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
My thoughts and prayers are with the Laney College community after the tragic death of Athletic Director and legendary football coach John Beam. The Peralta Community College District shared this beautiful tribute to his legacy.
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This morning, I found myself re-reading The Dash by Linda Ellis.
Between the date when we arrive and the date we go away, there exists a horizontal line that captures every single day.
And because these days we’re living seem to vanish in a flash, we need to make the most of that special little dash.
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A trio of sunsets for you to make three wishes –
Pause, close your eyes, and make three wishes.
Good morning California. It is November 15, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Allan Hancock Students Design Signage for Nature Preserve
Visitors to the Central Coast’s rugged coastline will soon have a new way to connect with its natural beauty, thanks to Allan Hancock College graphic design students who transformed science into art for the community. A group of nine students in the college’s art, graphic design and multimedia programs teamed up with fine arts instructor Tellef Tellefson and staff from The Nature Conservancy’s Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve, located in Lompoc, to design interpretive signage for the Jalama Campground, located adjacent to the preserve.
San Diego Mesa College Fashion Students Redefine Couture with Sustainable Designs at Laguna Art Museum
On November 1, 2025, four San Diego Mesa College Fashion Design students — Tiara Daring, Edwin Alba, Liliia Derkach, and Vanessa Felix — were selected to participate in the Laguna Art Museum’s (LAM) Upcycled Couture Fashion Show. The annual runway event combines community, creativity, and environmental awareness. This year’s theme, Restoring the Future, challenged students to create one-of-a-kind sustainable couture pieces that highlight the many ways local partners are making a difference in the community and beyond.
Commentary: Community colleges are where American opportunity becomes reality
Headlines often focus on the challenges facing higher education — rising costs, shifting workforce demands and questions about value. Yet at a time when confidence in institutions is waning, many California community colleges are quietly earning trust the old-fashioned way: by delivering on their promises.
From my vantage point as chancellor of the State Center Community College District (SCCCD), serving California’s vast Central Valley, I see that story firsthand. Community colleges are not only adapting — they are thriving — expanding opportunities for students and strengthening the communities they serve.
Community colleges again lead enrollment increases
Undergraduate enrollments for this fall are up again, with community colleges again seeing the largest rate increase, according to preliminary reporting to the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) Research Center.
Overall undergraduate enrollment is up 2.4% so far, with increases in all sectors, though community colleges are leading with a 4.0% boost, compared to 1.9% at public four-year institutions and 0.9% at private, nonprofit four-year institutions. And, once again this fall, certificates appear to be a driving force — a 6.6% increase, compared to a 3.1% bump for associate degrees and 1.2% for bachelor’s degrees.
Thank you to Santiago High School for visiting our Newport Campus for MESA Day! It was inspiring to see so many bright and eager students exploring their future in higher education.
From Río Hondo College:
El Monte UHSD honored Río Hondo College’s free Math Academy for its 81% summer completion rate! Thank you to Superintendent Dr. Zuniga and the Board for recognizing our team—and to Dean Yolanda Emerson for her leadership.
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From Hartnell College:
Today, our #HartnellCollege community gathered in honor of Native American Heritage Month. Ohlone/Costanoan–Esselen Nation Tribal Chairperson Louise J. Miranda Ramirez shared a presentation on the history and living legacy of the Esselen people, weaving together stories of land and cultural continuity. The event continued with a jewelry-making workshop, inviting participants to connect through hands-on creation and community. A heartfelt thank you to our Hartnell Ethnic Studies team and ASHC for making this event possible!
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From Mendocino College:
The Basic Needs Produce Wednesday service was successfully provided at the Lake Center. We extend our gratitude to the Lake Center staff for their valuable support and collaboration in facilitating this service.
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From Golden West College:
Psych Day was a day full of games, an internship and resource fair, a career panel and an amazing keynote speaker, Dr. James Garcia! Thank you to the Psychology faculty who helped coordinate the event.
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And check out Irvine Valley College’s 40th anniversary documentary!
And From the Home of the Renegades
Bakersfield College Holds First-Generation College Student Day
Last week, Bakersfield College gathered students, faculty, and staff to celebrate the inaugural First-Generation College Student Day, a moment to recognize the determination of those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. With more than 40 percent of BC students identifying as first-generation, the event highlighted the strength and resilience that shape our campus community.
This week the Board of Governors headed to the NOCE Anaheim Campus. I love having the opportunity to visit our campuses!
