Tag Archives: San Diego City College

Welcome May 2026

Uncategorized May 2, 2026 Leave a comment

It’s National Apprenticeship Week. Check out my opinion piece in the Hechinger Report.

OPINION: As graduation looms, students need pathways that are practical, affordable and connected to opportunity – The Hechinger Report

Back in San Diego and here is my traditional picture for you.

What’s not to love about San Diego?

Pathways to Equity Conference was held in San Diego this year.  We had quite a large team from the Chancellor’s Office.  Happy that Board members Pam Haynes and Adrienne Brown were able to join us.

The conference started with dance students from San Diego City College. Captured this 15-sec video for you.

Jenny Saechao snapped this photo of me with the dance students and their faculty member from San Diego City College.

And more photos of the student panel I facilitated at the event –

Yahir Melendez, Sonya Christian, Adriana Dorsey, Ana Karina Lomeli-Cadenas

Back home to my boy Neo

Good morning California.
It is May 2, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

New Calbright College and NLET Initiative Will Modernize California’s Skills-Based Economy and Workforce Infrastructure

Calbright College, California’s statewide exclusively online community college, and the National Laboratory for Education Transformation (NLET) today announced a strategic partnership to bridge the gap between workforce policy and practice. By establishing a dedicated “Education to Workforce Working Group,” the two organizations will develop and scale competency-based training in high-demand technical sectors, including emerging technology and AI infrastructure.

» Read more!

Orange Coast College Students Take Second
Against Four-Year Universities in Food Science Contest

Orange Coast College’s food science student product development team won second place at the 38th annual Student Product Development Competition hosted by the Southern California Institute of Food Technologists (SCIFTs) on March 3 in Anaheim, California. Morgan Downie, culinary/food science; Anna Jensen, food science; and Hannah Thompson, nutrition and dietetics, made up the first team that OCC has sent to the competition and were the only community college competitors.

» Read more!

West Hills Community College District Joins Fresno State Bulldog Bound Program
to Expand Transfer Opportunities

The West Hills Community College District is proud to announce its participation in the Fresno State Bulldog Bound program, expanding access to a clear and supported transfer pathway for students across the Central Valley. Chancellor Dr. Robert Pimentel, Lemoore College President James Preston, and Coalinga College President Dr. Carla Tweed joined higher education leaders from throughout the region to celebrate the launch of the program, which is now being extended to include community college students.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

OPINION: As graduation looms, students need pathways that are practical, affordable and connected to opportunity

As we wrap up Apprenticeship Week, I wanted to share my op-ed that was published in Hechinger Report:

For too long, higher education has acted as if learning only counts when it happens inside a classroom. Millions of Americans know otherwise.

Opportunity should not require relocation, excessive debt or navigating systems built for someone else’s life. Our nation needs to broaden its definition of where learning happens and recognize learning wherever it happens. 

Apprenticeship is a natural place to begin building that broader network of opportunities. At a time when the nation is debating college costs, workforce shortages, economic security and the future of work, apprenticeship offers something rare: a solution that works for students, employers and communities at the same time. It is a framework to learn, earn and advance. 

» Read more!

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Community College Reforms Have Improved Student Success in Math


Seven years after the California Community Colleges began implementing placement and remediation reforms, almost all students are enrolling directly in transfer-level math—a key milestone on the path to college completion. In a virtual briefing last week, Marisol Cuellar Mejia outlined the findings of a new report that examines the impact of these reforms and answered audience questions.

Assembly Bill (AB) 705 requires the state’s community colleges to maximize the chances that students take and complete transfer-level courses in math and English within a one-year time frame. Before AB 705 implementation, most students were placed in remedial courses and many dropped out without ever taking a transfer-level course.

“Completion rates have increased consistently since AB 705 took effect,” said Cuellar Mejia. She noted that initial increases were driven mostly by expanded access, but a 7 percentage point improvement from 2022 to 2024—when almost all students were starting in transfer-level math—indicates that changes in the classroom have recently played a major role.

» Read more!

