the Home of the Renegades

Umoja Students Share Stories from Their Study Abroad Opportunity in Egypt

The Umoja program at Bakersfield College recently hosted a discussion panel featuring six students who participated in a study abroad opportunity in Egypt during the Summer. This incredible trip included visits to the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Temple of Karnak, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and more.

Several BC students, staff, and administrators gathered in CC 231, eager to hear amazing stories from the panelists. Dr. Paula Parks, Coordinator of the Umoja ASTEP community at BC, welcomed attendees and expressed excitement that the students had the opportunity to share their experiences in Egypt.

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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

Chancellor’s AI Fellows Program

This week was the AI Futures Summit in Santa Clara. This year’s theme was Educational Innovation in the Digital Era.

One highlight of the summit was that the Chancellor’s Office AI Fellows Program hosted its first retreat for the inaugural cohort. This group includes 13 AI Fellows that will develop frameworks, guidelines, and resources that support the responsible adoption of AI technologies across all 116 colleges.

Good morning California.
It is September 13, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Butte College Breaks Ground on Chico Center Expansion

Butte College officially broke ground on its Chico Center Expansion Project, a $27.2 million investment that will add nearly 24,000 square feet of new facilities to serve students in Chico and the surrounding communities.

» Read more!


Norco College Sees Success with Disposable Glove Recycling Pilot Study

Last spring, Norco College’s Sustainability and Climate Action Committee launched an initiative to redirect disposable glove waste away from landfills and into recycling centers. The project salvaged nearly six pounds of gloves, masks, and hairnets from the Coral in just one month.

» Read more!


Yuba College Manufacturing Team Wins National Championship
in Project MFG’s Clash of Trades

 Yuba College’s Advanced Manufacturing program is celebrating a national victory after three of its students claimed first place in Project MFG’s Clash of Trades, a televised competition that challenges the best and brightest in advanced manufacturing, computer numerical control (CNC) machining and additive technologies. Competing June 10 to 12 at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, Illinois, students Phoenix Farrell, 19, Adam Davis, 21, and Wyatt Curry, 21, represented Yuba College in the final round against Central Alabama Community College, Everett Community College and Autry Technology Center. The trio walked away as national champions and with $100,000 in prize money. Half will go to support the college’s manufacturing program, while the other half was split among the three students.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

California Community Colleges & Google Launch Nation’s
Largest Higher Education Systemwide AI Partnership

Google today unveiled a major collaboration with the California Community Colleges that will provide more than 2 million students and faculty across the state’s 116 community colleges with free access to AI trainingGoogle Career Certificates, and some of Google’s cutting-edge AI tools including Gemini for Education and NotebookLM. The announcement came during the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Futures Summit 2025, an event designed to drive digital transformation and innovation across the California Community Colleges. The system will also be one of the first members of Google’s AI for Education Accelerator, an initiative specifically designed to help prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow. This announcement with Google represents a significant expansion and investment in workforce development within higher education, positioning California’s community college students at the forefront of the AI-driven economy.

» Read more!

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California Community Colleges Launches Nation’s
Most Ambitious AI Integration Initiative

This week at the Futures Summit 2025, the California Community Colleges – the largest and most diverse higher education system in the country – will officially announce the launch of its Chancellor’s Office AI Fellows program, a bold new initiative aligned with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s statewide AI agenda and designed to make California the national leader in equitable AI education and workforce development.

The inaugural cohort of 13 AI Fellows will develop frameworks, guidelines, and resources that support the responsible adoption of AI technologies across all 116 colleges, which serve 2.1 million students and employ 88,000 professionals. Fellows will specialize in critical focus areas including AI assessment and learning analytics, AI infrastructure, AI professional development, AI research and innovation, AI student support services, AI in teaching and learning, and AI workforce development.

» Read more!

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California faces a nursing shortage. Community colleges can help

The road to becoming a nurse in California has been paved with roadblocks, sharp turns and bottlenecks. Where that education is offered has a lot to do with it.

As someone who has lived every long mile and continued to drive forward, I believe the solution lies in expanding the ability for California’s community colleges to offer bachelor of science degrees in nursing. 

Community colleges are where many nurses start. They should be where we have the chance to finish as we shift into our careers.

