Tag Archives: San Diego Miramar College

July 25, 2026

Uncategorized July 26, 2026 Leave a comment

This week was back to Sacramento for the July Board of Governors meeting.

Then back home to my boy Neo.

And a happy birthday to Louise Brown, born July 25, 1978. The first “test tube baby,” born after in vitro fertilization – one of the greatest medical breakthroughs of the 20th century.

Good morning California.
It is July 25, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Santa Ana College Team MEKAH Named NASA ORBIT Finalist

Four Santa Ana College students who are members of the STEM Core program were named finalists of the NASA ORBIT challenge. NASA Orbit is a competition where university and community college students across the nation develop commercial applications of NASA patents to solve problems on earth or design next-generation technologies for space exploration. As a reward for advancing to the finalist phase, the team received $15,000 in NASA funding to further develop their project and travel to Houston, Texas for the culminating event hosted at the NASA Johnson Space Center.

» Read more!

Airplane Cabin Simulators Help Cypress College Students
Train for Real World Scenarios

Two airplane simulators now offer students hands-on training for cabin crew in the Aviation and Travel Careers department. This semester’s Passenger Services and Safety class, led by Kathleen Reiland, were the first to use the new simulated environment. The cabin trainers represent Boeing 737 and Airbus A-320 aircraft. The primary purpose of these airplane door trainers is to provide hand-on procedural training for cabin crew members in normal, abnormal, and emergency scenarios, according to ATC Department Chair Captain Ed Valdez.

» Read more!

A group of individuals sits in a mock airplane cabin while a person stands nearby, possibly giving a demonstration or lecture.

San Diego Miramar College Entrepreneurship Program
Offers Second Chance for Students at Miramar Brig

A partnership between Miramar College and the Naval Consolidated Brig, Miramar, is opening doors for incarcerated service members – offering not just educational opportunities, but a pathway to reinvention. Through the Rising Scholars Network, students housed at the military prison can now pursue an Associate of Science in Entrepreneurship, as part of a statewide initiative supporting currently and formerly incarcerated individuals. Miramar is the only community college in California currently offering a full degree program inside a federal military correctional facility. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Human + AI: Leading the next workforce transformation

For more than a century, community colleges have responded to major economic shifts, continually redefining their role in preparing America’s workforce. They expanded during industrialization, adapted to the rise of advanced manufacturing, embraced the information age and became the nation’s primary engine for workforce development. Artificial intelligence (AI) represents the next major workforce transformation and presents a defining leadership challenge for community colleges.

Public discussion of artificial intelligence often centers on job loss. Although automation will reduce demand for some tasks, this framing is too narrow. AI is transforming the way people work by shifting routine and analytical tasks to intelligent systems while expanding the role of human expertise.

» Read more!

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How to reimagine the community college library for student success

Community colleges are serving students with increasingly diverse needs. Many students balance jobs, caregiving responsibilities, financial pressures, and educational goals that rarely follow a traditional path. They are also navigating commuter lifestyles, technology gaps, challenges with basic needs, and educational systems that can feel fragmented and difficult to access.

At the same time, many campus libraries still reflect an earlier model built around physical collections and quiet study. As student expectations evolve, institutions have an opportunity to rethink what a library can be.

For community colleges, the library may be the last building on campus capable of stitching together academic support, basic needs, technology access, and a sense of belonging into one visible student success destination.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Shasta College:

One last post before we bid farewell to our international students from Soonchunhyang Univeristy. Biology class is FUN, especially when President Frank drops by and tours the completely remodeled greenhouse on campus with us!

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From Norco College:

Yesterday, we celebrated the end of another successful academic year with our classified professionals group photos!

Celebrating who we are, the invaluable work we do, the students we serve, and all our achievements from 2025–2026.

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From Allan Hancock College:

Congratulations to Hancock alumn Jamal Gragston on earning a spot in the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s prestigious National Science Foundation summer research program!

We’re incredibly proud to see Jamal building on the strong STEM foundation he developed at Hancock

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From Ohlone College:

That’s a wrap! Cheers to our Theatre and Dance Department’s Summerfest Production of Urinetown the Musical. Let’s give a round of applause to our students for putting on this fun, satirical show.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts A Series of Early College Academies

Last week, the Dual Enrollment and Early College Department at Bakersfield College hosted the Early College Launch Academy and the Early College Level Up Academy. The first event was designed to introduce new students to the program and the second to guide returning students through the ‘next steps’ of the program. The goal is to help students feel confident and prepared for their Early College journey before the start of the academic year.

During the free one-day events, students learned about dual and concurrent enrollment, financial aid resources, campus resources, student responsibilities, navigating college tools, and much more. Students also got to participate in a variety of interactive activities and workshops all designed to engage attendees while sharing important details about the Early College Program.

» Read more!

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

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

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Welcome 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 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

Our Time is Now – July 2025

Uncategorized July 26, 2025 Leave a comment

Such a fun week of good work….

The Board of Governors meeting, where the Board approved the July 2025 update to Vision 2030.

https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/docs/vision2030/vision-2030-report

Here is the small by mighty executive leadership at the Chancellor’s Office.