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Meanwhile, Board Member Cirian Villavicencio attended the press conference hosted by Assembly Member Mike Fong and Senator Eloise Reyes announcing two bills that establish Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANHPI) designations. Deputy Chancellor Rowena Tomaneng represented our system and spoke at the event.

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Mission College:

The Rising Scholars Program participated in the Santa Clara County Adult Probation Employment and Resource Fair in recognition of Second Chance Month. Program Analyst Steve Duong and Hospitality Management Instructor Eve Little connected with justice-impacted individuals.

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From Modesto Junior College:

This month, students and community members united to celebrate the 2nd Annual Traveling Around MJC: A Multi-Cultural Event. Everyone came together in the spirit of cultural awareness, inclusivity, and unity.

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From Glendale Community College:

Spring at GCC Garfield Campus is a whole mood. The Jacarandas are in full bloom, turning our daily walk to class into a purple dream. Sometimes you just have to stop and take it all in.

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From Saddleback College:

It was a busy week at Saddleback, but one that showed what a vibrant and energetic campus we are! Discover Saddleback High School Senior Day on April 21 – Over 1,350 local high school seniors came to campus to discover all that Saddleback has to offer!

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From San Diego Miramar College:

We are just about ready to host our Scholarship awards banquet! Over 150 students are about to receive $137,000 in scholarship aid.

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And check out this mini-documentary about the De Anza Auto Tech program! It was produced as part of the California Career Training Showcase.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC STEM Hosts Physics Olympics for Local High School Students

Last week, the STEM Department at Bakersfield College hosted their annual Physics Olympics for local high school students. The event took place on BC’s Panorama Campus and participants competed in a variety of physics activities. More than 200 students from twelve local high schools competed in the event, and one school went home with an award for earning the most points throughout the day.

Stephen Waller, Dean of Instruction at BC for Math, Science & Engineering, has helped coordinate this event for more than 15 years. “Today, we are hosting our annual Physics Olympics that we coordinate with Kern High School District,” he said, “which includes competitions set up by Physics faculty from the local high schools that cover different areas of physics including catapult launches, egg drop, bridge building, paper airplanes, and more.”

» 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

Happy Easter 2026

Uncategorized April 6, 2026 Comments: 2

This week we watched in awe as Artemis II made its historic journey to orbit the moon. This is NASA’s first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit in over 50 years – the last mission, Apollo 17, launched December 7, 1972, and marked the last time humans set foot on the moon.

Orion, the spacecraft launched in the Artemis II mission, will orbit the moon on its 10-day journey, and is expected to reach a distance of 252,799 miles from Earth.

Here’s a short introduction to the 4 astronauts aboard Orion:

Reid Wiseman, Commander

Reid Wiseman, 50, is a 27-year Navy veteran and Baltimore native. He was selected as an astronaut in 2009.

In 2014, he flew to the International Space Station and spent 165 days in orbit. During that mission, he made two spacewalks.

Wiseman is also an aquanaut – he was a member of NASA’s Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) program, living undersea in conditions similar to those on a spacecraft.

Victor Glover, Pilot

Victor Glover, 49, is a California native, born in Pomona. He was selected as an astronaut in 2013 while serving as a Legislative Fellow in the US Senate.

He piloted the first operational flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon, which flew to the International Space Station in November 2020. During that mission, he spent 168 days in space. He completed 4 spacewalks during that time.

Glover has accumulated 3,500 flight hours in more than 40 aircraft.

Christina Koch, Mission Specialist

Christina Koch, 47, was selected as an astronaut in 2013. She is a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

On March 14, 2019, she launched to the International Space Station, returning on February 6, 2020. During that mission, she and Jessica Meir were the first women to participate in an all-female spacewalk. She also broke the record for longest continuous time in space by a women.

She conducted a total of six spacewalks, totaling 42 hours and 15 minutes.

She also made the first edit to Wikipedia from space.

Jeremy Hansen, Mission Specialist

Jeremy Hansen, 50, is from London, Ontario. As a Canadian, he’s an astronaut with the Canadian Space Agency and is the first non-American to travel beyond low Earth orbit.

