Tag Archives: Southwestern College

May 2026 is a wrap

Uncategorized May 31, 2026 Leave a comment

The funnest part of my week was coming across this duck sitting with her eggs in the InShape parking lot.

Two days later the duck and the set up were gone. But this note was remaining.

Over the long weekend, I saw The Devil Wears Prada 2. So fun…

And of course, my favorite was Lady Gaga’s performance:

Wanna check out my blog post from May 31, 2025…. Click here: https://sonyachristianblog.com/2025/05/31/wrapping-up-may-2025-strong/

Good morning California.
It is May 30, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Early College Program Helps OAHS Students Graduate
with College Degrees from Allan Hancock College

This spring, a group of Orcutt Academy High School (OAHS) seniors will achieve something few high school students can claim: graduating with associate degrees from Allan Hancock College while completing high school.  The students are part of the first cohort in Orcutt Academy’s Early College Cadre (ECC) program, which allows students to complete college-level coursework while earning high school diplomas. This year, 26 students from the program are expected to participate in Hancock’s commencement ceremony on May 22, marking the culmination of four years of rigorous academic work. 

» Read more!

Removing Barriers, Expanding Access: Southwestern College
Advances Zero Textbook Cost Initiative

Through its Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Initiative, Southwestern College is working to ensure that all students have free, immediate access to instructional materials on the first day of class, eliminating one of the most common financial barriers to success. WC is expanding ZTC pathways across disciplines. Programs in development include Sociology, Economics, Geology, Math, Chemistry, Social Work & Human Services, Asian American Studies, and more.

» Read more!

Folsom Lake College and Sutter Health Celebrate New Instructional Healthcare Hub
at Rancho Cordova Center

Folsom Lake College and Sutter Health recently celebrated the completion of a new, state-of-the-art Instructional Healthcare Hub at the college’s Rancho Cordova Center. Made possible by a generous $2.5 million investment from Sutter Health, the newly upgraded facility features four modernized career education classrooms equipped with advanced medical technology.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Silicon Valley to get its first two-year degree focused on AI

As artificial intelligence continues to make waves in higher education, changing the way students are learning and forcing educators to rethink traditional assessments amid cheating concerns, Silicon Valley is about to get its first two-year degree in AI.

De Anza College’s new Associate in Science degree in Applied Artificial Intelligence will be available this fall, along with six new AI-focused credentials and more than 20 additional new degree and certificate programs, the school announced this week.

» Read more!

*****

The Chronicle of Higher Education: Nonwhite Students Now Represent
the Largest Share of U.S. College Enrollment

Nonwhite students now make up the largest share of American universities’ enrollment — though the diversity on campuses varies widely by institution, according to The Chronicle‘s updated database with the latest enrollment figures (from the fall of 2024). Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral institutions have grown more diverse over time, but associate institutions are still the only group to be majority nonwhite.

For the first time since The Chronicle started its database in 2018, the share of nonwhite students is slightly greater than the share of white students (49.7 percent). Minority students represent 50.3 percent of enrollment and nearly 8.9 million students. These percentages are calculated from the total enrollment where a student’s race is known, which does not include students who did not report their race or nonresident students.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Long Beach City College:

LBCC was honored to have U.S. Senator Adam Schiff on campus today to meet with our students and take their questions on a wide range of subjects. Our students stepped up, shared their views, and engaged in meaningful dialogue.

Thank you, Senator Schiff, for showing up for our students and our community.

*****

From American River College:

Co-hosted by the Electronics Technologies and Welding departments, the Solar Contest on May 9 challenged student teams to race head-to-head constructing professional ground-mount solar systems. This electrifying event showcased a powerful blend of grit, technical gear, and cross-disciplinary teamwork.

Following an intensive morning of building and a celebratory community lunch, the student “heroes” received awards for their precision and technical skill. The students’ tireless energy made the day a success.

*****

From Los Angeles Southwest College:

Congratulations to all of our Cougars and their families who were recognized as Dean’s and Presidential Scholars! We loved celebrating you and your incredible accomplishments on May 7th. Your hard work, dedication, and achievements make us proud, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things you do next. Go Cougars!

*****

From Victor Valley College:

Some of our favorite highlights from FAME (Fine Arts, Animation & Music Experience) this past month at VVC!

*****

From Las Positas College:

Over 30 employers and tons of students joined us for last month’s Spring Job and Internship Fair here on campus. exploring internships, and taking steps toward future careers!

