Tag Archives: Pasadena City College

Measure J: 10-year anniversary. Thank you Kern County voters.

At 1:45 pm, on July 14, 2016, the Kern Community College District Board decided to place a bond measure on the November ballot. The voters voted “yes on Measure J.” Thank you!

#DareMightyThings

I submitted a 550-word opinion piece which was published today in the Community Voices section of today’s Bakersfield Californian.

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Did you see about the woman who rowed solo from California to Hawaii?

Kelsey Pfendler, a Grand Canyon river rafting guide, made the 2,400 mile journey from Monterey to Honolulu in just 43 days, 17 hours, 55 minutes and 59 seconds – breaking both the previous women’s record (86 days) and men’s record (52 days) for the crossing.

Hundreds gathered in the harbor to cheer her on as she finally made it ashore, and many more followed along with her journey on social media.

Check out this piece from Hawaii News Now talking about her experience:

Good morning California.
It is July 11, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Barstow Community College Purchases Property
to Create New CTE Workforce Training Center

Barstow Community College (BCC) has completed the purchase of the former Rite Aid building at the corner of Barstow Road and Rimrock Road and plans to transform it into a new Career Technical Education (CTE) Workforce Training Center. The facility will serve as a training hub preparing local residents for high-wage careers. The new facility will house five hands-on Career Technical Education labs with capacity for up to 25 learners per lab, enabling hundreds of residents to train each year.

» Read more!


Porterville College Celebrates the Next Generation
of Women in STEM with Innovative Program

Porterville College, AAUW Porterville, and the Porterville Chamber of Commerce  officially celebrated the InnovateHER STEM Program, a collaborative initiative designed to inspire and empower the next generation of young women in science, technology, engineering, and math. On June 22, community members, local leaders, and families gathered at Porterville College (PC) for a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the success of the 2nd Annual InnovateHER STEM Summer Camp. The day was filled with inspiration, featuring powerful words from sponsor organizations, local dignitaries, and a special awards ceremony honoring some of the wonderful students who have participated in the program.

» Read more!


California Volunteers wildfire recovery grant provides opportunities
for Pasadena City College students and the community

California Volunteers, Office of the Governor has awarded Pasadena City College more than a half a million dollars to create a new Wildfire Recovery College Corps chapter on its campus. The award from California Volunteers creates the state’s first College Corps chapters dedicated specifically to rebuilding communities ravaged by the Eaton and the Palisades fires in January of 2025.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Tuition to be permanently free at San Mateo County Community College District

The San Mateo County Community College District has made its free tuition program permanent following a signature from Gov. Gavin Newsom, The Daily Journal reported. 

Senate Bill 968, signed into law by the governor, disregarded the 2028 sunset date for the Free College pilot program. The legislation enables the community college district to eliminate tuition by using property tax revenue, The Journal reported. 

» Read more!



Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Los Angeles Mission College:

On Tuesday, June 2, students, faculty, and staff from Los Angeles Mission College participated in the Student AI Showcase at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s Pacific Design Center as part of the National AI Campus Project.

Los Angeles Mission College presented eight research posters demonstrating applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in biomedical sciences and astrophysics. Research topics included planetary debris disk identification, cancer cell segmentation and classification, optimization of deep learning models for biomedical imaging, AI-assisted analysis of urothelial cell images, and neural network hyperparameter optimization.

The showcase featured student research from Los Angeles Mission College and Pierce College and provided participants with an opportunity to present their work to faculty, researchers, industry partners, family members, and the community.

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From Modesto Junior College:

MJC Student Services employees were honored during the annual Student Services Celebration, an end‑of‑year gathering dedicated to recognizing the commitment of counselors, student workers, administrators, and classified professionals who support student success at Modesto Junior College.

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From San Diego College of Continuing Education:

More highlights from A Taste of the District!

Our Advanced Culinary Arts students showcased their talent with a seven-course tasting menu inspired by SDCCE’s seven campuses.

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From Woodland Community College:

Our Upward Bound students are making the most of their summer!

