Tag Archives: Sacramento City College

Healing someone else’s world

Uncategorized June 20, 2026 Comments: 2

Russia’s recent wave of missile and drone attacks on Ukraine has struck not only residential areas and infrastructure but also sites of deep religious and cultural significance. Among the locations damaged was the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, an 11th-century monastery complex and one of the holiest sites in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

The attack damaged the complex’s iconic Dormition Cathedral and sparked a fire, prompting widespread condemnation from Ukrainian officials and international organizations.

The strike has renewed concerns about the broader toll of the war on Ukraine’s cultural heritage. According to UNESCO, more than 500 cultural sites have been damaged or destroyed since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Here is a video from The New York Times as Dormiton Cathedral burned – https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/europe/100000010967495/russia-kyiv-attack-orthodox-cathedral.html

My daughter, Eisha Christian, was in Kyiv with a medical team from Sick Kids. Right now as I am writing this blog, she is on a flight from Warsaw to Toronto after finishing two weeks in Lviv and Kyiv in Ukraine.

There she is in the picture below … looking through a surgical microscope, her hands healing someone else’s world.

Here is a post from Pope Leo XIV urging for an end to this war:

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This week I traveled to Baltimore for the CCC HBCU pathway.

Pam Haynes, Walter Kimbrough, Arynn Settle, Sonya Christian

A view of Baltimore –

Another –

And at night –

Then back home to my boy Neo.

And what a treat! The ducklings have finally arrived… waited for so many days.

See if you can spot one of the ducklings trying to fly up to the mother from the pool.

Good morning California.
It is June 20, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Columbia College Participates in Regional “Every Drop Counts” Project Advancing Interdisciplinary Research on Impact of Microplastics in Water

Columbia College is participating in the collaborative initiative Every Drop Counts, a Central Valley–based project focused on investigating the impact of microplastics in water systems and their effects on biological processes. As part of the project, students studied macrophages—immune cells responsible for removing foreign particles—to better understand how microplastics interact with living systems in the Central Valley.  Student teams from Columbia College, Modesto Junior College (MJC), the University of California, Merced (UC Merced), and California State University, Stanislaus (CSUS) presented their research findings at UC Merced on April 15, 2026, and at CSUS on April 18, 2026.

» Read more!

Napa Valley College Opens Hospitality Training Center

On June 2, Napa Valley College held a ribbon cutting for the Donna Altes Hospitality Training Center, the final part of the new Napa Valley College (NVC) Wine Education Complex. The newest building in the complex features a demonstration tasting bar, a space designed to simulate hospitality and tasting-room scenarios, as well as flexible event space for training, lectures and special events. 

» Read more!

Foothill College Hosts Research and Service Leadership Symposium 2026 

On May 21, students from Foothill and a variety of other schools filled the campus to showcase their research at the 9th annual Research and Service Leadership Symposium. This yearly event is meant to provide a space for students to create and showcase either individual or group research projects in any kind of field, from the creative arts to the sciences, with the ultimate goal of expanding learning beyond the classroom and celebrating student passion and curiosity.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

California’s Career Passport to connect qualified workers to employment, with or without a four-year degree

California is continuing its push to open more doors to good-paying jobs by building the California Career Passport – a digital tool designed to better connect workers with employers based on skills, not just degrees.

When implemented, this tool will help more Californians move into in-demand careers and strengthen a workforce that reflects the full range of talent across the state. The Career Passport pilot will involve real users as part of a structured evaluation phase. The four selected vendors will participate in testing that will generate direct user feedback and technical performance data to inform final vendor selection. This approach reflects a commitment to responsible procurement that evaluates solutions based on how they perform in real-world conditions, with real Californians. The pilot demonstration will run from June 17, 2026 to August 24, 2026.

» Read more!

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Building Momentum Towards Transfer: EdInsights’ Researchers Partner with Sacramento City College to Identify Supports for Student Success

EdInsights collaborated with Sacramento City College to design and conduct a study following the academic journeys of over 10,000 first-time students. Sacramento City College, a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, serves over 21,000 students, with nearly 30 percent being first-generation college students. The composition of Sacramento City College’s student body underpins the importance of understanding the experiences of students from various disproportionately impacted groups. 

