Tag Archives: Santa Ana 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!

*****

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!

*****

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.

*****

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

*****

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!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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

The Highs and Lows of February: Love, Loss, and Everything In Between

Uncategorized February 21, 2026 Comments: 4

Two weeks’ worth of content in this blog….

Last Saturday, February 14th, rather than doing my usual “week in review” blog post, I wrote a Valentine’s Day letter to the California Community Colleges.

Here is the link if you would like to take 3 minutes to read it again. https://sonyachristianblog.com/2026/02/14/a-love-letter-to-the-california-community-colleges-on-valentines-day-2026/#comments

Week of February 9th – 13th

Throw Back to Super Bowl Sunday. I was blown away by all the amazing performances.

Brandi Carlisle performing “America the Beautiful.” Check out the video!

Charlie Puth performed the National Anthem. You can see the video here.

And Bad Bunny’s halftime performance was so joyful! I especially loved when he had special guest Lady Gaga for a song.

You can find a video of that part here.

Right after the Super Bowl, I headed out to Washington, D.C., for our annual advocacy event.

It was cold…

A few photos –

Descending to Reagan National Airport:

Can you see the ice in the water?

Another picture for you:

The view from my room:

This is what I fell asleep to:

Here is a photo with the SSCCC delegation.

Lots of photos…. I know. Was absolutely feeling every moment in DC. Last glimpse of the Washington monument as we speeded away to the airport.

Goodbye for now, DC. Until we meet again!

Got this picture of a cherry blossom from a friend – celebrating the birth of Spring 2026 back here in California.

Then there was the Community College Baccalaureate Conference, which was held in Long Beach.

Here is Pam Haynes with the team from the Chancellor’s Office.

The week of February 14th – 21st

February has highs and lows for me.
Highs – My daughter’s birthday, my best friend from high school’s birthday and Valentine’s Day… and I love Valentine’s Day!
Lows – My mom passed away and Bessie, our chocolate lab, passed away.

Pam Christian
Bessie

On Monday, February 15th, I headed back to Sacramento for meetings and the annual Assembly Higher Educational Budget Subcommittee hearing.
Then headed to San Jose to host a CEO tech tour along with the Digital Center.

We had the opportunity to visit the campuses of Google, Zoom, and Adobe. At each stop, the conversations were substantive.  From AI integration and workforce preparation to collaboration tools and the future of digital creativity. What stood out to me was not just the sophistication of the technology, but the speed at which these companies iterate and evolve. That pace challenges us to continue to revise our thinking about agility, partnerships, and how we prepare students for the world they are stepping into.

Good morning California.
It is February 21, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

West Valley College Awarded $3.9 Million Federal FIPSE Grant 

West Valley College has been awarded a $3.9 million grant for development of a new semiconductor certificate program through the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). The four-year grant funding begins immediately and runs through December 2029. West Valley is the only community college in the state — and one of only 18 nationwide — to receive a FIPSE award in this highly competitive national funding cycle, placing the college among a small group of institutions selected across the country. 

» Read more!

Crafton Hills College formally introduces the Captain Mike Orland
San Manuel Fire Department Engine Bay to the public

On Jan. 31, Crafton Hills College unveiled the newly minted Captain Mike Orland San Manuel Fire Department Engine Bay to hundreds in attendance at a naming ceremony hosted by the Yucaipa-based college, including Orland’s mom, Margie, and colleagues. Orland, a Crafton alumnus, last worked with the San Manuel Fire Department until his retirement in 2018.

» Read more!

Santa Ana College Foundation Receives $50,000 Contribution from U.S. Bank

The Santa Ana College Foundation, which raises funding to maintain, expand and enhance the educational opportunities of Santa Ana College (SAC), today announced it has received a $50,000 contribution from U.S. Bank. The grant will be used to support internship stipends for SAC students.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Dual Enrollment Surges to 2.8 Million Students as Equity Gaps Persist

High school students taking college courses through dual enrollment programs now number 2.8 million nationwide, with community colleges serving the majority of these students, according to a new policy fact sheet released by the Community College Research Center at Teachers College, Columbia University. The February 2026 report reveals that dual enrollment has nearly doubled over the past decade, growing from approximately 1.4 million students in 2013 to more than 2.8 million in the 2023-24 academic year. Community colleges enrolled two million of these students, representing 71% of all dual enrollment participants.

» Read more!

*****

To Solve the Student-Attention Problem, Professors Turn to Pencils and Paper

Could students in online classes possibly focus better with less technology? Julie Bernard, an assistant professor of anthropology at East Los Angeles College who teaches a majority of her classes through an online, asynchronous format, encourages students to use whatever medium — analog or digital — is most helpful to their needs. Printed texts can be expensive, and “a lot of our decisions are always being driven by equity, by fairness, by accessibility,” Bernard said of herself and her colleagues.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Los Angeles City College:

Today LACC hosted a Black History Month Celebration in commemoration of BHM’s 100th
anniversary and celebrated the opening of the newly renovated quad area. LACC honors Black culture, history, and community with good vibes and great people!

