Tag Archives: Sonya Christian

Juneteenth 2023 – CA CCs promote empathy and unity

Uncategorized June 17, 2023 Comments: 2

Last Saturday, I walked out of the gym after my Saturday morning class and spotted this bird.

I texted a friend who is a bird watcher and she immediately came back with gray hawk. She then checked in with a raptor expert and came back with hybrid falcon.

What do you think?

Gray Hawk
Hybrid Falcon

Then on Sunday, I enjoyed watching the 76th Tony Awards. Kimberly Akimbo received top honors for Best Musical, while Leopoldstadt took Best Play.

I love musicals.

Check out the opening performance with host Ariana DeBose.

This week I also had my first Consultation Council meeting as California Community Colleges Chancellor. Great group of talented and dedicated folks. Our time is now!

***

On Monday, we celebrate Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived on the island of Galveston, Texas, to take command of the federal troops who went there to enforce the emancipation of its slaves. He issued General Order No. 3, which enforced the Emancipation Proclamation and freed all remaining slaves in Texas.

Now, Juneteenth is a federal holiday – first recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

Here is excerpt from an email I sent to our staff :

“This celebration allows us to foster a deeper understanding of our shared history and promote empathy and unity among our colleagues. Linked here is a short video featuring renowned Harvard historian, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., further explaining the significance and history of Juneteenth.”

And wishing all the dads out there a very happy Father’s Day tomorrow!

Paul Christian, Sonya Christian

Good morning California.
It is June 17, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges

Woodland Community College, Feather River College
among Community College Innovation Challenge winners

The Community College Innovation Challenge (CCIC) is led by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF). It is a national competition where community college student teams, working with a faculty or administrator mentor, use science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to innovate solutions to real-world problems; participate in an Innovation Boot Camp; and compete for cash awards.

This year, two California Community Colleges are among the winners. Woodland Community College took 2nd place, while Feather River College took 3rd.

» Read more about the CCIC

» Check out posts from MESA at Woodland Community College

» Learn more about Feather River College’s team

Norco College Rocketry Team
AR 51025 Competition Update and Video

In Fall 2022, Norco College Rocketry collaborated with the Flabob Airport Rocketry Program by taking weekly classes and worked diligently to educate themselves on rocketry fundamentals and techniques. On March 4th, the team successfully launched and retrieved their rocket “Vector” and performed a static fire in the Mojave Desert. After Vector, the team began preparations for our competition rocket for the FAR 51025 Competition. 

» Read more and see additional videos about the Rocketry team

Re-imagined Hiring Event
Hosted at Butte College Career Center

This spring, the Butte College Career Center partnered with SynEd to launch a new pilot to connect students completing certificate and degree programs in accounting and business with employers hiring for those skills. The career center modeled the event after SynEd’s Appointment with your Future.

» Read more about the Hiring Event

De Anza College Receives MESA Grant
for Underrepresented Students

De Anza has been awarded $1.55 million in state funding over the next five years for a new cohort program to support historically underrepresented students who want to transfer in STEM majors.

The new MESA (Math, Engineering and Science Achievement) program will build on strategies that proved highly effective with De Anza’s Math Performance Success program, which has used dedicated counselors, embedded peer tutors and additional support to improve student success rates in Math – particularly for Latinx and Black students.

» Read more about MESA at De Anza

In Case You Missed It

Diverse Issues in Higher Education: Education Department
Announces Grants for Initiatives to Support Native Students

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has announced more than $8 million in available grants to fund initiatives for Native students.

» Read more about his grant program

*****

LAist: America Needs Pilots, But Training Is Pricey.
Community Colleges Are Stepping In

A commercial pilot license is also a necessary step toward flying for an airline, and those pilots should have some leverage when they hit the market. According to analysts with consulting firm Oliver Wyman, while the gap between supply and demand of pilots has improved from projections in 2022, there may be a shortfall of up to 24,000 pilots by 2026.

Still, pilot training programs can get expensive, as students navigate an array of fees. That’s left affordable community college programs an opening.

» Read more

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Dr. Zav Dadabhoy tweeted

Allan Hancock College‘s Beyond Incarceration Greater Education (BIGE) Club visited the Santa Maria Police Department to share their stories and discuss how the two groups can work together to Change the Odds in our community.