College and district leaders and EdInsights researchers worked together to identify research questions and connect the analysis to ongoing institutional priorities and strategic planning related to transfer and equitable student success. Together, we identified factors that we suspected could be linked to transfer momentum attainment, including demographic and educational characteristics.

» Read more!   

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Oxnard College:

This week, we welcomed proud Oxnard native and 11-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Julian Gooden to campus.

Students from the Global Empathy Training Academy gathered in our STEM Center to watch Julian’s Emmy Award-winning documentary, “Above the Tide,” followed by an engaging Q&A session where Julian shared insights about his career, creative process, and journey in the film industry. The event was also attended by OC Acting President Cynthia Herrera, MC President Julius Sokenu, other college and district leaders, and community partners from the Ventura County Office of Education.

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From Ohlone College:

Cheers to the Ohlone College Deaf Center for hosting our Student Recognition Celebration!

Our Deaf Center honored our graduates, recognized the #ASL Club officers, celebrated university transfers, acknowledged the Deaf-Centered Interpreting Preparation Program (DCIPP), and celebrated the accomplishments of our students. Cheers to bright futures for our Deaf Center students!

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From Copper Mountain College:

What an incredible day at the annual Judge Bert Swift Memorial Golf Tournament benefiting the athletic programs at Copper Mountain College!

Because of the generosity of our players, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters, we raised significant funds to help support our student-athletes and the future of CMC athletics. Thank you to everyone who came together to make this event such a success.

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From Gavilan College:

Three MESA students represented the college at the Spring 2026 Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM in Atlanta, Georgia. Through this experience, they connected with researchers, universities, and industry professionals, while exploring opportunities in STEM fields.

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And check out this video highlighting Mt. San Antonio College’s aircraft maintenance program:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Recognized for Educational Excellence at Beautiful Bakersfield Awards

Bakersfield College received the Educational Excellence Award at this year’s Beautiful Bakersfield Awards ceremony. The annual event honors individuals, organizations, and businesses for their contributions in 2025. The Educational Excellence Award recognizes ‘educators, projects, or institutions advancing educational opportunities and achievement across all levels in the community’.*

» 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

Let us pray

Uncategorized May 23, 2026 Leave a comment

Our week started with a senseless tragedy in San Diego ….. One of our team members had his eight-year-old daughter at the school during the active shooter incident. She was among the 140 children inside the school and mosque complex at the time.

Here is an email I sent ….

On Monday, May 18th, a horrific act of violence unfolded at the Islamic Center of San Diego.

There will be time for investigations, policy discussions, and broader conversations about hate, violence, extremism, and safety in our communities. But today, let’s simply pause to focus on three beautiful people whose courage helped prevent an even greater tragedy.

Let’s imprint their names, their faces, and their stories in our minds and hearts:

Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha, and Nader Awad who gave their lives protecting children.

140 children were inside the school and mosque complex at the time of the attack. In the middle of unimaginable danger, these men instinctively moved to action and helped save those children.

Amin Abdullah, a security guard who confronted the shooters, activated lockdown procedures, and warned staff and teachers inside the building.

Mansour Kaziha is a longtime elder and respected member of the mosque community.

Nader Awad is a community member who lived across the street from the Islamic Center.

These men acted out of love for their community and an instinct to protect children.

Our hearts are with the families of the victims, the Muslim community in San Diego, and all those impacted by this tragedy. As educators and public servants, we reaffirm our commitment to campuses and communities where every individual feels nurtured, respected, welcomed, and safe.

Let’s envelope our colleagues and friends in San Diego with warmth and love as they cope with this senseless tragedy.

With much love,
Your colleague,
sonya

Let us pray.

This week we had our May Board of Governors meeting.

Snapped this photo of a boat on the Sacramento River for you.

At this week’s meeting, we presented six honorees with the 2026 Classified Employee of the Year award.

The recipients are:

Misti Hardy, Shasta College

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Carmen Hirkala, Sacramento City College

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Lusyna Kim-Narvaez, Mission College

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Desiree Ortiz, Irvine Valley College

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Natalie Vázquez, Riverside College

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Crystal Villafaña-Tafoya, Barstow Community College

Congratulations to this amazing group, and thank you for all you do for our students!

