Tag Archives: Reedley College

CA CCs proactively supporting our students

Uncategorized November 4, 2023 Leave a comment

Enjoyed connecting with the legendary George Boggs to write a piece titled Proactive Access.

Here is an excerpt:

Since their founding, our community colleges have been innovative and responsive in providing postsecondary education to millions of Californians, but in Spring 2020, they were faced with a serious challenge to their open access mission. Colleges were forced to close to prevent the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus. Colleges shifted almost overnight to classes and services online, but many students didn’t have access to computers or high-speed Internet.  As colleges struggled to find ways to keep students enrolled, institutions distributed laptop computers to students and set up Internet hotspots in college parking lots.  College leaders understood that access was more than just providing an open door.  It meant finding ways to proactively support students.

Find the 1200-word essay here: https://workforceandeconomicmobility.com/2023/10/26/proactive-access/

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Had fun attending the Colegas Annual Conference themed, “Raices de Excelencia: La Cultura Cura” in Long Beach. Here is a selfie of the all of us who attended from the Chancellor’s Office Ebony Jeffries, Siria Martinez, Lizette Navarette.

Presented to the Cradle to Career Data System Board of Directors with Ben Chida.

Wrapped up my week at Cypress College for the North Orange County Community College District’s Focus on the Future event, where I presented on Vision 2030. Was happy to connect with State Senator Josh Newman who is a huge supporter of community colleges.

The NOCCCD’s Focus on the Future was designed to provide district employees and other educators with a high-level view of the future of education.

A fireside chat with NOCCCD Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland hosting a question-and-answer session with state Senator Newman on workforce development and partnership.

President Joanna Schilling along with Jolena Grande, member of the Board of Governors took Senator Newman and I on a tour of the college’s baccalaureate program in Funeral Service, and the new baccalaureate in Dental Hygiene.

Good morning California.
It is November 4, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Champions of Higher Education

This week the Campaign for College Opportunity revealed this year’s Champions of Higher Education – exemplary and committed California Community Colleges and California State University campuses that are leading the state in conferring the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), enrolling ADT earners on guaranteed pathways to a bachelor’s degree, and intentionally working to support Latinx and Black students on their path to a degree. 

This year’s community college honorees include:

Champions of Higher Education

  • Bakersfield College
  • Berkeley City College
  • Citrus College
  • Clovis Community College
  • East Los Angeles College
  • Evergreen Valley College
  • Grossmont College
  • Madera College
  • Mission College
  • Moorpark College
  • Mt. San Antonio College
  • San Joaquin Delta College

2023 Equity Champions

  • Bakersfield College
  • Berkeley City College
  • Citrus College
  • College of San Mateo
  • College of the Desert
  • Crafton Hills College
  • Evergreen Valley College
  • Glendale Community College
  • Long Beach City College
  • West Valley College

Honorees will be celebrated on November 14th at 10 am on Zoom.

» Read more about this year’s honorees & register for Zoom event!

Rio Hondo College Partners with
Summer Research Program to Empower STEM Students

Approximately 20 Río Hondo College students recently dove into the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) – working in labs, conducting research projects and presenting their findings – through the College’s first-year partnership with Cal Poly Pomona’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Program.

» Read more!

Fullerton, Cypress Colleges Join California Virtual Campus Exchange

Earlier this month, Fullerton College and Cypress College became the 49th & 50th colleges to join the California Virtual Campus Exchange as teaching colleges. The program provides access to online courses for students at community colleges across the state.

» Read more!

2023 California Community Colleges Distinguished Alumni

The Community College League of California announced honorees for this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Jimmy Panetta (Monterey Peninsula College), Advaith Thampi (Irvine Valley College) and Blas Villalobos (Long Beach City College) were selected this year. They will be honored at the League’s Annual Convention later this month.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

KQED: Chancellor Sonya Christian
Has Big Plans for California Community Colleges

This week, I was thrilled to speak with Mina Kim on KQED. We discussed plans to address declining enrollment, ease transfers from community college to the UC and Cal State systems and create more community college baccalaureate degree programs.

» Read more & listen to the interview

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PPIC: Making the Most of State Investments in Dual Enrollment

Daniel Payares-Montoya & Mary Severance spoke with Dr. Sandra Fuentes, Interim Dean of Early College at Reedley College, discussing how dual enrollment can help historically underserved students success in college.