In 2013, he participated in the European Space Agency’s CAVES program, living underground for six days.

In 2014, he was a crewmember of NEEMO, living and working on the ocean floor for seven days.

On Friday, NASA released this amazing image taken by the astronauts aboard the spacecraft:

NASA is also sharing a live feed from the Orion capsule:

And back on Earth, another beautiful sunrise.

And my boy Neo

In case you were wondering why my blog post is delayed ……

Spent Easter with my daughter in Toronto. It was a quick hectic and beautiful trip.

Life is not measured by the breaths we take,
but the moments that take our breath away

Good morning California.

Happy Easter 2026


It is April 4, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Lake Tahoe Community College Chef Virat Vij Named Chef of the Year
by High Sierra Chefs Association

Chef Virat Vij of Lake Tahoe Community College has been named Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation High Sierra Chefs Association, in recognition of his leadership, mentorship, and contributions to the regional culinary community. The annual award honors culinary professionals who demonstrate excellence in their field. Vij was selected by the association’s Board of Directors for his service on the board and his support for fundraising efforts benefiting aspiring chefs. At LTCC, Vij teaches in the college’s culinary arts program, where students gain hands-on experience in professional kitchens and develop skills for careers in the food and hospitality industry. The program focuses on real-world training, preparing students for jobs that are essential to the Lake Tahoe region’s tourism-based economy.

» Read more!

Solar Energy Coming to Mt. San Antonio Campus

Mt. San Antonio College, following approval from the Board of Trustees, is moving forward with plans to install a solar energy system that will generate clean electricity on campus, reduce long-term energy costs, and strengthen energy reliability for both the College and surrounding community. The planned system will produce 6.75 megawatts of electricity—enough to power thousands of campus operations—and will include a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to store energy for use during peak demand or outages.

» Read more!

Riverside City College Alumna Sarah Ruyle’s
Animated Film Hungry Hollow Gains Global Recognition

Hungry Hollow, an animated short created by Riverside City College alumna Sarah Ruyle, has been selected for screening at both the Slamdance Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying festival, and the New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival in Hokkaido, Japan. The selections mark an exciting milestone for the emerging animator whose creative journey includes time studying animation at Riverside City College during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

» Read more!

HCSB Honors San Bernardino Valley College
with 2026 Spheres of Sustainability Visionary Award

The Hispanic Coalition of Small Businesses (HCSB) has named San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) the recipient of the 2026 HCSB Spheres of Sustainability Visionary Award, recognizing the college’s leadership in preparing people and communities for a more sustainable future. SBVC will be honored at the 2026 HCSB Spheres of Sustainability Summit on April 22, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon at the DoubleTree by Hilton Pomona.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Improving women’s experiences in internships

Community colleges are rightly being recognized as central to the nation’s skilled trades pipeline. They are nimble, workforce-focused and deeply connected to regional employers. In automotive technology, especially, that role matters. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects about 70,000 openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics each year over the next decade, and the occupation employed about 805,600 workers in 2024. 

But if we are serious about strengthening that pipeline, we need to be honest about a problem hiding in plain sight: women remain dramatically underrepresented in the field, and “access” alone is not the same thing as equity. According to recent BLS data, women make up just 4.2% of automotive service technicians and mechanics, placing the occupation among those with the smallest share of women workers. 

» Read more!

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2026 Student Leadership Award Winners Announced

Four student leaders, dedicated to equity and inclusion on campus and in their communities, have been honored with the California Community College’s annual Student Leadership Award.

Kristopher Evans of Cabrillo College, Ode Tso Kunthar from Contra Costa College, Valerie Pamphile from Barstow Community College, and John Paul Rosales from Moreno Valley College were recognized March 27 at the Student Senate for California Community Colleges 2026 General Assembly in San Francisco.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Río Hondo College :

Río Hondo College kicked off Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month with a special flag-raising ceremony in the Lower Quad today! Student, Brooklyn Decker, led the ceremony.

The Autism Awareness flag will fly proudly all month long, reminding us of our commitment to celebrating neurodiversity, promoting understanding and fostering inclusion across our campus community.