Here is another great shout out to the apprenticeship work we are doing. Thank you to Gary Adams for sharing this update –

The CCCCO Apprenticeship Team was invited to present, along with DAS Chief Adele Burns and LAUNCH Director Charles Henckles, at the 2026 Apprenticeship for America Annual Summit in Washington, D.C. on the nation leading innovation and investment that California’s community colleges (the nation’s largest system of workforce training and development) are undertaking in the first of its kind statewide and regional employer engagement network, called LAUNCH.

Our session had over 200+ attendees (see photo below) and we were interviewed by the American Association on Community Colleges by their workforce team, who videotaped the interview for posting to the website and listserve. Our time is now and we must be bold in our visioning of the future of apprenticeship and work-based learning as the core career education strategy of the nation’s largest system of public higher education – Gary Adams

Good morning California.
It is May 23, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Los Medanos College showcases research at 10th Annual STEM Symposium

LMC’s 10th Annual STEM Symposium, featured 48 poster presentations and about 200 student scientists who conducted research in chemistry, biology and biochemistry. Presentations included experiments using essential oils to break down plastics, research on the effects of natural versus synthetic fertilizers on earthworms, testing varied procedures for creating catalysts to break down plastics, and more.

» Read more!

Los Angeles Valley College MESA Team Wins HackMESA 2026

The LAVC MESA (Math, Engineering & Science Achievement) Program teams won first place of HackMESA 2.0 and best Video Game Design during the second-annual MESA student-led hackathon in downtown Los Angeles. The HACKMESA 2026 competition brought together 150 registered students from 15 MESA programs across the state—from Oakland to San Diego—for a 24-hour hackathon to build real projects, gain industry experience, and launch their tech careers.

» Read more!

Berkeley City College Celebrates OakTown Leaders Graduates

Berkeley City College hosted a graduation ceremony for nearly 90 Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) dual enrollment students completing their early education youth pre-apprenticeship through the OakTown Leaders teacher preparation program. Graduates participated in an earn and learn model that allows students to gain college credit while in high school, creating a clear and structured pathway into careers in education and related fields.

» Read more!

Contra Costa College Foundation Erases the Debt of Nearly 200 Graduates

Nearly 200 Contra Costa College students woke up to a surprise this morning: A text informing them that the CCC Foundation has paid off their outstanding fees and tuition.

This initiative applies to all Contra Costa College Spring 2026 graduates who qualify for California residency under California’s tuition structure. That includes refugees and other immigrants who qualify for in-state tuition under California law.

On average, each student carried about $173 in remaining debt. While that amount may seem small, for many students balancing school, work, and family responsibilities, this relief represents something much bigger: a clean slate.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

New tool allows college student parents to compare resources across campuses

Using The California Student Parent Resource Hub, parenting students can check if campuses offer on-campus childcare, family-friendly study spaces, food pantries and academic support. They can also verify if schools have in place the resources that the law requires them to provide, such as a webpage with information for student parents and designated lactation spaces on campus.

Students can find detailed information about specific campuses, compare colleges by viewing their resource profiles side-by-side and search for campuses that provide the resources they are specifically interested in. The database also collates information on progress made by the California Community Colleges, California State University and University of California systems in providing legally required resources and highlights schools with particularly good programs.

» Read more!

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Who Will Staff the AI Economy? They’ll Be Community College Grads

The emerging AI workforce is actually a vibrant tapestry of trades and occupations, spanning healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, and retail, each with its own version of AI integration and its own skill demands. What’s missing is a trained middle tier of workers who understand AI well enough to work with it, manage it, and apply it in their specific field. 

That missing middle is the mandate community colleges are uniquely built to answer, and which becomes more critical by the day.

Community colleges already educate more than 40% of the American workforce. They are deeply embedded in their regions, accessible to working adults, and structured around applied learning by partnering with local companies. No other type of institution is better positioned to train the people who will staff the AI economy at scale. The question is, does the policy and industry infrastructure exist to support them in doing it?