Calbright College spreading the word at the Juneteenth Education Fair at Camp Pendleton:

Mission College kicked off their Summer Concert Series:

And thank you to Assemblymember Mike Fong for sharing this photo of us after we met in Sacramento this week:

Blast From the Past

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $13.5 Million Investment
to Equitably Grow Solar Energy Workforce

As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced 12 projects, whose work will span more than 13 states, selected for negotiation to launch training partnerships that expand the solar energy workforce in underserved and underrepresented communities, as well as create career pathways with thousands of good-paying jobs.

Kern Community College District (Bakersfield, CA): In partnership with IBEW, this project will provide solar installation career-track training and electrical apprenticeship readiness training with opportunities for union membership for participants from disadvantaged communities in the Central Valley of California. ​(Award: $1,000,000)

» Read more about the grants

» Read more about this week at BC!

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

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

CA Community Colleges – Our Time is Now

Uncategorized June 10, 2023 1 Comment

Enjoying my backyard working on this blog post after spending most of the week in Sacramento. My daughter is travelling and so Bessie will be in Bakersfield for the next two weeks. Check out this 20-sec video of her playing with a plum that she picked up during our morning walk.

California Community Colleges and Climate: Defining the Possible | Tuesday, June 27, 2023

The California Center for Climate Change Education will host the first in a series of events, the California Community Colleges and Climate: Defining the Possible, to be held across the state, on the roles of California Community Colleges in building resilience to climate change. In partnership with California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the Foundation for California Community Colleges this event will take place at the West Los Angeles College’s Fine Arts Auditorium on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We look forward to welcoming you at this landmark event, and together, creating sound and innovative strategies to do our part to address climate change.

For more information with the registration link, click here: https://californiacommunitycolleges.cventevents.com/event/19299b9c-6cee-48ab-9160-6c45c48d22bc/summary

Let’s read

This week, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that country singer superstar Dolly Parton’s groundbreaking Imagination Library project would expand to include all of California. That means that ever child under the age of 5 in California will be eligible to enroll in the program that mails children one book every month. The program is currently active in areas across 30 counties in California, and this expansion is expected to fully cover the entire state by 2028. Additionally, California is the first state to offer a fully bilingual book option.

What a wonderful opportunity for all of our youngest Californians to embrace the gift of reading.

***

On Tuesday of this week, I enjoyed visiting with the CCC Athletic Directors and we discussed a wide range of topics on community college athletics.

On Wednesday, I joined my first California Community Colleges System Webinar. This edition was titled, “Guided Pathways in Action: Equitable Entrance into Pathways.”

John Hetts on Zoom Webinar
Aisha Lowe on Zoom webinar

You can find out more about past and future webinars on the CCCCO website. You can also register for upcoming webinars. The next one, on July 12th, will focus on Building Supports & Resilience for Historically Disadvantaged Students.

Good morning California.
It is June 10, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges
Our Time is Now!

Lake Tahoe Community College
Breaks Ground on Student Housing Project

LTCC breaks ground on new campus housing project

Ground has been broken! LTCC is moving ahead with its 100 bed on-campus housing project to support low-income, full-time students, with an expected opening of Fall 2025.

» Read all about this transformative project

OCC Forensics Take Gold in Nationals for 13th Time

The Orange Coast College Forensics team won the National Championship title on April 15, at the Phi Rho Pi National Tournament. This is the 13th National title for the program. All 14 members of the OCC team had at least one event in the final round of competition. Overall, the team scored 282.5 points, making them the winningest team in community college forensics history.

» Read more about the national champions

Orange Coast College Forensics

Yuba College’s First Early College Students Graduate

Yuba College

On May 8, 2023, 53 Yuba City and River Valley High School Students were honored in the First ever Early College Presentation of Sashes at Yuba College. In 2019 Yuba College launched its Early College Program in a partnership with Yuba City Unified School District. Students attended the Yuba College Sutter County Campus taking 19 courses (60 units) in conjunction with classes at their respective High Schools, students completed the required coursework to earn their high school diploma and associate degree.

» Read more about Yuba College’s Early College graduates

Cuesta College Breaks Ground on SLO Campus Center

This week, Cuesta College marked a milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony for the highly anticipated San Luis Obispo Campus Center. The new 33,728 square feet Campus Center will serve as the “front door” and main hub of the San Luis Obispo campus. The state-of-the-art facility will feature a boardroom, café, meeting and conference rooms, offices, and student success and support programs. It will provide a comprehensive experience for new students and the community, consolidating various services under one roof.