And look who we met – Lindon, NOCE’s first-ever Facility Dog! NOCE does a great job, with innovative ways to keep students, staff and faculty healthy and reduce stress.
We had a wonderful lunch at Cypress Bistro, Cypress College’s student-run bistro, located on the Anaheim campus.
It was a fabulous visit.
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My daughter sent me this beautiful Bessie video. I thought I would share it with you.
Bessie six years old. Forever young.
Good morning California. It is September 20, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Laney College Program Builds Bridge to Union Careers for Students
In a bold step toward expanding access to union careers, Laney College is offering students a direct pathway into high-demand construction trades through a new pre-apprenticeship program. Developed in partnership with the Alameda County Building Trades Council (ACBTC) and the Construction Trades Workforce Initiative (CTWI), the program is already transforming lives and strengthening ties between education and labor.
Barstow Community College and IEHP Foundation Launch a Three-Year, Community-Driven Health Initiative in Barstow
Barstow Community College (BCC) is proud to announce a new partnership with IEHP Foundation to launch Vibrant Villages, a community-driven health improvement initiative in Barstow through a three-year investment of over $600,000. The college will partner with IEHP Foundation to lead a collaborative initiative aimed at improving health and wellness in the region by working with Barstow community members to identify the critical health priorities for students and all residents of Barstow.
Landmark $9.2M State Investment in Merced AgTech Alliance Accelerates Central Valley Innovation and Economic Growth
Ahistorically underserved region is set for transformation as Merced and California’s Central Valley secure a record $9.2 million California Jobs First investment—the state’s largest agtech award to date. The Merced AgTech Alliance, led by the Community Foundation of Merced County, Merced College, UC Merced, and the Reservoir, will launch immediate, shovel-ready projects to create more than 3,000 high-quality jobs, support over 100 agtech startups, and provide 250 internships for underserved populations.
Transfer Project Update: from CCC ‘demo’ to national stage at CCA
The demonstration status that the Central Valley Transfer Project was conferred by California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian in 2023 has been elevated with the inclusion of the project into the CCC “Vision 2030,” the system announced recently.
Simultaneously, the Transfer Project became formalized when the California State Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom approved state funding for all colleges to align with the “Program Pathways Mapper” software platform that is the Transfer Project’s central feature.
Now, CVHEC announces that its team will present the Transfer Project at the Complete College America national conference later this fall along with the Central Valley Math Bridge Program presented by College Bridge.
Clovis Community College Puts Industry 4.0 Into The Hands Of Students & Teachers
Next to the robotic arms, the off-the-shelf miniature smart homes may not appear to be a key part of Clovis Community College’s Automation, Robotics & Mechatronics lab, but this unassuming hardware is providing students and instructors alike with a unique opportunity to build industry-grade automation applications.
Located in Fresno, California, Clovis Community College is well-regarded for its high transfer rate to four-year institutions. Now, by incorporating Ignition into its curriculum, Clovis is giving students in its Automation, Robotics & Mechatronics program the tools to develop a multifaceted skillset suited to both future higher-learning endeavors and local industry.
Yesterday, we were honored to welcome our community to the rededication of Napa Valley College’s Japanese Tea Garden. First established in 1981 as a gift from our sister city, Iwanuma, Japan, the garden has long been a place of friendship, reflection, and cultural connection.
Thanks to the dedication of alumni and community members, the garden has been lovingly restored through NVC’s Cultural Spaces Initiative. During the ceremony, we witnessed traditional blessings, offered incense, and walked together through the beautifully renewed space. We are grateful to all who joined us in celebrating this special place—a lasting symbol of cultural exchange and community at NVC.
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From Mission College:
We were so happy to see everyone at the Pop Over to Counseling event! It was nice seeing students connecting with our counselors and sharing fun moments yesterday.
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From El Camino College:
Shout out to the Transfer Center for putting together a terrific University Fair! Reps from over 50 colleges and universities were on campus to connect with our Warriors for their next chapter after ECC.
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From San Joaquin Delta College Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson:
Happy Latinx Heritage Month! Was reminded once again of Delta’s incredible diversity at our Pachanga Presente flag parade this week
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And check out this video from San Diego Mesa College:
An Exhibit Highlighting African American Women’s Clothing from 1890 to 1963. Curated by Kenneth Green.
And From the Home of the Renegades
Umoja Students Share Stories from Their Study Abroad Opportunity in Egypt
The Umoja program at Bakersfield College recently hosted a discussion panel featuring six students who participated in a study abroad opportunity in Egypt during the Summer. This incredible trip included visits to the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Temple of Karnak, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and more.