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Sheri Horn Bunk of the Taft College Foundation:

I had the pleasure of enjoying a wonderful dinner at Ella’s in Sacramento last night with some esteemed guests. My gratitude goes to Assemblyman Stan Ellis for organizing a fantastic evening. Special guests included Sonya Christian, Keetha Mills, Karen Sue Yarrow-Zuber, and Rob Duchow, all of whom expressed their support for our Non-Profit of the Year award.

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From American River College:

Co-hosted by the Electronics Technologies and Welding departments, the Solar Contest on May 9 challenged student teams to race head-to-head constructing professional ground-mount solar systems. This electrifying event showcased a powerful blend of grit, technical gear, and cross-disciplinary teamwork.

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From Imperial Valley College:

Twelve Imperial Valley College agriculture students recently showcased their project-based field research at the University of California Desert Research and Extension Center (UC DREC) in Holtville.

Through hands-on drip irrigation system trials, students demonstrated innovative approaches to water management while gaining real-world experience in agricultural science.

This partnership highlights IVC’s commitment to experiential learning and preparing students for careers in Agri-STEM.

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From Cañada College:

Recently, the Promise Scholars Program and TRIO Program took students on an inspiring visit to the University of San Francisco, where they explored campus life, academic programs, student resources, and transfer opportunities at a four-year university. Students connected with peers, learned more about the university experience, and envisioned their future educational journeys.

To wrap up the day, the group visited the California Academy of Sciences, exploring interactive exhibits, marine life, and incredible science and natural history collections.

The trip was a fun and enriching experience that blended college exploration, community building, and hands-on learning opportunities.

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From Foothill College:

Thank you, Assemblyman Marc Berman and Foothill-De Anza trustee, Laura Casas, for joining our Emerging Technologies team to learn about Foothill College’s groundbreaking work in Artificial Intelligence and robotics.


And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Holds 2026 Commencement Ceremony

Congratulations to the Bakersfield College Class of 2026.

This past Friday, we celebrated the dedication, perseverance, and hard work of every graduate who crossed the stage. We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished.

Bakersfield College is honored to serve this community and the students who make our mission meaningful. Wishing the Class of 2026 every success in the next chapter ahead.

Check out the stream from the Commencement 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

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

Uncategorized February 14, 2026 Comments: 12

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

Grammys, Winter Olympics – life is good

Uncategorized February 7, 2026 Leave a comment

Moments that take our breath away

I watched the Grammy’s on Sunday.  Apparently this is the last year on CBS – next year it will be on a streaming service ….. feels like a sign of the times …. a little bittersweet for those of us who made a night of it. I’ve always loved watching the Grammys. The anticipation, the surprise performances, the talent, the sense that for a few hours we were all tuned in together.

And since Superbowl is tomorrow I thought I would mention the hilarious scene with Trevor Noah and Bad Bunny.

You see, although Bad Bunny won big at the Grammys taking home major awards, he couldn’t officially perform on music’s biggest night because he’s contractually committed to headlining the Super Bowl LX halftime show which I will be watching tomorrow. Trevor Noah cheekily coaxed him into a spontaneous mini performance by singing Bad Bunny’s hit “DtMF” and bringing out a live band. Check it out….

I could not possibly list all my favorite parts….. but here is another – a tribute to Roberta Flack.

My favorite song:

Yesterday, after a loooong work week, I sank into the start of the Winter Olympics. Here are two of the many favorite moments from the Opening Ceremony.

One cool segment – Fantasia.
In this surreal and joyful piece, dancers appeared with oversized heads representing the towering figures of Italian opera history, Rossini, Verdi, and Puccini. Loved the swirling colors, choreographed motion, and references to everything from opera to Renaissance aesthetics. Check it out.
Check out the video on YouTube.

And a performance of Italy’s National Anthem by Laura Pausini. Before the national anthem, the stadium transformed into a runway in celebration of Giorgio Armani. Models moved across the field in silk suits the colors of the Italian flag, their silhouettes unmistakably Armani.
Check out the video on YouTube.