In Case You Missed It

Podcast: Leading Community Colleges in California – Episode 20

Leading Community Colleges in California is the official podcast of the Community College League of California. In this episode, League President and CEO Larry Galizio had me as a guest, we talked about the importance of equity for students and communities, and dual enrollment opportunities as a seamless gateway to college. 

» Listen to the 33-minute Podcast

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Palomar College President Star Rivera-Lacey shared this sweet photo:

“Everyone knows that I think @palomarcomets Early Childhood Education Lab School is the absolute best! But then, I was floored to receive this beautiful art piece made by the kids! Thank you Master Teacher Carol Adams for the thoughtful & beautiful gesture! Go Comets!“

Artwork made by early childhood students, featured stars on a pink, red, black and white background

Melissa Bardo shared about the Dual Enrollment Lunch & Learn event:

“Thank you @ChrisHoldenNews, @HOPELatinas, and @clporg for partnering with @EdTrustWest to host a Dual Enrollment Lunch & Learn for legislative staff! Great discussion on the strengths of #dualenrollment in CA and opportunities for growth!”

This post from Keith Curry is such a fun way to celebrate Compton College:

“Tonight is @compton_college Commencement Ceremony, so now is the time to unveil the new Compton College Chuck Taylors. These shoes include images of our facilities, including the Library-Student Success Center, Instructional Building #1, and the Student Services Building.“

Chuck Taylor shoes celebrating Compton College

And check out this update from Andra Hoffman:

“This student went into labor this evening in the middle of the @LACityCollege
graduation. So we called her up early before sending her off in an ambulance! We love ❤️ our parenting students!“

Student from LA City College graduation

And From the Home of the Renegades

Auto Detailing Students Hear from Local Business Owner

In their auto detailing class on Monday evening, Professor Andrew Haney’s students got a special visit from a local business owner to inspire these Renegades. Manuel Aguilar from Trends Auto Collision and Trends Auto Boutique came to share his knowledge and experiences with the students. He spoke about how to repair and detail vehicles, and the students were very interested in what he had to say about starting his business. Manny’s advice inspired the students to continue learning more about auto detailing and body repairs.

» Read more about this week at BC!

Andrew Haney's auto detailing class

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

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

Sonya Christian

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

To new beginnings June 2023

Uncategorized June 3, 2023 Comments: 4

On Thursday, I started my position as Chancellor of the California Community Colleges. I snapped this photo from my office … see the top of the State Capitol, the dome with the crowning ornament. You definitely know you are in Sacramento.

Check out this 12-minute video of my remarks at the Board of Governor’s meeting on Feb 23rd when they made the appointment.

Some highlights from my week:

Attended the Campaign for College Opportunity’s Excellence in Placement ceremony where Porterville College was one of the award recipients. President Claudia Habib snapped a selfie with colleagues from Kern CCD – Trustees Yovani Jimenez and Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Deputy Chancellor Zav Dadabhoy.

Members of the Board of Governors
Hildy Aguinaldo, Paul Medina
Michele Siqueros, Sonya Christian, Luke Wood

A record-breaking 56 campuses were honored for implementing landmark placement policy AB 705. Congratulations to all of the well-deserving award winners!

And, a few photos from my first day at the state Chancellor’s Office.

Daisy Gonzales, Sonya Christian, June 1, 2023
Larry Galizeo, Paul Feist, Daisy Gonzales, Joe Wyse, Sonya Christian, Lizette Navarette, Lynn Neault, Pam Luster

***

I can’t get this song out of my head:

Doc Todd passed this week at the young age of 38.  Read the story here.

After serving in the Navy, Doc Todd began pursuing a career in music and started using his artistic platform to raise awareness about veterans mental health.  His song “Not Alone” was released in 2017 and resonated with many veterans and their families, as it delves into the struggles faced by those dealing with PTSD and emphasizes the importance of seeking help and support.

Good morning California.
It is June 3, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges
Our Time is Now!

Building a College Going Identity in Rural California

Mendocino College offers on-ground dual enrollment transfer and career education pathways with 18 different high schools ranging in size from 1,600 to just 10, including a California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Awardee. With equitable access and support at the core, Mendocino College’s dual enrollment has grown 108% in the last 5 years. Mendocino College appreciates the opportunity to truly partner with K-12 & CSU colleagues and looks forward to further developing robust student services support with the development of the Dual Enrollment Ambassador program. Pictured is one of their annual College and Career Days, where they welcome over 500 high school students to learn about support services, majors and career opportunities.