*****

From Solano College:

Congratulations to our very own Anna Anderson, the youngest and newest member of the Team USA Women’s Karate Team. Anderson took 2nd place in her weight class at the 2026 USA Karate National Team Trials landing her a spot on Team USA . She is on track to potentially compete in the upcoming Olympics. While in Colorado, she visited the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado. Last summer she won Gold for the Women’s Under 21 Elite Point Kumite Division at the U.S. Karate National Championships and U.S. Junior Team Trials, earning her a place on the U.S. Junior Team. Anderson has big goals both on and off the mat, she is currently in our EMT program while preparing for the Fire Academy in hopes of becoming a Paramedic/Firefighter. She also is a part of Ramtown Karate. Let’s show Anderson some support from her Falcon community!

*****

From Ohlone College:

Newark is where we do our best work! In collaboration with @ACWDB, our Ohlone College Tri-Cities Career Center hosted our #STEM and #Startup#CareerFair at the Newark Center. Our Career Ed team joined in by hosting our Professional Skills lab. Cheers to bright futures!

*****

From Clovis Community College:

Still feeling the rhythm. A look back at our West African drumming experience with the Fresno African Drumming Circle energy, tradition, and hands on learning.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Welcomes Former MLB Player Garry Templeton for Black History Month

Bakersfield College is hosting a variety of events and seminars throughout the month of February in celebration of Black History Month. This week, BC welcomed former Major League Baseball player Garry Templeton. Garry played Major League Baseball for 15 seasons, which included tenures with the St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, and New York Mets. He was a three-time All-Star and was inducted into the San Diego Padres Hall of Fame in 2015.

The event took place in the Norman Levan Center, which was filled with students and staff who were eager to hear Mr. Templeton’s stories about his upbringing, career, and post-baseball life. The event began with an introduction from BC Professor Tommy Tunson, who was a childhood friend of Mr. Templeton and shared a few memories from their time growing up together. Mr. Templeton was then welcomed to the front of the room to speak.

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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

Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.

Uncategorized January 17, 2026 Comments: 2

It was Board of Governors week, and we had a few especially exciting topics.

First, the CCC Chancellor’s Office and AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on advancing climate action, sustainability, and workforce development opportunities within California’s growing ‘blue economy.’ 

Here is a fun celebratory picture after the signing

Avin Sharma, Carla Grandy, Sonya Christian, Terry Tamminen, Hildy Aguinaldo, Tony Cordova, Derrick Kirk, Sandra Sanchez, Bill Rawlings

Terry Tamminen signing the MOU

I am so excited to see what great things will come of this amazing partnership.

Check out the opinion piece – The emerging California job industry that is AI-proof, published in the Sacramento Bee

With 840 miles of coastline and the nation’s most active port complex, California is uniquely positioned to lead this revolution and share its model with coastal communities around the world seeking both good careers and a sustainable future. The blue economy is projected to reach $3 trillion globally by 2030, driven by the expansion of offshore renewable energy, sustainable aquaculture, marine carbon removal, coastal restoration and maritime innovation. These sectors require skilled, trained workers who can operate vessels, manage hatcheries, install offshore infrastructure, grow sustainable seaweed crops, maintain marine robotics and make critical decisions in real time, where wind, waves, weather and ecosystems intersect.

Read more at: https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/article314061601.html#storylink=cpy

Also, congratulations to College of the Canyons – their Rising Scholars Program was recognized as this year’s Exemplary Program Award winner.

College of the Canyon’s Rising Scholars program was launched in 2016 and has served more than 7,290 justice-impacted students since its inception.

*****

And as we take time to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this weekend, I am reminded of his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” written on April 16, 1963. In particular, I am drawn to this quote –

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

Good morning California.
It is January 17, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Mt. San Jacinto College’s First Commercial Driver’s License Cohort
Celebrates Strong Completion and Workforce Impact

Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) is proud to celebrate the successful completion of its first Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training cohort, a new workforce-focused program preparing adult learners for high-demand careers in commercial truck driving. MSJC’s CDL program offers comprehensive, hands-on preparation and testing support, covering vehicle safety, pre-trip inspections, road operation, and exam readiness—ensuring graduates are prepared for both certification and employment.

» Read more!

Compton Community Health Professions Partnership
Receives $1.78 Million Grant from The Broad Foundation

The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation has awarded $1.78 million to support the continued
implementation of the Compton Community Health Professions Partnership (CCHPP) over the next three years. Established in 2024, CCHPP is a collaborative initiative designed to address the critical shortage of qualified healthcare professionals in Los Angeles County and improve the overall health and well-being of community members through education and increased access to trained healthcare professionals.

The grant will fund key positions essential to CCHPP’s success, including a Research Analyst at
Compton College, an Administrator at Compton Unified School District, a Program Partnership
Analyst at CSU Dominguez Hills, and a Program Manager at Charles Drew University. These roles
will provide critical coordination and support for expanding work-based learning and increasing access to health career pathways for the Compton community, including those who are first-generation, low-income, Black, or Latino students.