Good morning California.
It is February 7, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Coastline College Launches First Dolphin Tank Pitch Competition
to Support Former Foster Youth Entrepreneurs

Coastline College successfully hosted its first Dolphin Tank Pitch Competition, an innovative, Shark Tank–inspired capstone experience designed to support aspiring student entrepreneurs, with a special focus on students who are current or former foster youth. The event served as both a graduation celebration and a live pitch competition, giving students the opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of experienced community leaders while receiving real-time feedback and mentorship.

» Read more!

Pending Sacramento City College Program Enhancement Will Address
National Air Traffic Controller Shortage

Last month, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) joined leaders from the Los Rios Community College District, Sacramento County, and the aviation industry at Mather Airport to celebrate Sacramento City College’s (SCC) progress toward becoming one of the nation’s only dual-certified Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) programs.  Upon final approval, Sacramento City College would be the first Enhanced AT-CTI program on the West Coast, and one of only two institutions in the country with dual certification to train students for both tower and en route air traffic control careers. 

» Read more!

A First Day, Reimagined: Inside San José City College’s
New Career Education Complex

The Career Education Complex, now open for instruction, represents a significant shift in how San José City College imagines learning spaces. Over the course of the spring semester, 140 class sections will be taught inside the new facility, spanning career education programs and general education courses alike. English classes meet alongside high-tech labs. Students heading to their first lecture pass classmates gathering in open study areas and sunlit corridors.

» Read more!

Long Beach City College And Congressman Robert Garcia
Announce $1.5 Million Community Project Funding

Thanks to the advocacy of Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42), Long Beach City College will receive $1.5 million in Community Project Funding to support the LBCC Child Development Center (CDC) at the Trades, Technology, and Community Learning Campus (TTC). The funding will be used to purchase and install new playground equipment at the TTC CDC. The funding will support a redesign of the center’s outdoor play area, replacing outdated equipment and creating a more functional space tailored specifically to early childhood use. The new playground equipment will serve children ages 3–5.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

How Community Colleges Are Becoming America’s AI Talent Engine

In August 2024, while the technology world fixated on billion-dollar AI startups, something quieter but potentially more consequential was happening in American education. The National Science Foundation announced a $2.8 million grant to establish the National Applied AI Consortium—an initiative placing community colleges, not elite research universities, at the center of America’s AI workforce strategy.

The idea was deceptively simple: if artificial intelligence is going to reshape every industry from healthcare to manufacturing, then the technicians who implement, maintain, and work alongside these systems should come from the institutions that have always served as on-ramps to the American middle class.

» Read more!

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Here are 5 reasons why 2026 is an exciting year for community colleges

Rising enrollment in short-term credential courses and community colleges is not a fluke.

Students—including young cohorts—are favoring affordable programs that lead directly to career opportunities, and community colleges are answering the call.

EAB, a higher education consulting firm, recently outlined five macro trends that help explain record-setting interest in the community colleges.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Fresno City College:

Giving tours = our favorite thing. Sharing the tech = even better. Thank you, @toyotausa community!

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From Napa Valley College:

Thank you, Congressman Mike Thompson, for taking the time to visit our campus and meet with our student leaders. We truly appreciate the opportunity to share the work happening at NVC and explore ways to further support student success. Your continued dedication to expanding educational opportunities makes a meaningful impact on our community.

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From Evergreen Valley College:

Retired judge LaDoris Cordell returned to EVC to speak to the campus as part of Black History Month.

Cordell was the first African American woman to serve on the bench in Northern California, serving on the Superior Court of Santa Clara County. Cordell graduated from Stanford Law School and became a respected jurist and advocate in the Bay Area, generations after her great-great-grandmother was a slave.

Cordell discussed being an “Upstander” and shared stories of those who caused good trouble. She ended with a quote from slave Araminta Ross, who said, Always remember, you have within you the strength, patience, and passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

Ross changed her name to Harriet Tubman and became an American abolitionist, social activist, and upstander herself during the Civil War.

Cordell’s book, “Her Honor,” tells much of her story to readers.

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From Allan Hancock College:

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department donated one of its ambulances to AHC’s Public Safety Training Complex February 3.

The ambulance will be used by PSTC’s Emergency Medical Services program, and will help provide EMS students with realistic training.