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Monterey Peninsula College’s recent Dress for Success event:

Thanks to generous community donations, MPC students were able to pick out free professional outfits to help them feel confident and prepared for interviews, internships, and career opportunities ahead.

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From San Joaquin Delta College:

Last weekend’s #womeninSTEM celebration honored our students and alumni who are breaking barriers and shaping the future of STEM. Congratulations on your accomplishments! #MESA#sjdeltacollege

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From Los Angeles Mission College:

On Friday, March 20, Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC) hosted a free Student Vision Care Clinic on campus, providing no-cost eye exams and glasses for students.

The clinic reached capacity early, with 150 students registered by 9:45 a.m., and students were seen throughout the day until 2 p.m. The event was presented in partnership with the Power of Sight to bring vision care services directly to students on campus.

Each participating student received a comprehensive eye exam from a licensed optometrist, had their prescription filled on-site, and left the same day with a new pair of glasses.

Funding and support for the clinic were provided by LAMC, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, the Pacoima Chamber of Commerce, Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation (ICON CDC) and Champions in Service.

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And check out this video on Goat Yoga at San Diego City College:

Blast From the Past

Wanted to share this look back at the first 6 months of Vision 2030:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC and Partnering High Schools Receive
California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award

Recently, several of Bakersfield College’s high school partners were presented with the 2026 Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award. The statewide honor highlights outstanding dual enrollment programs that provide opportunities to enroll in and earn college credits while still in high school – expanding college access while supporting student success.

The Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award recognizes programs that demonstrate strong collaboration between K–12 and community college partners, academic rigor, and meaningful pathways that support students in achieving their educational and career goals.

» 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

Happy Pi Day All

Uncategorized March 14, 2026 Comments: 3

Happy Pi Day
3.14
3.14159265…..

Spring is the time of beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

I started my week at the Wheelhouse Program for presidents, then headed to Sacramento for meetings.
A beautiful Sacramento sunset for you…

And then back home enjoying a walk with my boy Neo.

I wrapped up my week at the inaugural Stemapalooza at Lemoore College.

The West Hills District and Lemoore College are doing real cool things on their campus. Their enrollments are booming. Check out the picture with both the president and the chancellor of the district.

Jonathan an engineering alum from Lemoore, Gustavo Enrique the MESA advisor, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, President James Preston, Sonya Christian, District Chancellor Robert Pimental

This event had mostly MESA students and their advisors along with STEM faculty in attendance.

MESA began in 1970 at the University of California, Berkeley, during a time when leaders in higher education were increasingly concerned that students from many communities across California were not entering fields such as engineering, mathematics, and science at the same rates as others. The early vision of MESA was straightforward but powerful: create structured academic communities that support talented students from underserved backgrounds in preparing for STEM majors and careers.

Over the decades that followed, California made the decision to expand that idea into something much larger.  With continued support from the Legislature and multiple across administrations, MESA evolved into a coordinated effort that now connects middle schools, high schools, community colleges, and universities. Today, MESA operates through three primary components: the MESA Schools Program, the MESA Community College Program, and the MESA Engineering Program at four-year institutions.

What began as a single initiative on one campus has since grown into a nationally recognized model for expanding participation in STEM education. States across the country have looked to California’s MESA framework when designing their own STEM pipeline programs.

The event was coordinated by Jonathan Hernandez from Porterville College. It was so fun…. My heart was full as I reconnected with colleagues from the Central Valley whom I had not seen in quite some time. It felt like coming home.

This is what I saw in the room for the conference. Posters of We love Neo.

Check out this picture that Lemoore College MESA Director Gustavo Enriquez shared on his social media –

I loved the Lemoore MESA sweatshirt. Check out my wardrobe change. Thank you President James Preston. Thank you Gustavo Enrique. Thank you Jonathan Hernandez.

Good morning California.
It is March 14, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Antelope Valley College Student Leaders Meet with Congressman George Whitesides

Student leaders from Antelope Valley College’s Associated Student Organization (ASO) recently met with Congressman George Whitesides to discuss issues affecting community college students and the future of higher education. During the meeting, ASO representatives shared concerns and ideas related to artificial intelligence, expanding research opportunities for students and recent funding cuts affecting Hispanic-Serving Institutions such as AVC.