» Learn more about CCHPP!

Reedley College Earns National Recognition for Excellence in Agriculture

The National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) named Reedley College the Outstanding Postsecondary Agriculture Program Award winner in Region 1 for 2025, which covers the Western United States (California, Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington & Wyoming). 

» Read more!

SisterWeb Partners with City College of San Francisco
to Launch Credited Community Doula Training Course

 In a groundbreaking move to expand equitable access to pregnancy, labor, and postpartum support—and to increase workforce development opportunities for Black community members—SisterWeb has partnered with City College of San Francisco (CCSF) to offer the Blossoming Birth Community Doula Training Course (HLTH 210, Community Birth Worker/Doula Education). This three-unit credit course is the first of its kind in the Bay Area.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

EdSource Commentary: New California AI laws that matter to you in 2026

As we head into 2026, it already feels clear that 2025 will be remembered as a turning point: the year artificial intelligence (AI) became a regular part of daily life. ChatGPT is now as ubiquitous as Google, Waymo cars are a familiar sight on big city streets, and distinguishing between real and AI-generated images or videos is no longer straightforward. 

Every sector, whether entertainment, finance, health care and beyond, is grappling with the implications. Education is no exception.

» Read more!

*****

LA Times: Auto shop class is thriving. Community college students
basically fix your car for free

Los Angeles Trade-Technical College offers the largest community college auto repair program in the region, turning out graduates ready to work at dealership service centers, independent shops and the fleet departments of municipalities, among other areas.

The college has offered the training for decades, and its Automotive and Related Technology program has evolved with industry changes — including the advent of fuel injection, airbags and the rise of electric vehicles.

As the rising cost of four-year universities has led many to question the value of higher education, training for high-demand trades has been growing. An American Staffing Assn. survey conducted by the Harris Poll and released in June found that 33% of U.S. adults would recommend to high school seniors that they attend vocational or trade school.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Moorpark College:

Day 2 of IN THE HEIGHTS rehearsals- After an energetic night of plunking out parts for the AMAZING Lin Manuel Miranda music in this play, the cast continues their bonding and growing friendships as they come together for a first cast picture! This is an exciting collaboration between the Theatre Arts, Music and Dance programs and a full-court press for the PAC on the Moorpark College campus. IN THE HEIGHTS opens March 12th and runs through March 29th and promises to be one of the biggest and most energetic productions to come to our main stage in some time. 2026 @ Moorpark College is starting with celebration and fireworks!

*****

Santa Ana College is celebrating the grand re-opening of their Main Campus Entrance:

*****

From Chaffey College:

The wind didn’t stop us from enjoying Unity in Community today! Thank you to everyone who joined us.

*****

From Merced College:

Hoops & Hello’s was a success! Thank you to everyone who came out today to meet our Men’s & Women’s Basketball teams and show some Blue Devil love to our student-athletes!

*****

From Cerritos College:

When @cerritoscollegepres is away, the real big dog comes out to play. Okay, she’s little, but we’re betting Delta is speedier than Dr. Fierro on his scooter! Shoutout to Professor @crystallovetere for stopping by before the spring semester with her pup.

*****

And check out this video of the Santa Barbara City College Trombone Quartet playing “Auld Lang Syne.”

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Athletics Hosts Sports Media Day for Spring 2026

This week, Bakersfield College Athletics hosted their Sports Media Day for the Spring 2026 semester. Local news outlets, students, staff, and the community were all invited to learn more about the teams and athletes that would be competing throughout the semester. The event included players and coaches from men’s baseball, women’s softball, men’s and women’s tennis, track and field, women’s wrestling, swimming, and more. 

Representatives and players from each team addressed attendees, and discussed goals for their upcoming seasons, preparation strategies, team chemistry, goals, and a variety of other topics. Marc Gomez, Head Coach of the BC Women’s Tennis team, shared excitement about the prospect of their upcoming season. “We have some girls who are returning from last year’s state championship finals team,” he said, “and we’re looking forward to building on that success.” 

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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

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

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

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

Uncategorized August 9, 2025 1 Comment

This week was hectic with Thursday being even more so…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In case you missed this blurb on the LAist website

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

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

Photo from the LAist website

*****

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

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

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

Rick Wright, Sandra Serrano, Sonya Christian, Greg Chamberlain

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

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

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

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Contra Costa College Launches New Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Program

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

» Read more!

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

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

» Read more!

Santa Ana College Introduces Innovative AI For Business Degree and Certificate

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

» Read more!

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

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

In Case You Missed It

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

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

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

» Read more!

*****

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

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

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

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

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Clovis Community College:

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

*****

From Modesto Junior College:

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

*****

*****

From Napa Valley College:

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

*****

From Mission College:

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

*****

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

And From the Home of the Renegades

Academic Highlight: Commercial Music Program at BC

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

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

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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

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

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

With much hope and joy,