I also think career exploration and internship opportunities are huge. We partner with community businesses to offer internships in aeronautics, agriculture, manufacturing, welding, and so on. Historically, many students would not look for internships until they were completing their junior or senior year in college. And many of our students have changed majors three to five times. We’re hoping that offering internships tied to dual enrollment will help students align their pathways a lot sooner.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Tina Maria King:

Thank you to @chaffeycollege for having me as one of the keynote panelist for the Black and Brown Minds & Mattering, 2nd Annual Conference. A Celebration of Black and Latino Culture. I am so proud of the work thats being done to uplift BIPOC students and employee voices. As an Afro-Latina my advocacy and leadership is predicated on the continuous growth and understanding of how to best engage and support our communities.

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From Madera Community College:

Please join us in wishing a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our President, Dr. Ángel Reyna!

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From Diablo Valley College:

Happy Friday! We would like to end the week with a couple of pictures of our beautiful campus. Next time you are on campus, stop by the lake between the Student Union and Music Building and just relax. 🦋 This a great place to gather your thoughts and to end a busy week. #ourbeautifulcampus#pictureoftheday

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Receives First Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Provided by Grant Funded By Kern COG

Bakersfield College is thrilled to announce the installation of the first of four off-grid electric vehicle charging stations, known as the EVEN Recharge Hub, as part of a groundbreaking initiative funded by the Kern Council of Governments (Kern COG). This delivery underscores Bakersfield College’s commitment to enhancing the educational landscape for future Electric Vehicle Technicians in the State of California.

» 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 – Imagining and Dreaming big for our students

Uncategorized October 7, 2023 Leave a comment

Starting off with music ….

First check out this fun 4:25-min video production by BC Stem.

Thank you Travis Steele for organizing the BC Halfway There video!

And a stream of celebrities …. vocal talents: John Menzies, Timothy Plett, Tatevik Broutian.  actors: Nicholas Ramirez (student), Destiny Mitchell (student), Harlan Philips (student), and Donna Starr.  Lyrics were by Travis Steele and Megan McCullah-Boozer (MESA), editing  was by Isabella Ozuna (MESA), and special recognition to AUM Studios.

Also check out the 3:14-min video I captured of the opening song, Day 2 of the conference organized by Dr. Tina King of San Diego Continuing Education. Watch John Lennon’s Imagine performed by Bulki Domingo ..

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one

California’s community colleges play a critical role in developing innovative approaches to bolster socio-economic mobility. This summit provided an opportunity to explore emerging strategies that will help us eliminate systemic barriers for our adult learners – both non-credit and credit, coming together.

Thank you Tina King and Valentina Purtell
and the planning team!

Good morning California.
It is October 7, 2023.
A good day to be a
Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Ventura College Recognized as Bright Spot for Eliminating Remedial Math & Improving Student Success

EdTrust West recently identified Ventura College (VC) as a “bright spot,” standout performer, in the implementation of Assembly Bill 705, particularly for Latinx students.  Ventura College’s efforts have eliminated all remedial math courses at VC by Fall 2022. All introductory math courses at Ventura College are transfer-level courses. This monumental shift has not only contributed to the success of VC’s students but has also promoted equity among them. Ventura College’s success has involved a multi-faceted approach, including administrative leadership, professional development, and communities of practice for faculty.

» Learn more!

$1.875 Million Grant Awarded to Santa Ana College to Impact Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander Students and Community

Santa Ana College was recently recognized as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), awarded a $1.875 million grant to be distributed over five years from the U.S. Department of Education’s AANAPISI Program, and will soon launch an Asian Pacific Student Programs (APSP) Center on campus.

» Read more!

Norco College Graduates 36 Scholars from
Inside the California Rehabilitation Center

Norco College, a member of the Riverside Community College District (RCCD), held a graduation ceremony on August 8 to celebrate 36 Rising Scholar graduates. It marked the return of hope and progress after a challenging period without commencement ceremonies for those on the inside since 2019.

» Read more!