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And Las Positas College shared some photos from their Winter Club & Resource Fair:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Celebrates Recognition as a Black Serving Institution

Earlier this week, faculty, staff, students, and community members gathered on the CSS Lawn to kick off Black History Month and celebrate Bakersfield College’s recent recognition as a California designated Black-Serving Institution (BSI). The distinction is an important milestone highlighting BC’s commitment to advancing equity, access, and student success for Black students.

The event featured remarks from BC administrators, BC faculty, and community members, including BC President Dr. Stacey Pfluger, BC Faculty member Dr. Tommy Tunson, NAACP President of the Bakersfield Branch Patrick Jackson, and others. The event also included a special singing of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ by the Agapeland Christian Academy choir and concluded with food samples and a time for networking. It was an exciting way to kick off Black History Month at Bakersfield College.

» 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

Cherish the good times and let go of the bad. Life goes on.

Uncategorized August 9, 2025 1 Comment

This week was hectic with Thursday being even more so…

A team from the Chancellor’s Office (Chris Ferguson, Tony Cordova, and me) headed to Google San Francisco for a press conference with Governor Newsom on cultivating tech and higher education partnerships for workforce development.

You see us in the photo before hanging out with some of our favorite people — Amy Tong, Stewart Knox and a new addition to the Governor’s cabinet Randi Michel.

Clearly we are having a good time prior to the press annoucement.

Chris Ferguson, Amy Tong, Sonya Christian, Stewart Knox, Randi Michel, Tony Cordova

We then rolled into a roundtable conversation with the Governor who was in high spirits, relaxed and fully engaged.

That was followed by the press event outdoors. checkout the breathtaking view in all the photos of beautiful San Francisco … even the sun came out to celebrate the day, to celebrate this partnership.

It is mind blowing to hear about the new developments in the tech world. I read about them, but to actually hear it from the company leaders directly is something else. We had four of the tech giants there – Google, Microsoft, Adobe and IBM.

In case you missed this blurb on the LAist website

To succeed in the workforce, it’s essential for students to become “AI-fluent,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian.

Gov. Gavin Newsom noted that even careers that were recently very lucrative, like software engineering, have rapidly transformed, in part because AI can do the work that recent grads were traditionally hired to take on.

Photo from the LAist website

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I’d also like to take a moment to remember former BC President Rick Wright, who passed away this week at the age of 81.

Rick was the president who hired me as a math faculty at BC and later went on to sign all the papers required by INS to get me a green card. I was sorry to hear about his passing.

Here’s a wonderful picture from back in 2014, during BC’s centennial celebration kickoff at Opening Day. I was joined by former BC presidents Richard Wright, Sandra Serrano, and Greg Chamberlain as we cut the Centennial Cake.

Rick Wright, Sandra Serrano, Sonya Christian, Greg Chamberlain

And I’d like to extend my thoughts to colleagues at Santa Barbara City College, as their longest-serving president, Peter MacDougall, passed away at age 85. He served for 21 years before stepping down in 2002.

Cherish the good times and let go of the bad. Life goes on.

Good morning California.
It is August 9, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Contra Costa College Launches New Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Program

Contra Costa College is proud to launch the Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Pathway (CEDAP), a groundbreaking new program that offers students a supported, debt-free route into high-demand infrastructure careers. The program officially kicked off on July 7 with an on-campus celebration that welcomed the first 20-student cohort into the new five-year pathway. CEDAP is designed to open doors in civil and transportation engineering. Funded by a $5 million federal grant, this initiative is a partnership between CCC, the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC), Growth Sector, Caltrans, and other regional employers and universities.

» Read more!

Lemoore College Jump Start Internship Program Gives High School Students
a Head Start on College and Career Goals

Since July 1, more than 50 local high school students have been gaining hands-on college and career experience through Lemoore College’s summer Jump Start internship program—a dynamic, dual enrollment opportunity that allows students to earn college credit while exploring high-demand career fields.

» Read more!