These 9th–12th grade scholars are taking college courses at the Colusa County Campus while participating in tutoring and academic enrichment to prepare for next year’s high school classes. With support from tutors and peer mentors, they’re building the skills and confidence to succeed in college and beyond!



And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts First Ever Kern-AUCC Health Scholars Pathway Pinning Ceremony

In October last year, Bakersfield College announced the launch of an exciting new initiative in collaboration with Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC), Morehouse School of Medicine, Kern High School District, KCSOS, and More in Common Alliance that creates a streamlined pathway for students from Kern County to pursue careers in medicine.

Recently, BC hosted the first ever pinning ceremony welcoming the first cohort for the Kern-AUCC Health Scholars Pathway. Eight scholars were welcomed into the program and received a ceremonial pin and certificate. Dr. Kevin Smith, Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Affiliations, welcomed each student to the program. “Tonight’s pinning ceremony marks the official beginning of each scholar’s journey through the Kern-AUCC Health Scholars Pathway,” he said, “The pin represents commitment, service, academic excellence, and a promise to use education to improve the health and well-being of our communities.”

» 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

Closing out February in beautiful San Diego 2026

Since we are sill in the month of February, let me re-post my Valentine’s Day message from two weeks ago. Take 3 minutes to read it again and enjoy our California Community Colleges. https://sonyachristianblog.com/2026/02/14/a-love-letter-to-the-california-community-colleges-on-valentines-day-2026/

This week it was back to beautiful San Diego…. what is there not to like about San Diego.

San Diego Feb 24, 2026

We had our Board of Governors retreat at Southwestern College Crown Cove Aquatic Center on Coronado Island.

Board of Governors with Chancellor’s Office Staff

The retreat focused on three interrelated areas where investment and innovation can accelerate meaningful outcomes:

  1. Building, renewing, and modernizing our infrastructure:
    From aging facilities to climate-friendly redesigns and data/technology systems essential for equitable learning and AI-ready campuses.
  2. Deepening our work in equitable baccalaureate attainment:
    Strengthening transfer pathways and expanding community college baccalaureate opportunities so that more of our students access and complete bachelor’s degrees linked to economic mobility.
  3. Scaling internships for our students:
    Reimagining work-based, project-based, and service-based learning so that internships become a default option in every pathway, connecting students to career-relevant experience and workforce opportunities.

Here is a photo with panelists for one of the sessions.

Erin Larson, Cecelia Rios-Aguilar, Michal Kurlaender, Sonya Christian, Daisy Segovia, Terrence Willett

What a fun photo discovered by one of our Board members,

Thank you so much to Southwestern College for hosting us this week. President Mark Sanchez, you rock!

Good morning California.
It is February 28, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Pasadena City College Launches a New Facility to Help Increase
the Skilled Trades Workforce and Support Fire Recovery

Pasadena City College has broken ground on a new construction trades facility that will train students to help rebuild fire-ravaged communities. The groundbreaking for the Construction Trades Lab was held January 14, as Los Angeles County continued its commemoration of the anniversary of the Eaton and Palisades fires. In January of 2025, the fires destroyed 16,000 structures. By the time the Eaton fire was contained on January 31, 2025, it had destroyed or damaged more than 10,000 homes, businesses, schools, and places of worship. Pasadena City College is located minutes from neighborhoods devastated by the fires.

» Read more!


Diablo Valley College Students Shine at Nationwide AAICE Student Works Expo

Diablo Valley College students earned national recognition at the 2025 AAICE Student Works Expo, a nationwide competition celebrating student achievement in Mandarin language and Chinese culture. Five DVC students submitted projects, and four of those projects were selected for display on the organization’s official website.

» Read more!


Science Alive Marks 25 Years of Hands-On Learning at Gavilan College

Gavilan College is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Science Alive, a long-running program that introduces middle school students to hands-on science through interactive labs and experiments. Founded in 2001, Science Alive has served more than 5,000 students from South Santa Clara and San Benito counties. The program invites students to spend a Saturday on campus exploring science by building, testing, observing, and asking questions, often for the first time in a college lab setting. 

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Santiago Canyon College’s new water sciences lab will
enhance classes in water technology

A new, modernized water technology classroom is in final planning stages for the Santiago Canyon College campus that will feature state-of-the-art equipment to help train students for well-paying careers in water districts throughout Orange County and beyond.