Check out this video:

Cerritos College Recognized for
Continuing Leadership in Sustainability

Cerritos College campus photo

Cerritos College recently received the Green Award at the 2023 Foundation for California Community Colleges (FCCC)/CollegeBuys Purchasing Conference. Presented by ODP Business Solutions (formerly Office Depot), the award recognized the Cerritos College Purchasing Department’s commitment to sustainability for its preference towards purchasing eco-friendly products, the most out of all the California community colleges during 2022. For the full story, check out https://bit.ly/3pMERPB.

Southwestern College’s Focus on Equity

Southwestern College celebrates its position as an award-winning, nationally recognized, binational community college focused on belonging, equity, diversity and inclusion. SWC took the lead on developing AB-91 that would allow low-income students who reside in Tijuana to attend San Diego area community colleges, receive an exemption from the nonresident tuition fee, and have access to college. In addition, Southwestern College is working with High School partners to expand dual enrollment pathways, including developing an Early/Middle College High School at our San Ysidro Higher Education Center.  

» Learn more about SWC

Telling Your Story at Santa Monica College

The award-winning film and production program at Santa Monica College is your path to the bright lights of Hollywood- and so much more. Learn how these California community college students are sharing their powerful stories with the world.

Long Beach City College Commits to Dual Enrollment with Equity

R Browning High School
Long Beach City College offers Early College courses at Browning High School.

Long Beach City College (LBCC) is committed to expanding dual enrollment through an equity lens, ensuring access and success for disproportionately impacted (DI) students. In the 2022-23 academic year, LBCC offered college courses for alternative high schools and partnered with learning communities such as the Students Success Initiatives (SSI) and Male Academy to engage underrepresented students in dual enrollment. Through the Early College @ Browning model with Long Beach Unified School District, a total of 22 high school students will graduate this year with both a high school diploma and an associate degree for transfer in hospitality.

» Learn more about Early College at LBCC

In Case You Missed It

Seven New Bachelor’s Degrees
to be Offered at CA Community Colleges

The California Community Colleges has taken another step forward in giving Californians an opportunity to earn a four-year degree from a community college by approving seven new bachelor’s degree programs. This brings to the total number of bachelor’s degrees that are now offered or will soon be offered at a community college to 31.

The new programs available as a part of a bill signed by Governor Newsom in 2021 are:

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Ashanti Hands celebrated her first commencement as President of San Diego Mesa College:

Foundation CCC shared this post:

“The 15th Annual @CalCommColleges Purchasing Conference hosted by @FoundationCCC College Buys in San Diego celebrated Procurement Professional of the Year award winners Kate Carillo of @LosRiosColleges & April Marin of @canyons.“

Foundation CCC Event in San Diego

And From the Home of the Renegades…

BC to Host Drum Corps International Tour

Bakersfield College’s Golden Empire Drum & Bugle Corps announced today the details of the 7th annual presentation of RESOUND, a drum and bugle tour event bringing together some of the country’s best corps, presented by Drum Corps International. The event will take place July 11 at 7 PM inside Bakersfield College’s Memorial Stadium and is open to the public.

» Read more about this week at BC!

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

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

Wrapping up May 2023

Uncategorized May 27, 2023 Leave a comment

Definitely the week before a major transition.

On Sunday, I headed out to Lake Tahoe with the Kern Community College District Team for ACBO’s spring conference.

I spoke to the group about upcoming priorities for California Community Colleges, given that the state will be dealing with some financial difficulties in the next couple of years.

Kylie Campbell and Mike Giacomini presented on Dual Enrollment at the District, and did a fantastic job showcasing the work that the District has done in expanding this program.

Statewide, only 6% of 9th graders are participating in dual enrollment in CA, which means we have a huge opportunity with the remaining 94% of 9th graders that we can reach as early as this Fall. I am excited to support this work throughout the California Community College System, and work to provide opportunities for students across this great state. And of course, Kern is at the forefront of this work.

Our time is now!

Also, check out the article by Emma Gallegos of Ed Source.