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Evergreen Valley College:

Many of our original and early faculty (or their families) from our opening in 1975… Walter Soellner, Linda Roy, Ron Fisher, Sami Ibrahim, Evonne Davenport, Karen Strelitz (wife of our first president, Gerald Strelitz), Rose Higashi and Susan Morgado (daughter of Gene Morgado, our original auto faculty)

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From College of San Mateo:

What an incredible Transfer Day at CSM!
Nearly 60 colleges, universities, and private schools from across California and beyond visited campus, providing students with the opportunity to meet representatives, ask questions, and learn about some of their dream schools.
A huge thank-you to our Transfer Services team for organizing this packed event and to our amazing student leaders for helping spread the word and guiding students to the fair.

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From Diablo Valley College:

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 9/11 Tribute Run at DVC Pleasant Hill yesterday! Our amazing DVC student veterans and supporters ran together across campus to honor the lives lost and the heroes who rose in service after September 11, 2001. 🕊️ A special thank you to our DVC student veterans for leading this meaningful tribute and reminding us of the values of unity, resilience, and service.

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From Victor Valley College:

Earlier this month, Victor Valley College’s Workforce Development celebrated the Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (IMM) Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony at the High Desert Training Center!

We proudly honored 10 outstanding employees from employer partners, including Mitsubishi Cement Corporation, Rio Tinto, CEMEX, Church & Dwight, and Exquadrum. These graduates completed their year-long Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI) and are now returning to their organizations with advanced technical skills.

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From Saddleback College:

This summer, the voices of Saddleback were heard around the world. Our Chamber Singers and Emeritus Chorale came together for Saddleback College Choir’s first international tour. From ages 18 to 90, singers shared the stage across four countries, proving that music truly connects generations and cultures.

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From Allan Hancock College:

Cadets in our fire academy climbed the six-story tower at the AHC Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc to memorialize the first responders killed in the September 11th attacks. They made the trip up the tower 19 times, the equivalent of the World Trade Center’s 110 stories.


And From the Home of the Renegades

Transfer Pathways Hosts Transfer Day for Fall 2025

On Monday, September 8, Bakersfield College’s Transfer Pathways department hosted Transfer Day for the Fall 2025 semester. This exciting event brings several colleges and universities to the Panorama Campus, giving students an incredible opportunity to learn more about their academic options once they have completed their time at BC.

More than 50 colleges and universities participated in the event, and representatives were eager to provide students with details about admissions, campus environments, degree options, campus housing, and more. The event drew several hundred student participants over the course of the day, and each attendee walked away with valuable information, and swag, from a variety of local, private, and national institutions.

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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

September 6, 2025

Good morning California.
It is September 6, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Porterville College students win national video competition

Porterville College is celebrating a major win after our Advanced Digital Video Production students took home first place in the college category of the NASA HUNCH/CTE Month 2024–25 Student Video Challenge. This was a national competition that pitted our students against others from colleges across the country.

» Read more!

Check out the video:


San Fernando Valley Colleges Awarded NASA Grant
to Host MESA Robotics Competition

Los Angeles Pierce College, Los Angeles Mission College, and Los Angeles Valley College, and have been awarded a $50,000 planning prize from NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) to develop a new robotics competition for community college students in the San Fernando Valley.

» Read more!


San Diego Mesa’s Leland Simpliciano Recognized
for Outstanding Impact with NPIEN Award

San Diego Mesa College proudly congratulates Leland Simpliciano, AANAPISI Program Activities Manager and Grants Director, on being named a recipient of the National Pacific Islander Educator Network (NPIEN) Educator Award.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

How California community colleges are using AI to battle financial aid fraud

Community colleges in California for years have been fighting a losing battle with fraudsters who have stolen millions of dollars in federal and state financial aid. But now state officials believe they are finally turning a corner thanks to new tools. 

The game-changer? Artificial intelligence. 

About 80 of the state’s 115 community colleges are now or will soon be using an AI model that detects fake students by looking for information such as shared phone numbers, suspicious course-taking patterns, and even an applicant’s age. Officials say the AI catches twice as many scammers as the human staff, with some campuses estimating that they are now detecting more than 90% of fraudsters, who are a mix of bots and human criminals, sometimes even located in other countries.

» Read more!

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California community colleges tackle workforce shortages post-wildfires

Disasters expose needs we often overlook — and clarify our responsibilities.