The new lab will enhance SCC’s substantial Water and Wastewater Technology program. “Water technology is one of the most popular programs in the division of business and career education,” said Denise Foley, dean of the division. “It’s one of the few and largest programs in the state that teaches water operations in treatment and distribution.”

» Read more!

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For many college students, picking a major takes time and revising

For many students applying to college, choosing the right major and career path may seem like the most important decision they’ve ever had to make.

Some students prioritize fields that offer high salaries, while others follow their passions. Some may be inspired by their peers’ careers or influenced by their parents’ wishes. 

But the reality is, many students do not stick to their initial choice. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences reveals that 55% of students who graduated with a humanities degree began their college education intending to major in another field. Roughly 85% of college students change their major at least once, according to the Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm EAB, formerly known as the Education Advisory Board. EAB studies also show that students who delay declaring a major graduate at a slightly higher rate than those who choose a major in their first semester. 

» Read more!



Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Skyline College:

Wrapping up Black History Month with the Black Student Union’s Soul Social. We celebrated community with games, local vendors, and campus connections. BSU delivered us soul and gave it a home right here at Fireside Dining.

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From Golden West College:

GWC’s Amphitheater was filled with culture, community and celebration today as we welcomed the Year of the Horse! From the Lion & Dragon Dance and Vietnamese fashion show to hands-on activities, performances and delicious food, it was a joyful afternoon all around.

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From Imperial Valley College:

Imperial Valley College is proud to share that our Mardi Gras Parade float was honored with the Mayor’s Choice Award at the 2026 El Centro Mardi Gras Light Parade! Thank you to the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and the City of El Centro for this special recognition. This award reflects the creativity and collaboration of IVC’s Associated Student Government (ASG) for envisioning the float, along with Student Affairs, Cheer Club, SSS Club, and the many students and team members who helped decorate and represent the College with pride. Warrior spirit was shining bright on Main Street!

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From Madera Community College:

A beautiful blanket of snow has transformed the Madera Community College Oakhurst Campus into a true winter wonderland! The late winter storm has brought stunning views and a peaceful glow to our campus.

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From Hartnell College:

the Financial Aid Office welcomed over 60 students and their families to a Cash for College Financial Aid Workshop, providing hands-on support with FAFSA and CA Dream Act applications to help students maximize their financial aid opportunities.



And From the Home of the Renegades

BC’s Renegade Motorsports Team Competes at Sonoma Raceway

On Friday, February 13th, 2026, the Bakersfield College’s Renegade Motorsports team traveled to Sonoma Raceway in Northern California to compete in the Lucky Dog Racing League’s 14-hour race weekend. Participating in competitions like this gives students the opportunity to utilize their skills in an authentic racing environment. The team arrived Friday and went straight to work. The team’s practice and qualifying session experienced a minor setback due to a batch of contaminated fuel, but they were able to work through it and complete one hour of practice time. Student drivers Jesus Frias and Aiden Lomeli were able to complete their first laps on the iconic racetrack.

The weather on Saturday morning was beautiful, and BC’s Emanuel Trujillo took the green flag at 9:00AM and drove the first two-hour stint of the race with no issues. At the first pit stop, the team refueled and serviced the car and Aiden Lomeli strapped in to drive the second stint. During his stint, Aiden noticed a mechanical issue with the car that the team was able to repair quickly. After the repairs, Jesus Frias took the wheel for his two-hour stint. Unfortunately, about halfway through his stint, he noticed an issue and brought the car into the paddock for the team to diagnose and repair. The team worked quickly to fix the issue, and Jesus was able to finish the 7-hour race on Saturday.

» 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

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

Dear California Community Colleges:

My introduction to you happened in the late 1990s.

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

And then I met you.

An institution built on virtues I could not quite comprehend.

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

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

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

And then you spread.

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

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

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

You evolved.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Over two million students a year.

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

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

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

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

You are California at its best.

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

I am convinced of this:

If there is an institution built on hope in America,

It is you!