The fair brought students together with opportunities for paid internships and full-time, part-time, and seasonal roles. Thank you to everyone who came out to network and make those connections.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Announces New Administrative Appointees

Recently, Bakersfield College announced new appointees to three key administrative positions – Vice President of Instruction, Athletic Director, and President. Each candidate was selected after an extensive nationwide search, interview process, and public forum where staff and community members could ask questions and provide feedback. BC is proud to welcome each new addition to its leadership team and look forward to the future they will help build.

Dr. Stacey Pfluger, President of Bakersfield College

Dr. Jessica Wojtysiak, Vice President of Instruction

Lynn Kennedy, Athletic Director and Dean of Instruction for Kinesiology and Athletics

» 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

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:

*****

From San Diego Miramar College:

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

*****

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!

*****

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.

*****

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!

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

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

Closing out February in beautiful San Diego 2026

Uncategorized February 28, 2026 Leave a comment

Since we are sill in the month of February, let me re-post my Valentine’s Day message from two weeks ago. Take 3 minutes to read it again and enjoy our California Community Colleges. https://sonyachristianblog.com/2026/02/14/a-love-letter-to-the-california-community-colleges-on-valentines-day-2026/

This week it was back to beautiful San Diego…. what is there not to like about San Diego.

San Diego Feb 24, 2026

We had our Board of Governors retreat at Southwestern College Crown Cove Aquatic Center on Coronado Island.

Board of Governors with Chancellor’s Office Staff

The retreat focused on three interrelated areas where investment and innovation can accelerate meaningful outcomes:

  1. Building, renewing, and modernizing our infrastructure:
    From aging facilities to climate-friendly redesigns and data/technology systems essential for equitable learning and AI-ready campuses.
  2. Deepening our work in equitable baccalaureate attainment:
    Strengthening transfer pathways and expanding community college baccalaureate opportunities so that more of our students access and complete bachelor’s degrees linked to economic mobility.
  3. Scaling internships for our students:
    Reimagining work-based, project-based, and service-based learning so that internships become a default option in every pathway, connecting students to career-relevant experience and workforce opportunities.

Here is a photo with panelists for one of the sessions.

Erin Larson, Cecelia Rios-Aguilar, Michal Kurlaender, Sonya Christian, Daisy Segovia, Terrence Willett

What a fun photo discovered by one of our Board members,

Thank you so much to Southwestern College for hosting us this week. President Mark Sanchez, you rock!

Good morning California.
It is February 28, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Pasadena City College Launches a New Facility to Help Increase
the Skilled Trades Workforce and Support Fire Recovery

Pasadena City College has broken ground on a new construction trades facility that will train students to help rebuild fire-ravaged communities. The groundbreaking for the Construction Trades Lab was held January 14, as Los Angeles County continued its commemoration of the anniversary of the Eaton and Palisades fires. In January of 2025, the fires destroyed 16,000 structures. By the time the Eaton fire was contained on January 31, 2025, it had destroyed or damaged more than 10,000 homes, businesses, schools, and places of worship. Pasadena City College is located minutes from neighborhoods devastated by the fires.

» Read more!

Diablo Valley College Students Shine at Nationwide AAICE Student Works Expo

Diablo Valley College students earned national recognition at the 2025 AAICE Student Works Expo, a nationwide competition celebrating student achievement in Mandarin language and Chinese culture. Five DVC students submitted projects, and four of those projects were selected for display on the organization’s official website.

» Read more!

Science Alive Marks 25 Years of Hands-On Learning at Gavilan College

Gavilan College is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Science Alive, a long-running program that introduces middle school students to hands-on science through interactive labs and experiments. Founded in 2001, Science Alive has served more than 5,000 students from South Santa Clara and San Benito counties. The program invites students to spend a Saturday on campus exploring science by building, testing, observing, and asking questions, often for the first time in a college lab setting. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Santiago Canyon College’s new water sciences lab will
enhance classes in water technology

A new, modernized water technology classroom is in final planning stages for the Santiago Canyon College campus that will feature state-of-the-art equipment to help train students for well-paying careers in water districts throughout Orange County and beyond.

The new lab will enhance SCC’s substantial Water and Wastewater Technology program. “Water technology is one of the most popular programs in the division of business and career education,” said Denise Foley, dean of the division. “It’s one of the few and largest programs in the state that teaches water operations in treatment and distribution.”

» Read more!

*****

For many college students, picking a major takes time and revising

For many students applying to college, choosing the right major and career path may seem like the most important decision they’ve ever had to make.