Santa Monica College’s Law Pathway Program Welcomes 26 New Students

Political Science professor Christina Gabler, Ph.D., counselor Vicenta Arrizon, Ed.D., Business professor Nathan Khalil, J.D., and Interim Dean of Special Programs Debra Locke make up Santa Monica College’s Law Pathway Program team.

The Law Pathway Program at Santa Monica College (SMC)—which supports traditionally underrepresented students on their path to law school and is designed to diversify the legal profession—has entered the seventh year with 26 newly admitted students and 25 continuing students. The program has seen a 100% graduation and transfer rate since its inception. The most recent batch of 16 graduates transferred this fall—all of them headed to UCLA, with the exception of one student headed to UC Berkeley, bringing the total number of graduates over the program’s existence to 107.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

2023 Undocumented Student Action Week

Mark your calendars for the 7th Annual California Community Colleges’ Undocumented Student Action Week (USAW) on October 16 – 20, 2023. Join the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, the Foundation for California Community Colleges, Community College League of California, and our statewide partners on Monday, October 16 for an in-person event at Fresno City College and daily webinars throughout the week.

» Learn more about the events and register!

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Vera: For Incarcerated Women and their Families,
Equal Access to Education Transforms Lives

Although they are the fastest-growing correctional population in the United States, women remain marginalized in discourse and action around criminal legal issues. Despite men largely being the face of legal system injustice, women—whose incarceration numbers rose an astonishing 525 percent between 1980 and 2021—have, too, been swept up into the scourge of mass incarceration.

» Read more!

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Diverse Issues in Higher Education: What We’re Learning
About the Dual Enrollment Student Experiences

When the fall 2023 term begins, close to 20% of community college students will also be high school students who are dually enrolled. Students in dual enrollment programs enjoy many benefits — participation provides them a jump-start on gaining college credit, and it can save them money. 

» Read more!

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Community College Daily: Community colleges can fuel
America’s economic reinvention – if we let them

States that want to compete in the clean-energy economy should do all they can to position community colleges as the engines of talent development for this new workforce. And it’s not just about providing more money; it also means spending it wisely, and making strategic investments that maximize finite resources to meet the needs of today’s students and economy.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Cerritos College:

Our Advanced Transportation and Logistics Sector Navigator Jannet Malig was inducted to the Clean Cities coalitions’ Hall of Fame AND received the Benjamin Watson Inspirational Award! She leads the state renewable energy & advanced transportation training! https://bit.ly/3LOYVZQ

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Stephanie Ricks-Albert, Program Specialist in the Educational Services and Support Division, Equitable Student Learning, Experience, and Impact Office at the CCCCO, shared this with me:

Just wanted to share a moment captured in time of the Chancellor’s Office MESA program leaders in our system dedicated to serving our students. This moment was captured at the MESA Leadership Institute held in Sacramento last week. Chancellor’s Office administrator support at the event included VC Educational Services & Support John Stanskas, Dean of Academic Affairs LaTonya Williams and Director of MIS Todd Hoig.

MESA has grown from 34 colleges to now serving students at 91 colleges (Note: 85 are new MESA Program Directors as of FY 2022-23 to date).

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From the Foundation for California Community’s Colleges – Saddleback College student Anna shares her story:

Part 1:

Part 2:

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From Foothill College:

Foothill College students and faculty have arrived in London. They will be taking their college classes in London with their Foothill professors while enjoying the amazing cultural life of this great city. Find out more about our Global Experiential Learning program at https://foothill.edu/global/index.html

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Check out this video from KCAL’s Look at This! segment, featuring Glendale Community College:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Paves the Way for Accessibility

Bakersfield College hosted the California Community Colleges Accessibility Center (CCCAC) on Thursday, September 28 and Friday, September 29 in the Renegade Event Center on the Panorama Campus. The CCCAC presented the Accessibility Capability Maturity Model (ACMM) and the goals associated with it in multiple workshops throughout the two-day visit. The workshops kicked off with an introduction from Acting President Steve Watkin reviewing the purpose of the workshops and introducing CCCAC Director Dawn Okinaka. Deputy Chancellor Zav Dadabhoy also shared his thanks to those involved in the accessibility growth process of the campus and district.