Christian believes that community colleges, which serve California’s “most vulnerable students,” have the potential to not just change the socioeconomic fortunes of its students but to help the state address issues such as health care and climate change. She wants to see colleges make the bold changes their communities need.
“We just make things happen,” said Christian. “We don’t look for something external to give us permission to do what is right.”

You can read the full piece here: https://edsource.org/2023/enroll-every-9th-grader-in-a-college-course-says-californias-incoming-community-college-chancellor/691065

Whenever I talk about Dual Enrollment, I find myself thinking about how this work began with a partnership with Wonderful Academy, and then McFarland went wall-to-wall because of the bold leadership of Superintendent Aaron Resendez. The beautiful moments of our lives become wonderful memories to enjoy. Here are a few.

Early College team
Jean Fuller
Romeo Agbalog

***

As I flew into Reno for this work, what a view as we were landing:

The Truckee River, which flows through Reno on its way from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake, was full and flowing fast.

As I took time to walk around a bit to check out the sights and sounds in Reno, I stumbled upon the musical Anastasia playing at the Pioneer Center. The music of “Anastasia” features a blend of catchy, Broadway-style show tunes and heartfelt ballads. It includes well-known songs from the original film, such as “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December,” as well as new songs specifically written for the musical. The music captures a sense of romance, adventure, and longing, reflecting the emotional journey of the characters. Thought would give you a taste with this piece from Youtube “Once Upon a December.” The cast of characters at the Pioneer center were different … the song and the setting the same. Just beautiful!

Back in Bakersfield I was enjoying taking time at home, though I headed to KCCD to wrap up some transition work. The garden is bursting with springtime blooms which seem to be plentiful because of the heavy rains this past winter. In 2013 as BC’s new president, I purchased about 20 Renegade Red and White rose plants that were bred specifically to commemorate the centennial year. Those plants are now 10 years old and they flower with a vigor and intensity that is indescribable. The sheer number of roses have been weighing down the plants so I have been regularly clipping them for vases indoors. Thank you Lindsay Ono and BC’s Ag department for the Renegade Red and Whites. #WeAreBC

And when my busy schedule resumes in June, I will miss hanging out with Neo in the backyard.

Good morning friends.
It is May 27, 2023. Memorial Day.
The sun shines bright over Kern CCD.

Memorial Day – Let’s Remember.

Three years after the end of the Civil War, the Grand Army of the Republic – an organization of Union veterans – established Decoration Day as a day for the nation to put flowers on the graves of those killed in the war. Major General John A. Logan declared the commemoration should be May 30, likely because flowers would be in bloom across the country.

That year, an observance was held at Arlington National Cemetery, with speeches and flowers strewn upon the graves of soldiers.

The practice spread throughout the country, with many state legislatures passing proclamations designating May 30 as Decoration Day. After World War I, the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars.

In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday, with the date placed on the last Monday in May.

I was browsing my previous post and saw this message from Paul Beckworth Memorial Day 2018

Wow…  Let us take a moment and reflect on these handwritten lists of BC students killed or MIA in action from World War II. Paul mentioned one of them died in a POW camp after being captured and these lists may or may not be comprehensive. But regardless, these lists are very telling — they are our history.

Read more in the blog post:
https://sonyachristianblog.com/2018/06/03/remembering-celebrating-and-planning/

In the News

LTCC, El Centro High partnership celebrates first justice-involved college grad

LTCC’s Rising Scholars Program for the justice involved & its partner, El Centro High, are celebrating its first college grad.
Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune.

Twins graduating from ‘Adult High School’ program after dropping out 50 years ago

This week, a set of twin sisters – Carol Baker and Carolyn Baker-Lowery graduated from MiraCosta College’s Adult High School, 50 years after they dropped out.

Check out the story from 10news in San Diego!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

President of Bakersfield College, Pastor Steve Watkin, did the opening prayer at the Bakersfield City Council.

Kylie Campbell shared this post during our travels this week:

“Look what @sonyachristian and I found at @flyLAXairport! A 20+ ft tall sign promoting the opportunity for high school students in CA to earn college credit through #DualEnrollment! Great work, @CalCommColleges! Made my day! @IcangotoCollege“

In honor of Classified School Employee Week, a few of the photos I’ve seen celebrating our California Community College classified employees:

And to my classified colleagues and friends with whom I have worked side-by-side for a long time. Thank you!