Some students prioritize fields that offer high salaries, while others follow their passions. Some may be inspired by their peers’ careers or influenced by their parents’ wishes. 

But the reality is, many students do not stick to their initial choice. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences reveals that 55% of students who graduated with a humanities degree began their college education intending to major in another field. Roughly 85% of college students change their major at least once, according to the Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm EAB, formerly known as the Education Advisory Board. EAB studies also show that students who delay declaring a major graduate at a slightly higher rate than those who choose a major in their first semester. 

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Skyline College:

Wrapping up Black History Month with the Black Student Union’s Soul Social. We celebrated community with games, local vendors, and campus connections. BSU delivered us soul and gave it a home right here at Fireside Dining.

*****

From Golden West College:

GWC’s Amphitheater was filled with culture, community and celebration today as we welcomed the Year of the Horse! From the Lion & Dragon Dance and Vietnamese fashion show to hands-on activities, performances and delicious food, it was a joyful afternoon all around.

*****

From Imperial Valley College:

Imperial Valley College is proud to share that our Mardi Gras Parade float was honored with the Mayor’s Choice Award at the 2026 El Centro Mardi Gras Light Parade! Thank you to the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and the City of El Centro for this special recognition. This award reflects the creativity and collaboration of IVC’s Associated Student Government (ASG) for envisioning the float, along with Student Affairs, Cheer Club, SSS Club, and the many students and team members who helped decorate and represent the College with pride. Warrior spirit was shining bright on Main Street!

*****

From Madera Community College:

A beautiful blanket of snow has transformed the Madera Community College Oakhurst Campus into a true winter wonderland! The late winter storm has brought stunning views and a peaceful glow to our campus.

*****

From Hartnell College:

the Financial Aid Office welcomed over 60 students and their families to a Cash for College Financial Aid Workshop, providing hands-on support with FAFSA and CA Dream Act applications to help students maximize their financial aid opportunities.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC’s Renegade Motorsports Team Competes at Sonoma Raceway

On Friday, February 13th, 2026, the Bakersfield College’s Renegade Motorsports team traveled to Sonoma Raceway in Northern California to compete in the Lucky Dog Racing League’s 14-hour race weekend. Participating in competitions like this gives students the opportunity to utilize their skills in an authentic racing environment. The team arrived Friday and went straight to work. The team’s practice and qualifying session experienced a minor setback due to a batch of contaminated fuel, but they were able to work through it and complete one hour of practice time. Student drivers Jesus Frias and Aiden Lomeli were able to complete their first laps on the iconic racetrack.

The weather on Saturday morning was beautiful, and BC’s Emanuel Trujillo took the green flag at 9:00AM and drove the first two-hour stint of the race with no issues. At the first pit stop, the team refueled and serviced the car and Aiden Lomeli strapped in to drive the second stint. During his stint, Aiden noticed a mechanical issue with the car that the team was able to repair quickly. After the repairs, Jesus Frias took the wheel for his two-hour stint. Unfortunately, about halfway through his stint, he noticed an issue and brought the car into the paddock for the team to diagnose and repair. The team worked quickly to fix the issue, and Jesus was able to finish the 7-hour race on Saturday.

» 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

Life – one moment at a time

Uncategorized August 16, 2025 Leave a comment

I started my week in San Diego. Out on my evening walk by the waterfront, I heard a stunning voice performing REM’s Losing my Religion.

Sit back close your eyes and play this song. A little over 4 minutes.

Is her voice and the song lingering in your mind and heart? That’s exactly what happened to me. So yes—this is officially my song of the week.

The song has always been one of my favorites. It came out the same year I moved to the U.S., and I’ve loved it ever since. Hearing Amber Rubarth singing it live was hypnotic. It drew me to the amphitheater which was packed with people. I stood outside mesmerized listening and watching the sunset over the water.

Rubarth was the opening act to Gypsy King … of course I love their sound as well. More on that later.

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

San Diego – what’s not to like?

On Tuesday, I visited Glendale Community College.

We began in the stunning Science Building, a space that feels both state-of-the-art and inviting.  I made sure to keep my distance from the vivarium, home to the snakes. From there, we checked out their biotechnology lab where students did research projects on DNA sequencing. The organic chemistry lab impressed us with its sophisticated expensive equipment.

Then came a personal first for me: stepping into their Dreamscape Learn virtual reality lab. The 3D immersion was unlike anything I’ve experienced.  It pulled me in emotionally and intellectually.