» Read more!

College of San Mateo’s MESA Program and STEM Priorities Honored by Stanford University for Community Partnership

College of San Mateo was recently honored by Stanford University with its Community Partnership Award, recognizing CSM’s Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program’s impactful collaboration with the Stanford Community College Outreach Program (CCOP) and its commitment to expanding STEM opportunities for community college students. In addition to Stanford’s recognition, MESA also received a Certificate of Recognition from California State Assemblymember Marc Berman, acknowledging the program’s regional impact and leadership in supporting community college students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

» Read more!

Southwestern College x USC: Building the Next Generation
of Community College Leaders

Through a new collaboration with the University of Southern California’s USC Rossier School of Education, Southwestern College has launched the Community College Innovation Scholars Program, a three-year, $4.2 million pilot designed to expand graduate education opportunities while strengthening leadership across California’s community college system. Beginning in fall 2026 and for the next three years, a total of 120 Southwestern College faculty and staff members can pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in education through USC Rossier.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Cyber security lab coming to San Diego City College thanks to $1M grant

San Diego City College is leading education on cyber security in California with a new four-year bachelor’s degree in Cyber Defense and Analysis. The curriculum provides students with the skills and knowledge to protect digital infrastructure and strengthen cybersecurity across most industries and government agencies.

“We must have some way to ensure the education we provide is at the same level students would get going to a traditional four-year college, and we are now a four-year college,” said David Kennemer, the program’s director.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

I loved this picture of BOG member Cirian Villavicencio and BOG student member Maria Blaze at the student March in March event:

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From San Diego Miramar College:

Our trio of aviation students is having a great first day of competition at Verticon 2026 in Atlanta, GA!

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From Norco College:

Last week, we proudly welcomed our new students during the Honors Orientation! It was an inspiring hour filled with learning and building community. We can’t wait to see how these students thrive in the #HonorsProgram!

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From Oxnard College:

Thank you to everyone who helped make our Annual 805 Industry Day a success! In partnership with the Ventura County Office of Education, we welcomed nearly 80 high school counselors from across the county for a day focused on career education and workforce pathways. This annual event connects our K–12 partners with Oxnard College’s career technical education programs, ensuring counselors are equipped to guide students toward meaningful career opportunities that meet regional workforce needs.

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From Cuesta College:

Cuesta College welcomed 320 SLO County high school students to our annual Edúcate Sí Se Puede event on Thursday. The future Cougars explored areas of study, heard from current students, and connected with campus resources as they began building their futures at Cuesta.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Women’s History Month Kick-Off Celebration

In honor of Women’s History Month, Bakersfield College hosted a kick-off celebration this week in the Levan Center courtyard on the Panorama campus. The event featured guest speakers, a performing arts preview, the BC Cheerleaders, live Mariachi music, snacks, and more.

Dr. Stacy Pfluger, President of Bakersfield College and one of the speakers, welcomed everyone and expressed excitement for the kick-off and all the upcoming events at BC celebrating Women’s History Month. Later in the event, Trinity Matthews, current BC student and Student Life employee, shared her thoughts about the significance of Women’s History Month, “This month is dedicated to honoring and recognizing the resilient women that came before us,” she said, “and if you take away anything from today, let it be resilience. Know that you can do it – anything you set your mind to.”

» Read more!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

A 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

September 27, 2025

Uncategorized September 28, 2025 1 Comment

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

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

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

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

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Diego City College Celebrates Grand Opening of AANHPI Connections Center

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

» Read more!

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

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

» Read more!

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

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

» Read more!

Citrus College Expands Nursing Program

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

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

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

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

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

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

» Read more!

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

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

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

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

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Fresno City College:

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

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From Cañada College:

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

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From Ventura College:

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

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From College of Marin:

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

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From De Anza College:

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

And From the Home of the Renegades

VP of Student Services César Jiménez Named to 20 Under 40

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

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

» Read more!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

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