With gratitude, admiration, and love
Your chancellor,
sonya

Celebrating first day of summer June 21, 2025

This Thursday marked the 4th year that the United States recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

Check out this short video from The New York Times about it:

As for me ….

One of the best moments this week was attending the prison graduation at the California Rehabilitation Center on Tuesday.

Board Members Jennifer Perry and Bill Rawlings with our students graduating from the CRC.

Good morning California.
It is June 21, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Mt. San Jacinto College Stem Cell Internships
Launch Future Scientists into Elite Research Labs

Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) continues to transform students through life-changing internship opportunities in cutting-edge biomedical research labs, thanks to the college’s participation in the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Bridges to Stem Cell Research Internship Program. Under the guidance of Dr. Nick Reeves, Associate Professor and Chair of Biological Sciences, this prestigious internship prepares MSJC biology students for advanced degrees and impactful careers in science and medicine.

» Read more!


Barstow Community College Partners with 160 Driving Academy
to Expand Access to Commercial Driver’s License Training

Barstow Community College is pleased to announce a new partnership with 160 Driving Academy to bring their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program to Barstow Community College. This collaboration will make truck driver training more accessible to local students and community members interested in joining the transportation industry.

» Read more!


Palomar College Professor Selected as U.S. Deaf Olympics Head Coach

Palomar College students might just know David Hamilton as an American Sign Language Assistant Professor, but he also has a lifelong love of basketball that led to five gold medals in the Deaflympics and a recent selection as the head coach of the U.S. Deaflympics basketball team.

» Read more!


Berkeley City College “Tops Off” New West Campus

Berkeley City College celebrated a milestone achievement in the construction of its new Berkeley City College West campus. One year after breaking ground on the project, the superstructure of the six-story, 60,000 square foot academic and administration building reached its highest point. To mark the occasion, Berkeley City College and Peralta Community College District leaders, students, faculty, and staff joined its construction partners KitchellXL Construction, and Ratcliff, and city leaders and community partners in signing a ceremonial beam.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

First-of-Its-Kind Partnership will Support Older Adults
in Higher Education and Workforce Development

The California Community Colleges, the California Department of Aging, and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency have launched a new statewide effort to support adult learners. This collaboration ensures older adults have access to higher education, job training, and opportunities to build new skills.

The agencies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that provides guidelines on how to work together with regional partners to establish career pathways for older adults. Whether going back to work or starting a new career, learners will have access to education and hands-on job training that opens new doors and builds a stronger workforce. Through this partnership, agencies are also expanding opportunities for caregivers by connecting them to health care career pathways and creating more job opportunities for older adults and people with disabilities, a key priority within the California Community College’s strategic plan, Vision 2030.

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Folsom Lake College:

We’re so excited to share that FLC’s Oak Hall Science Building is being recognized by @Sacbiz as one of the “Best Real Estate Projects of the Year”!

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From Gavilan College:

Gurleen Khajuria, a STEM tutor and aspiring materials scientist, has been honored with the $20,000 2025 Karl S. Pister Leadership Opportunity Scholarship. This prestigious award supports community college students transferring to UC Santa Cruz who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to service.

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And check out this episode of Victor Valley College’s RAMPLIFI:


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Theatre Students Attend Oregon Shakespeare Festival

Recently, Professor Cody Ganger and 18 Bakersfield College Theatre students traveled to Ashland, Oregon, to attend the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF). This unique educational opportunity was made possible through the support of the Renegade Innovation Fund. Nestled in the tiny town near the California/Oregon border, the OSF is in its 91st year of operation, making it one of the oldest and largest professional non-profit theaters in the nation.

The festival is home to the oldest existing full-scale Elizabethan stage in the Western Hemisphere, and in 1983, it received the Tony Award for Outstanding Achievement in Regional Theatre.

» 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

Welcome Spring 2025

It was a sigh of relief as NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams successfully returned back to Earth after nine months in space. Their trip to space was initially expected to last a little more than a week.

The vehicle that launched them to the International Space Station back on June 5 experienced helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters, and NASA determined the craft was not safe for their return trip.

As for me…..

Yesterday, I attended the celebration of life of John Stanskas. Here is a poem published by John.