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles County — including the Eaton Fire that struck Pasadena and neighboring communities — damaged or destroyed more than 17,000 structures. The loss of lives and homes, and the disruption of normalcy and routines, was swift and severe.

California’s community colleges are a part of the communities they serve, giving them a deep understanding of both the challenges and the opportunities that emerge in moments of crisis. Pasadena City College has played this role over the last 100 years, stepping up again during the Eaton Fire and continuing to lead in the difficult work of recovery. The college is a hub for uniting partners, aligning resources and helping chart a path forward.

» Read more!

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From Programs to Professions: New Partnership Opens Doors to Careers
in State Government for California Community College Students

The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office has partnered with the California Government Operations Agency (GovOps) to launch a new initiative aimed at creating clear, seamless pathways to meaningful careers in state government for students and alumni.

The strategic collaboration, officially announced today, is designed to expand talent pipelines to address current needs while helping to build the state government workforce of the future. With more than 2.1 million students enrolled each year, California’s community colleges serve as a powerful stream of skilled, diverse, and motivated individuals ready to serve in public sector roles, across the state.

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Los Angeles City College:

On August 28, Star Wars actor and proud LACC alumnus Mark Hamill spoke at our convocation for faculty and staff. “I don’t know where I would be without LACC,” he shared. His inspiring remarks about the power of education reminded us that the Force is strong at LACC. 

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CalFresh Healthy Living shared this about Taft College:

The Taft College Cougar Support Center food pantry has achieved Gold certification! Yesterday, our team presented them with a glass award and a certificate to recognize their accomplishments. The Cougar Support Center is dedicated to promoting healthy and nutritious options and providing valuable information to their students. We are proud to partner with the pantry.

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From Representative Scott Peters, who visited San Diego MiraCosta College:

I visited @MiraCosta college and learned more about their nursing and biomanufacturing programs. MiraCosta works with local businesses to educate the top talent our workforce needs. I also stopped by their police Swearing-In and Pinning Ceremony and congratulated the new officers.

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From Santa Rosa Junior College:

First annual Disability Support Fair at #SRJC – plus a free Farmers Market. 25 SRJC departments and community organizations offered info about the ways they support disabled students and community members.


And From the Home of the Renegades

‘Styled For Success’ Offers BC Students Free Haircuts and Styling

Earlier this week, Bakersfield College’s Renegade Nexus hosted the first edition of ‘Styled for Success’ for the Fall 2025 semester. Through a special partnership with ClipDart, a mobile hair care company, this unique event enables BC students to receive free hair care services on campus while alleviating barriers such as transportation, accessibility, or cost.asdf

Hosted in the Panorama Campus bookstore, more than 50 students checked in throughout the day and left with their hair cut, trimmed, and styled, ready to embark on the Fall semester with a fresh look. The professional stylists were eager to provide their services, bringing energy and expertise to ensure the best results for each client.

» 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

Wrapping up August 2025

Woke up this morning to Scott Simon’s 2-min remarks on the Minnesota shooting incident that took the lives of Harper Moyski (10) and Fletcher Merkel (8). What a profound tragedy.

You can find the audio and the script in the link below.

https://www.npr.org/2025/08/30/nx-s1-5513925/opinion-its-time-to-move-our-feet

Let us pray

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Somehow, we’ve already reached the end of August – the golden hour of summer. It’s that bittersweet stretch where we cling to lingering sunlight while secretly welcoming the promise of cooler nights and fresh beginnings in the new school year.

I hope you are all able to to have some quiet time this Labor Day weekend as we close out summer and get ready for the busy months ahead.

A beautiful dusk for you –

I spent much of the week in Sacramento. On Wednesday I spoke at a Noncredit summit hosted by Woodland Community College.

with the Delta College team

Noncredit-to-credit pathways are a priority in Vision 2030; they expand access to higher education leading to economic mobility. These pathways provide adult learners, working professionals, and underserved populations with low-cost, flexible entry points into career and academic programs. They serve as onramps for students to gain confidence, build skills, and ultimately transition into credit-bearing certificate and degree programs that lead to family-sustaining wages. A shining example of leadership is North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE), which has been a trusted technical assistance provider for the Chancellor’s Office.

The picture below is the team that planned the conference. Thank you Gary Adams and Mayra Diaz on Tony Cordova’s team.