Juan Torres and colleague with box of grapes
Catherine Rangel, Sonya and Jo Ellen Barnes
Eric Carrillo and Dylan Wang and sonya christian
Graphic designers Eric Carrillo and Dylan Wang receive a 2019 President’s Leadership Award.
BC's Executive Office Staff Somaly, Tarina, Jennifer, June and Wendy
BC’s Executive Office Staff Somaly, Tarina, Jennifer, June and Wendy
Chris Glaser
Berna Martinez, Tina Johnson

And from the Home of the Renegades…

CAPK Graduation

On Friday, May 19th, Bakersfield College in collaboration with CAPK (Community Action Partnership of Kern) celebrated the first cohort of graduates who completed the BC Applied Leadership Program in the BC Fireside Room. 17 CAPK administrators and leaders on every level committed themselves to the rigorous and innovative program born from Bakersfield College’s very own Dr. Maria Wright, former Senator Dr. Jean Fuller.

This will be the first of many cohorts to come!

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That’s a wrap for now.
See you next Saturday!

The future is bright at Kern CCD.

-sonya
joyful and grateful

#KernCCDDaringMightyThings

Graduations 2023 – Let’s celebrate

Uncategorized May 20, 2023 Comments: 2

My daughter snapped this photo while we were at Mother’s Day brunch at Brizo in Marina Del Rey.

The Thursday before, we checked out the music scene at the Market Place.

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

Earlier this week, I joined the CCCCO Exec Team for dinner and some planning.

Good morning friends.
It is May 20, 2023.
The sun shines bright over Kern CCD.

Commencement Season

The end of the Spring Semester is always a wonderful time at a community college. It’s so rewarding watching students’ years of hard work pay off in their commencement celebrations.

Here are a few photos from around the state as we celebrate our amazing graduates:

Cuesta College: 1,207 graduating students earned 1,614 degrees will be conferred, including 697 associates in arts, 233 associates in science, 292 associates in arts for transfer, and 392 associates in science for transfer.

Porterville College:  683 degrees awarded to 540 students, 31 of whom are dual enrollment students receiving  their high school diploma and AA degree at the same time.

San Joaquin Delta College:  2,715 graduates with 1,904 graduating with honors, completed 3,782 degree and 647 Certificates at San Joaquin Delta College’s 88th Annual Commencement Ceremony

Cerro Coso Community College: 581 total graduates, including 39 Early College graduates.

Pasadena City College: The 97th Commencement saw 3,046 students earning 4,522 degrees. Graduates ranged in age from 15-77!

Bakersfield College: BC’s 109th Commencement featured 1,418 graduates.

Cypress College: Cypress College celebrated its 56th Commencement on May 19.

Many more ceremonies for graduates of our 116 community colleges are scheduled for the coming weeks. Congratulations to all of our graduates!

And did you know – 51% of CSU graduates and 29% of UC graduates started at a California Community College?

In the News

12-year-old breaks record as youngest graduate

Clovis Hung, who is 12 years old, set the record at Fullerton College as its youngest graduate. He was a special admit who came to the college at just 9 years old.

Check out the story:

https://abc7news.com/fullerton-college-graduation-youngest-graduate-clovis-hung-12-year-old/13262515/

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Kylie Campbell was selected as the first president of hte CA Alliance of Dual Enrollment Partnerships

Thank you to Daisy Gonzales for sharing this photo with Daisy & Eloy Oakley at the Executive Team Planning Session:

Kern CCD Trustees Yovani Jimenez, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, and Romeo Agbalog with incoming BC President Steven Watkin and outgoing BC President Zav Dadabhoy at Bakersfield College’s commencement:

And from the Home of the Renegades…

Bakersfield College Hosts AgTechXEd Summit

The Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology, California Department of Food and Agriculture and Bakersfield College partnered to host AgTechXEd Summit – a half-day event dedicated to developing the next generation of tech-savvy agricultural workers on Tuesday afternoon.

The AgTechXEd Summit at Bakersfield College included 3 panels, covering topics such as education, workforce development strategies, and current and future workforce needs on the farm. This event was part of the AgTechXEd Initiative – a statewide effort, led by Western Growers and California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross, to cultivate a future workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate emerging on-farm technology.

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That’s a wrap for now.
See you next Saturday!

The future is bright at Kern CCD.

-sonya
joyful and grateful

#KernCCDDaringMightyThings

Sonya Christian's Blog