The Physics of Absence, the Nature of Nothingness

I believe it is all light at the end,
these strained seconds defined by the slap-click
of clocks means nothing. An effort to bend
time, to exert control, force this habit.

of filling the space occupied by light.
The vacuum is not empty, nothingness
seethes with production, mind-flash of insight
destined to collapse. I pant to undress.

you, mirage in the dark, strain toward molecules
unclaimed, underground. I know you are here,
the crease in the mattress, a vestibule
where in absence, from nothing, you appear.

The secondhand stops in this crease of night;
matter collapses, you flash into light.

This week I visited the West Hills Prison Education Program at Pleasant Valley State Prison. President Hildy Aguinaldo and Board Member Cirian Villavicencio joined on on this college visit. 

Good morning California.
It is March 22, 2025
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!


Pasadena City College receives $1 million from Ballmer Group
to support wildfire community relief efforts

Pasadena City College has received a $1 million grant from Ballmer Group to support critical relief for students, faculty, staff, and community members recovering from the devastation of the recent wildfires. The grant from Ballmer Group is the largest single gift to the PCC Community Relief Fund.

» Read more!


Laney College Tiny House Ribbon Cutting

A spirit of pride and collaboration filled the air on January 28th as Laney College hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the stunning Tiny House crafted by its talented Carpentry students. Under the expansive Construction Canopy, students, faculty, and community members gathered to witness the culmination of months of dedication and hard work.

» Read more!


Crafton Hills College, San Bernardino Valley College
Co-Host 10th Annual ASL Educators Collaboration Conference

On March 1, Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College proudly co-hosted the 10th Annual ASL Educators Collaboration Conference at San Bernardino Valley College. This milestone event was the largest yet, with 120 registered participants and five dedicated student volunteers.

» Read more!


ITE Singapore Professors Visit LACC

On March 14, LACC welcomed professors from ITE College East in Singapore to meet and get a campus tour of facilities in the Department of Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Engineering, and the Visual and Media Arts. Professors viewed classes in action and discussed how community colleges in the US deliver education and potential collaborative opportunities between LACC and ITE.



In Case You Missed It

EdSource Commentary: Why California must champion community college bachelor’s degrees

Cerritos College President/Superintendent Jose Fierro wrote a piece for EdSource about the importance of community college bachelor’s degrees.

California cannot rely on four-year universities alone to meet its growing workforce needs. Expanding community college bachelor’s degree programs will strengthen industries, create more opportunities and solidify California’s leadership in workforce innovation. It’s time for policymakers, industry leaders and educators to support these programs and invest in the future of our state.

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Cerro Coso Community College:

What an honor it was to host the 24th U.S. Poet Laureate, Ada Limón, for an intimate and moving poetry reading at Cerro Coso! Ada’s words filled the room with inspiration, hope, and love, as she shared the stories behind her poems before delivering a truly engaging reading. As the first Latina U.S. Poet Laureate, Ada’s journey resonated deeply—especially with one audience member who felt truly seen by her words.

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From College of the Desert:

Students came together for an interactive anatomy and physiology study session, strengthening their knowledge with support from in-person tutoring. Thanks to a collaborative grant with OneFuture, College of the Desert is expanding tutoring opportunities to help students succeed!

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From Rio Hondo College:

Río Hondo Police Academy honored the achievements of 45 police cadets during the Basic Police Academy Class No. 217 graduation ceremony. The graduates represent 18 different law enforcement agencies throughout Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, marking the culmination of six months of rigorous training.

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And check out this video about how Chevron’s donation to Taft College is helping MESA students:


And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Foundation Partners
with Amazon and The Wonderful Company

The Bakersfield College Foundation has committed $1.37 million to expand workforce training through a powerful partnership with Amazon and The Wonderful Company. As one of just five institutions nationwide selected to offer Amazon’s Reliability and Maintenance Engineering (RME) program, Bakersfield College is set to strengthen career education and workforce development in Kern County.

The RME program will provide students with industry-recognized certifications and direct career pathways in advanced industrial maintenance, meeting the growing demand for skilled workers in Kern County’s expanding industrial sector.

» 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