Several BC students, staff, and administrators gathered in CC 231, eager to hear amazing stories from the panelists. Dr. Paula Parks, Coordinator of the Umoja ASTEP community at BC, welcomed attendees and expressed excitement that the students had the opportunity to share their experiences in Egypt.
Good morning California. It is September 6, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Porterville College students win national video competition
Porterville College is celebrating a major win after our Advanced Digital Video Production students took home first place in the college category of the NASA HUNCH/CTE Month 2024–25 Student Video Challenge. This was a national competition that pitted our students against others from colleges across the country.
San Fernando Valley Colleges Awarded NASA Grant to Host MESA Robotics Competition
Los Angeles Pierce College, Los Angeles Mission College, and Los Angeles Valley College, and have been awarded a $50,000 planning prize from NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) to develop a new robotics competition for community college students in the San Fernando Valley.
San Diego Mesa’s Leland Simpliciano Recognized for Outstanding Impact with NPIEN Award
San Diego Mesa College proudly congratulates Leland Simpliciano, AANAPISI Program Activities Manager and Grants Director, on being named a recipient of the National Pacific Islander Educator Network (NPIEN) Educator Award.
How California community colleges are using AI to battle financial aid fraud
Community colleges in California for years have been fighting a losing battle with fraudsters who have stolen millions of dollars in federal and state financial aid. But now state officials believe they are finally turning a corner thanks to new tools.
The game-changer? Artificial intelligence.
About 80 of the state’s 115 community colleges are now or will soon be using an AI model that detects fake students by looking for information such as shared phone numbers, suspicious course-taking patterns, and even an applicant’s age. Officials say the AI catches twice as many scammers as the human staff, with some campuses estimating that they are now detecting more than 90% of fraudsters, who are a mix of bots and human criminals, sometimes even located in other countries.
California community colleges tackle workforce shortages post-wildfires
Disasters expose needs we often overlook — and clarify our responsibilities.
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles County — including the Eaton Fire that struck Pasadena and neighboring communities — damaged or destroyed more than 17,000 structures. The loss of lives and homes, and the disruption of normalcy and routines, was swift and severe.
California’s community colleges are a part of the communities they serve, giving them a deep understanding of both the challenges and the opportunities that emerge in moments of crisis. Pasadena City College has played this role over the last 100 years, stepping up again during the Eaton Fire and continuing to lead in the difficult work of recovery. The college is a hub for uniting partners, aligning resources and helping chart a path forward.
From Programs to Professions: New Partnership Opens Doors to Careers in State Government for California Community College Students
The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office has partnered with the California Government Operations Agency (GovOps) to launch a new initiative aimed at creating clear, seamless pathways to meaningful careers in state government for students and alumni.
The strategic collaboration, officially announced today, is designed to expand talent pipelines to address current needs while helping to build the state government workforce of the future. With more than 2.1 million students enrolled each year, California’s community colleges serve as a powerful stream of skilled, diverse, and motivated individuals ready to serve in public sector roles, across the state.
On August 28, Star Wars actor and proud LACC alumnus Mark Hamill spoke at our convocation for faculty and staff. “I don’t know where I would be without LACC,” he shared. His inspiring remarks about the power of education reminded us that the Force is strong at LACC.
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CalFresh Healthy Living shared this about Taft College:
The Taft College Cougar Support Center food pantry has achieved Gold certification! Yesterday, our team presented them with a glass award and a certificate to recognize their accomplishments. The Cougar Support Center is dedicated to promoting healthy and nutritious options and providing valuable information to their students. We are proud to partner with the pantry.
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From Representative Scott Peters, who visited San Diego MiraCosta College:
I visited @MiraCosta college and learned more about their nursing and biomanufacturing programs. MiraCosta works with local businesses to educate the top talent our workforce needs. I also stopped by their police Swearing-In and Pinning Ceremony and congratulated the new officers.
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From Santa Rosa Junior College:
First annual Disability Support Fair at #SRJC – plus a free Farmers Market. 25 SRJC departments and community organizations offered info about the ways they support disabled students and community members.
And From the Home of the Renegades
‘Styled For Success’ Offers BC Students Free Haircuts and Styling
Earlier this week, Bakersfield College’s Renegade Nexus hosted the first edition of ‘Styled for Success’ for the Fall 2025 semester. Through a special partnership with ClipDart, a mobile hair care company, this unique event enables BC students to receive free hair care services on campus while alleviating barriers such as transportation, accessibility, or cost.asdf
Hosted in the Panorama Campus bookstore, more than 50 students checked in throughout the day and left with their hair cut, trimmed, and styled, ready to embark on the Fall semester with a fresh look. The professional stylists were eager to provide their services, bringing energy and expertise to ensure the best results for each client.