» 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 – helpers in difficult times

Uncategorized September 16, 2023 Comments: 2

This week was a sober week of reflection and prayer…

Monday marked the 22nd anniversary of the horrific September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, and the crashed jet in Pennsylvania, left 2,996 dead. The events of that day forever changed the global landscape, plunging the US in to a war on terror – the main phase lasting nearly two decades.

Last weekend, Mediterranean Storm Daniel passed through eastern Libya, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding that resulted in large-scale destruction. Two dams in Libya’s northeast collapsed, with the eastern city of Derna hit hardest. Libya’s Red Crescent organization estimates that 11,300 people have died, and the city’s mayor says the death toll could reach 20,000.

Last Friday night, a powerful earthquake struck Morocco, killing at least 2,946 people and injuring at least 5,674 more. The 6.8 magnitude quake is the deadliest earthquake in Morocco since 1960, when a 5.9 magnitude quake killed at least 12,000.

I remember my visit to Morocco and Marrakesh. I rode the Marrakesh train and sat on the platform between the cars in the open air.

There are times when the pain and tragedies we see and remember become almost overwhelming. I remember Mr. Rodgers’ reassuring advice for children when terrible things happen – “look for the helpers.”

Often Community Colleges become the helpers…often during emergencies… places of love and strength and support as we navigate difficult times.

Good morning California.
It is September 16, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cañada Fashion Student Crowned Judges’ Winner at Comic-Con

Rachel Petterson is a dedicated Cañada College Fashion student and a full-time software engineer. She just won her first fashion show at the world-famous San Diego Comic-Con. Her design, “Totally Minnie,” was a fusion of Minnie Mouse’s timeless charm with the bold spirit of the ’80s.

» Read more about Rachel’s win!

ECHO Music Series to bring world class classical musicians to Cuyamaca College

On September 27, Cuyamaca College will launch its fifth annual ECHO Chamber Music Series, once again bringing world-renowned classical musicians to the East County campus.

» Read more about the ECHO Chamber Music Series!

San Diego Mesa College Included In Generation Hope’s
Inaugural FamilyU Seal List

Generation Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all student parents have the opportunities to succeed and experience economic mobility, announced today that San Diego Mesa College is among one of fourteen colleges chosen in its inaugural FamilyU Seal recipients. The FamilyU Seal program is a national certification for higher education institutions making significant strides in intentionally serving parenting students.

» Read more about FamilyU Seal!

In Case You Missed It

Community Voices: The Constitution binds us together;
now let’s work for a future where the Union is more perfect

Nick Strobel wrote this piece for The Bakersfield Californian – since tomorrow is Constitution Day, I wanted to share it with you:

“We establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty not just for ourselves but also for our Posterity. The intention is that when we act, we should work toward what is good for future generations. Those future generations are not just our children or grandchildren but includes those people we will not know because they will be born long after our own lives are through.”

» Read the article

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Constance Carroll:

“The President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities has just concluded its 2-day meeting, with Chair Dr. Jill Biden & Co-chairs Lady Gaga and Bruce Cohen. Santa Rosa JC President Angelica Garcia is also on the Committee. What a great experience!“

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From Wendy Brill-Wynkoop:

I am continuing to be impressed by this board of outstanding @CalCommColleges educators and @FACCC staff who are committed to our students. Thank you for your hard work and service. #trusteducators

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From Reedley College:

We had an awesome time showcasing our campus to prospective students at Fresno Area College Night! Thanks to everyone who dropped by! #FutureTigers #GoTigers

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From the Michelson 20MM Foundation:

Thank you to Hildegarde Aguinaldo, VP of the @CalCommColleges Board of Gov for sharing her experience and for reaffirming the CCC’s commitment to supporting student parents through the bold framework of Vision2030 under the leadership of @sonyachristian #studentparentsummit

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Check out this video from Moorpark College for HSI Week 2023:

And From the Home of the Renegades

One Book Kickoff Event Held at BC

On Wednesday, September 13, the Bakersfield College Student Government Association and Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSPS) partnered with the Kern County One Book Project to host the annual One Book Kick Off Event. Each year, BC hosts the kickoff event to highlight the One Book Primary Title choice, and this year we highlighted Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig.

» Read more about the One Book Kickoff!

» And check out this Faculty Spotlight on Faith Bradham

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I leave you this week with a few photos of Neo contemplating life:

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