Santa Ana College Introduces Innovative AI For Business Degree and Certificate

The Santa Ana College Business Division has announced the new Associate of Science (AS) Degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Business which will be launched this upcoming fall. With AI’s growing implementation in the world of business, this forward-thinking program will prepare students to use AI tools like ChatGPT, automate business tasks, and gain career-ready skills in marketing, finance, human resources, and many more.

» Read more!

Cerro Coso Community College Honored with Beautification Award
at 79th Annual Ridgecrest Chamber Community Awards

Cerro Coso Community College proudly accepted the Beautification Award at the 79th Annual Ridgecrest Chamber Community Awards held on June 13, 2025. This honor celebrates businesses, property owners, and organizations that have significantly enhanced the appearance and aesthetic value of properties within Ridgecrest. Cerro Coso earned this recognition for its Outdoor Sports Complex Renovation.

In Case You Missed It

Press Release: Study Finds California Community Colleges Support
Nearly 1.7M Jobs and Deliver Major Returns for Students, Taxpayers, and State

Powering nearly 1.7 million jobs and contributing $173 billion last fiscal year, California’s community colleges account for approximately 5% of California’s total gross state product, a new study reveals. The data reinforces that California’s community colleges are an investment fueling the state’s economic engine and creating meaningful impact in the lives of millions, every single day.

The Economic Value of the California Community Colleges System report examined a wide range of factors such as payroll, job creation, and alumni’s improved standard of living. According to findings, for every $1 invested in the community colleges, students gain more than $13 in earnings, taxpayers gain just under $2 in added tax revenue, and society gains $14 in added income and social savings.

» Read more!

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LA Times: Undeterred by tough restaurant times, students are lining up for this college culinary program

It has been a brutal stretch for L.A. restaurants. Since 2023, hundreds of notable spots have shuttered amid escalating costs for food and labor, and a weakening economy.

More recently, the local scene has also been roiled by the January wildfires, which torched several restaurants, caused some to temporarily close and displaced workers. Then, this summer, federal immigration enforcement raids led many undocumented workers to leave their posts over fear of detainment.

It’s a dicey environment in which to launch a restaurant industry career. But Los Angeles Trade-Technical College’s culinary program tells a different story — enrollment grew by 13% last academic year, and it is up nearly 30% since 2019.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Clovis Community College:

Happy Monday! President Kim Armstrong excited to pose with athletes for the NEW 10th anniversary new uniform reveal! Visit http://gocloviscrush.com to stay up-to-date with our athletic events. 

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From Modesto Junior College:

MJC’s CalWORKs program honored and recognized students at the 2025 end of year ceremony. This annual event celebrates the success of the students, who are also parents, that have participated in the MJC CalWORKs Program. This Program works collaboratively with Stanislaus County Community Services Agency (CSA) to provide support services, such as priority registration, ongoing career and academic counseling, and CSA Case Manager(s) on site.

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From Napa Valley College:

Unveiled this past spring, Freedom to Love by Dina Angel Wing now sits in the McCarthy Library lobby as a lasting tribute to LGBTQ+ history and community. The bronze sculpture honors rainbow flag creator Gilbert Baker alongside his patrons Tom Taylor and Jerome Goldstein, reflecting a legacy of visibility, generosity, and love. Special thanks to Donna Sachet, the “First Lady of the Castro,” for helping welcome this meaningful addition to Napa Valley College.

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From Mission College:

THANK YOU to all the incredible performers and everyone who joined us this year for Mission College’s 2025 Summer Concert Series! Your energy, passion, and love for live music have made every night unforgettable so far.

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And check out this video from Sacramento City College’s PACE/Umoja Fashion Show:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Academic Highlight: Commercial Music Program at BC

Bakersfield College is proud to offer a variety of academic programs and pathways that provide educational opportunities for students of all ages and career aspirations. Among its many offerings, BC features a focused Commercial Music Program, perfect for students looking to turn their love of music into a professional career.

The Commercial Music Program was first offered in 2017 with a focus on music used in advertising, film, television, video games, and other media. The program is still going strong, and each semester it equips students with training to build a career in the commercial music industry. Commercial music encompasses a diverse range of musical styles, including pop, rock, hip-hop, jazz, and others, and generally appeals to a broad audience.

» 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

With much hope and joy, 

Sonya Christian's Blog