Also thank you to Chancellor Byron Breland, President Valentina Purtell, and President Lizette Navarette.

Good morning California.
It is August 30, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Coalinga College Expands Dual Enrollment,
Brings High School Seniors to College Campus

Coalinga College is expanding its dual enrollment program to give more high school students in the Central Valley the opportunity to earn college credit — and experience life on a college campus — before graduating. This fall, the College’s Firebaugh Center is hosting 45 Mendota High School seniors enrolled in three agriculture pathway courses, with additional classes planned for next spring.

» Read more!


 Ribbon-Cutting for Innovative, $140M Student Success Center at
City College of San Francisco Marks New Era of Access and Opportunity

City College of San Francisco (CCSF) will celebrated the Grand Opening of the Student Success Center on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 2 p.m. This outstanding building consolidates over 30 student development programs, including academic counseling, tutoring, career center, and transfer center, all under one roof.

» Read more!


Rising Scholars Comes to LA Harbor College

At LAHC, the program will officially be launched in Fall 2025. In this first year, initial initial goals include building strong infrastructure, recruiting students, and creating an early support network while continuing to grow the program’s long-term vision.

» Read more!


Crafton Hills College Recognized Statewide for Adult Education Innovation

Crafton Hills College was recently named an Advancing California Adult Education Model Program by the California Adult Education Program (CAEP) for its Crafton Leadership Academy for Student Success (CLASS). It honors the CLASS summer bridge program as one of the top initiatives in the state for helping adult learners transition to higher education.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

A life reclaimed: From incarceration to UC Berkeley

The message that Santiago Canyon College grad Charlie Nguyen has tattooed on his left wrist serves as a daily reminder of how far he’s come after bottoming out at age 16: “No one is unworthy of redemption.”

Imprisoned for nearly eight years after committing what he calls “a violent gang-related crime,” Nguyen found his own redemption through persistence, hard work and whip-smart intelligence, along with crucial assistance from Rising Scholars, an empowering SCC program that serves incarcerated, formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted students facing similar challenges.

» Read more!

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Commentary: Working Students Face New Challenges
in a Shifting Policy Landscape

Most undergraduates today are juggling academics with paid work, many logging 40 or more hours a week. That load leaves little margin: more non-academic responsibilities, less time for coursework, and fewer opportunities to engage on campus mean these students often feel the effects of federal policy changes first.

The budget reconciliation bill signed into law on July 4 threatens to make those challenges worse, reshaping student loans and public benefit programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid in ways that risk cutting off critical financial lifelines. On Pell Grants, the news is mixed: the bill restores a revised Workforce Pell program that could open doors to short-term training, but makes other changes that may reduce access for some students.

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Citrus College:

ICYMI: The Citrus College Registered Dental Assisting (RDA) program completed its first cohort of Orthodontic Assistant Permit (OAP) students! This is a new state certification course offered as an extension to the RDA program. Students who complete the course are eligible to sit for the California Orthodontic Assistant Permit examination. Obtaining an OAP allows an orthodontic assistant to perform more advanced duties, such as placing and removing orthodontic appliances. The OAP also increases job opportunities, resulting in potentially earning a higher salary!

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From San Diego City College’s 2025 Opening Day and Student Resource Fair:

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From Cañada College:

Earlier this month, Fashion Design Professor, Jaleh Naasz, was invited to speak on sustainability in fashion at the Earth Gala in San Francisco. Students from Cañada’s Fashion program joined her in presenting a stunning runway showcase, highlighting their creativity and commitment to sustainable design.

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From Fullerton College:

Fullerton College’s Fall 2025 Convocation provided an amazing opportunity for faculty and staff to ring in a new academic year in community, solidarity and hope. Our theme, “Hornet Hope,” inspired a series of insightful presentations and updates that left the audience feeling empowered, seen and optimistic. From unveiling our exciting partnership with CSUF to celebrating the work of our Student Success Advocates, we thank everyone who attended and worked to make this event possible.

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And check this out from Monterey Peninsula College:


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Annual New Student Convocation

There was buzz and excitement on the Panorama Campus of Bakersfield College as they recently hosted the annual New Student Convocation. Incoming freshman, first-time students, and their families were all invited to join the festivities to officially welcome them to the Renegade community and showcase BC’s various services and resources.

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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