The movie musical Wicked – the untold story of the witches of Oz – has taken the world by storm. It’s a great story about prejudices, first impressions, unlikely friendships, discrimination and persecution.
Check out the amazing choreography and vocal performances from “What is this Feeling”:
Amanda Gorman, who was our nation’s first ever youth poet laureate, wrote the poem “Do Us Good,” inspired by “Wicked.”
With heart alight, I raise a cheer, For laughter, love, and dreams held dear. A life lived big, in joy I soar, Grateful today and evermore.
Good morning California. Happy Thanksgiving! It is November 30, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Moreno Valley College’s Serrato Named 2024 MAP Champion of the Year for Transformative Work in Credit for Prior Learning
Arlene Serrato, a dedicated leader in the field of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), has been honored as the 2024 MAP Champion of the Year for her exceptional work advancing equitable access and career attainment for students at Moreno Valley College. Her efforts have helped thousands of students earn college credits for their prior learning, saving them both time and money while significantly impacting their educational journeys.
LACCD Wins Prestigious Award for Pioneering Sustainability in Design
The Plant Facilities Warehouse and Shop Replacement project at Los Angeles Mission College was recognized with the prestigious Merit for Design Award at the Annual CCFC Conference. The facility will be LACCD’s first Net-Positive facility; 574 solar PV panels will have the capability to produce up to 252,560 KW of renewable power—over 115% of the facility’s average daily use.
Former City College of San Francisco Parking Lot Will Soon House More than 1,000 Residents
Construction will begin soon on the major Balboa Reservoir housing development to be located just west of City College’s Ocean campus. The project’s development team held a Community Update meeting on Saturday, Sept 28, 2024, in the plaza on Ocean Avenue next to the Muni bus turnaround. A large map of the planned project was spread out for the public to view, and many representatives from the project were present to answer questions.
Voice of San Diego – The Progress Report: More San Diego Unified Students Are Taking College Courses Than Ever Before
“We work very closely with the principals. We work very closely with the counselors,” said Mesa College President Ashanti Hands. “We do outreach at each of those schools so that they’re consistently hearing from our current students who are enrolled. We do parent outreach to the families in the communities as well to make sure that people are aware of the opportunities that we provide.”
Our community came together for food and fellowship in the season of giving thanks. See our programs: International, Umoja and Student Affairs Office.
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From El Camino College:
Happy Thanksgiving, Warriors! Campus will be closed today and tomorrow in observance of the holiday. Have a terrific weekend and enjoy the extended break from classes. Now, let’s throw it back to last week’s Turkey Giveaway hosted by CA Senator @SteveBradford!
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From Las Positas College:
Yesterday we celebrated the ribbon cutting for the new Viticulture and Winery Technology program Buildings 3600 and 3700! We are incredibly excited about the opportunities these new buildings and state of the art technology will bring to students interested in careers and/or lifelong learning in the viticulture and enology industry. Thank you to Livermore @mayormarchand for attending to celebrate as well as representatives from the Office of Congressman @repdesaulnier, Office of Representative Bauer Kahan, and Office of Congressman @ericswalwell.
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And check out this video from the ribbon cutting for Gavilan’s Hollister campus:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Apprenticeship Program Promotes Valuable Opportunities for Students and Community
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Bakersfield College hosted an event designed to connect students with the BC Apprenticeship team and highlight the importance of apprenticeships in building successful careers. The event, held on November 28 and 29, provided students and community members an opportunity to learn more about apprenticeship programs and the resources available to help them succeed in the workforce.
Throughout the two-day event, the BC Apprenticeship team set up a welcoming station in the Renegade Crossroads, where they greeted attendees with hot coffee, delicious treats, and valuable information about apprenticeship opportunities in various fields. The team is dedicated to supporting students and community members at every stage of their apprenticeship journey, sharing insights into the benefits of apprenticeships, including firsthand training, certifications, and the potential for long-term career growth.
The Workforce & Economic Mobility Blog blog shares approaches to workforce and economic development, with a goal of supporting economic mobility for our community while staying committed to the health of our people and the health of our environment.
In the Bhambi & Christian blog, Dr. Brijesh Bhambi join together joined together with the goal of facilitating healing and conversation in our community.