Swearing in our new board member Lilian Coral –

I love this photo of senior leadership that was snapped right before the BOG meeting – Chris Ferguson, Rowena Tomaneng, and Kathy Lynch.

The team that works hard and plays hard!

A fun photo snapped by Jennifer Perry on our walk to Mulvaney’s:

Then it was off to Denver for Achieving the Dream’s K-College Institute: Strengthening Pathways Through Dual Enrollment.

What fun reconnecting with Karen Stout at ATD

And the song of the week…..

My Uber driver was playing this song during my ride, and it has been in my head.
Check out This Love by Maroon 5.

Now back home to Neo morning walks. Check out this happy boy… 17-second video:

Good morning California.
It is July 26, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Lake Tahoe Community College Celebrates Successful First Mentorship Program

Lake Tahoe Community College’s inaugural Classified Staff and Director Mentorship Program wrapped up last month with outstanding results. The six-month pilot program paired new employees with experienced mentors for monthly group sessions and one-on-one meetings focused on professional development and campus culture.

» Read more!

San Diego Miramar College Foundation Receives $50,000 Grant
from San Diego Foundation to Advance Health Equity for AANHPI Students

The San Diego Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to the San Diego Miramar College Foundation to support a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving mental health outcomes for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students at San Diego Miramar College. The grant will fund the “Mental Health Equity for AANHPI Students” project, a comprehensive, culturally responsive program designed to destigmatize mental health care and expand access to critical services for AANHPI students.

» Read more!

Four Laureates Selected for Inaugural Cuesta College Music Conservatory Award

Cuesta College has long served as a bright light for music education on the Central Coast. Through a generous gift from Carol and Eric Olsen, Cuesta College builds on that tradition with the launch of the Cuesta College Music Conservatory, a premier program to support a select group of advanced music students.

These students will perform in ensembles, engage with the community, and focus intensively on musicianship and artistic growth. Each student receives $8,000 annually to support their education, participates in mentorship meetings, and contributes to the campus and greater community through music-related service.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

KCRA: 78-year-old defies the odds,
becomes oldest police rookie in California history

The 78-year-old recently attempted a feat that most people half his age wouldn’t dare try. Myers, who was 77 at the time, decided to enlist in the police academy.

“This is the last chance I have to do something like this, period,” Myers said. “I may be too old to do it. I’m certainly close to too old, so I have to do it now or never.”

Last year, Myers enrolled in the POST Academy to become a peace officer. He felt like it was a calling he’d had since he was a boy.

» Read more!

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Adult School Stories: A 70-year-old retiree finds satisfaction in her GED studies

Maria Bernarda De Leon always wanted get an education, but growing up in a low-income family in Honduras, it wasn’t an option.

Now 70-years-old and retired, De Leon is finally acting on her long-time wish by taking classes at Allan Hancock College (AHC), a community college that serves the Santa Barbara region. The school offers students a wide variety of free and low-cost classes, including adult basic education, high school diploma equivalency and even income tax preparation.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From San Diego College of Continuing Education:

SDCCE & SDCCD proudly marched in the Pride Parade, wearing our “Unbreakable Pride, Unshakeable Power” shirts—designed by talented Digital Media student Jessi Noreault! It was a joyful day of unity and celebration.

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From Woodland Community College:

Eagles Welcome Day at Lake County Campus was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who showed and made it a day full of energy, connection, and Eagle Pride

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From Ohlone College:

Our Summerfest Production was a major hit! Cheers to our students who starred in our Once Upon a Mattress Musical.

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From Moorpark College President Dr. Julius Sokenu:

Proud to join the College/Career Readiness STEM Pilot Program at #OxnardCollege, funded by a federal grant to advance participation in #STEM careers for low income & underserved students, facilitated by Dr. Klein Williams of OC, Dr Gonzalez, Pres. of OC & Dr. Anderson, VPAA at VC

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And check out this video celebrating Madera Community College’s 5th anniversary:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Kern Transit Offering Free Rides for BC Students

Kern Transit has announced that it is resuming the Free Rides for Students program, which provides no-cost bus rides for students in elementary school, middle school, high school, and college. Students can catch a ride on any Kern Transit bus and be transported to any Kern Transit stop! The program is effective as of July 1, 2025, and will continue through June 30, 2026. Each student will just need to show a valid student ID to the driver at each boarding. The program also includes Dial-A-Ride Services throughout Kern County.

» 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

March 15, 2025 – Redefining the Ides of March

Uncategorized March 15, 2025 Leave a comment

Today is March 15th – The ides of March.

Since my high school readings included Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, the Ides of March got defined with an ominous tone….. Every year, on March 15th, I feel a shudder. And then promptly proceed to redefine the day as a fabulous spring day.

The geraniums this morning did it for me!

The term “Ides of March” as I understand it, had a neutral meaning in the Roman calendar, referring to March 15, which was simply a standard way of marking the middle of the month (the “Ides” typically fell on the 15th in March, May, July, and October, and on the 13th in other months). It was traditionally associated with religious observances and debt payments in ancient Rome.

However, its meaning dramatically changed after the assassination of Julius Caesar on March 15th. Caesar had been warned by a soothsayer to Beware the Ides of March, as famously dramatized in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.

Over time, the phrase has taken on a more general meaning, often used to suggest looming disaster.

On another note ….. Did you catch the lunar eclipse this week? It was the first total lunar eclipse in 2 years.

The Griffith Observatory live streamed the entire event –

As for me …..

This week was a whirlwind of meetings – I spent time with team members preparing for the upcoming budget hearings, working on the LA Rebuild project, and other key priorities.

A team of us from the Chancellor’s Office did visit Pasadena City College where the president gave a moving presentation about how the college brought together the community to help with the LA Fires and now with the recovery. I am so proud of Pasadena City College.
Unfortunately, I did not snap any photos for you.

The California Community Colleges continue doing great work for our students, our communities, and our planet.

Good morning California.
It is March 15, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Newly Expanded Veterans Resource Center Opens at San Diego Miramar College

Over a hundred people took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the newly expanded Veterans Resource Center (VRC) at San Diego Miramar College. The ceremony featured guest speakers, the Mira Mesa High School Junior Air Force ROTC color guard, and a performance by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Band from Miramar Corp Air Station Miramar.

» Read more!

TRIO Day at Moreno Valley College Celebrates Access, Opportunity, and Success

Moreno Valley College hosted its sixth annual National TRIO Day on Feb. 22, celebrating opportunity, empowerment, and access to higher education. The event, which drew hundreds of students, families, and community partners, highlighted MVC’s commitment to ensuring underserved students are not only given access but also supported in achieving their goals. Hands-on STEM activities, workshops, and a resource fair provided students with inspiration and tangible pathways to success.

» Read more!

Palomar College Expands Offerings to Include Incarcerated Military Students

Palomar College offers a wide range of academic courses at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.  Recently, the schedule of courses was expanded to include coursework for those incarcerated in the brig at Camp Pendleton. Trusting its 53 year relationship with Palomar College, the Camp Pendleton brig leadership initiated a proposal designed to align with their rehabilitation program for the incarcerated population on base.  This initiated the planning for increased educational opportunities and the first classes.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Community Colleges Reimagine Their Role to Transform Whole Communities

Community colleges have always been the open door of higher education—focusing on students and employers who might not otherwise get served. In recent years, as the accountability push in higher education evolved, that’s translated to an increasing focus not just on getting students to the finish line but beyond it into good jobs. Now, the leading community college reform organization, Achieving the Dream, is taking that a step further—focusing on how community colleges can not only be an engine for success for students, but for entire communities. 

» Read more!

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Registration Open for 2025 Blue Economy and
Climate Action Pathways (BECAP) Summit

Register now for the 2025 Blue Economy and Climate Action Pathways (BECAP) Summit, on Wednesday, March 26 at the UCLA Luskin Conference Center.

This groundbreaking event offers a unique platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing, to address the pressing environmental challenges and opportunities ahead, while shaping the future of the Blue Economy and its workforce.

» Learn more & Register!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Contra Costa College:

Color, joy, and celebration! Our International Student Club hosted its third annual HOLI event today, bringing the campus together for a vibrant festival of color

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From American River College:

President Cardoza in Hispanic Outlook Magazine talking about ARC! https://bit.ly/3FyNPHN

“As Cardoza focuses on building a campus culture ‘where every student can see themselves succeed,’ she offers those students who were once like her specific advice for a strong future: ‘Find your community. Find those who are going to be your biggest cheerleaders, those who believe in you.‘”

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From Antelope Valley College:

Antelope Valley College, in partnership with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), held a graduation ceremony recently on Yard A at the California State Prison, Los Angeles County, hosted through the New Horizon Adult School program.

Fifteen students earned associate degrees from AVC, while an additional nine students received associate degrees from other California community colleges. High school diploma and GED recipients, along with those who completed vocational certificates, were also celebrated during the ceremony.

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And check out this video from Copper Mountain College:

Copper Mountain College Auto Club students participated in the 2025 King of the Hammers event, gaining valuable hands-on experience working on off-road vehicles during the event.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Hidden Figures Author Margot Lee Shetterly
Inspires Bakersfield College Community

Bakersfield College recently welcomed Margot Lee Shetterly, author of Hidden Figures, to its Panorama campus in honor of Black History Month and Women’s History Month. The event drew an overwhelming turnout, with the Renegade Event Center filled to near capacity. Students, faculty, and community members were all present, eager to hear Shetterly’s insights, inspirations, and current projects.

Shetterly started the conversation by discussing the three “no longer hidden figures” of her novel: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, and Mary Jackson. A central theme of Shetterly’s talk was the idea that ordinary people are capable of achieving extraordinary things. She emphasized that the women of Hidden Figures were not household names, nor were they widely recognized as pioneers in their time, but it was because of their dedication, intellect, and perseverance that they were able to make history. She encouraged BC students to recognize their own potential, reminding them that greatness is achieved through hard work, passion, and the willingness to challenge barriers.

» 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