We wrapped up with a Persian lunch prepared by their culinary program that was delicious (I definitely ate more than I planned), paired with a showcase of their professional development work.

I’m grateful that Board members Hildy Aguinaldo, Bill Rawlings, Pam Haynes, and Adrienne Brown,  could join.  Also happy that  Craig Hayward was also able to come.

Good morning California.
It is August 16, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Chaffey College’s The Breeze Wins $10,000 Chronicle of Philanthropy Grant

Chaffey College journalism students have received investigative journalism experience, training and even some cash for their work after the Chronicle of Philanthropy awarded The Breeze $10,000 to report on Chaffey’s Mackenzie Scott gift. It’s a yearlong fellowship aimed at bolstering coverage of nonprofit organizations and philanthropy. Four news outlets including Riverside’s Black Voice News received $30,000 grants to improve coverage of nonprofits, foundations and other groups.

» Read more!

Los Angeles Valley College Awarded a
$1.4 Million TRIO Student Support Services Grant

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Los Angeles Valley College a federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant totaling $1,430,545 million to improve college retention and graduation rates among low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities. This award marks the continuation of 25 years of TRIO SSS services on our campus. Since 2000, the program has served thousands of students, helping them stay in school, earn degrees, and build meaningful careers.

» Read more!

San Bernardino Valley College Partners with VARP to Expand Access
to Higher Education for Justice-Impacted Individuals

San Bernardino Valley College has launched a transformative partnership with VARP, Inc., a leading nonprofit provider of substance abuse recovery services, to expand college access for individuals impacted by the justice system. Through this collaboration, SBVC’s Rising Scholars program is working hand-in-hand with VARP to support prospective students with academic advising, enrollment assistance, and pathways into high-demand programs such as aviation, welding, and HVAC.

» Read more!

From High School to Higher Ed: Options Middle College High School
Opens Doors at Southwestern College

In a bold move to transform lives and broaden access to higher education, Southwestern College (SWC) has welcomed Options Middle College High School (Options MCHS) to its Chula Vista campus. This collaboration with the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) is designed to uplift students who have often felt overlooked or underestimated, helping them discover that college is well within their reach.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Community College Daily: A New ROI Metric and Dashboards

The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) has launched a new return-on-investment (ROI) metric and dashboards to help students, policymakers and institutional leaders explore trends in student outcomes among the commission’s institutional members, which are primarily California community colleges.

The Student Achievement Dashboards pull from three data sources: institutionally reported annual data, federally reported IPEDS data and a new ROI metric developed in partnership with the College Futures Foundation. The metric uses a Price-to-Earnings Premium (PEP) model to assess how long it takes students to recoup their educational investment by examining the relationship between net costs and earnings premiums, according to ACCJC.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Golden West College:

Today marked the final day of GWC’s first-ever STEM XP summer program! Students wrapped up the week with a Shark Tank-style simulation, pitching ideas like new GWC App features and parking lot upgrades to a panel of campus faculty and staff. The judges were blown away by the creativity, problem-solving, and presentation skills each team brought to the table.

*****

From College of San Mateo:

Swifties have TS12. Bulldogs have F25. 12 tracks. One campus. Zero skips. What song are you streaming first this semester? Welcome to CSM, Bulldogs!

*****

From Porterville College:

College Promise Days kick-off with a day of full of making new connections!

*****

From Santiago Canyon College:

Over 1,000 @OrangeUnifiedCA students joined us this summer for College for Kids! Hands-on learning, new skills, and a taste of college life—all at SCC. Proud to partner with OUSD to inspire the next generation.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Hosts ‘Bridge to BC’

“Bridge to BC” is a one-day, in-person, first-year experience course designed to help first-time and returning college students prepare academically, socially, and personally as they transition to college. Under the leadership of Faculty Director Dr. Kimberly Bligh, Education Advisor Kris Herrera, Program Manager Tim Lafondez, dozens of student peer mentors, educational advisors, and faculty come together to create an intensive and supportive learning community.

The Bridge in-person day includes a full campus tour highlighting all of BC’s academic, personal, and career resources. Classroom activities include topics such as learning strategies to identify and navigate barriers to success, setting SMART goals, learning to navigate the BC website, the student portal, STARFISH, and Canvas. Students also research their career and educational pathways and network with peers. They meet one-on-one with an education advisor to review their upcoming schedule, discuss their major, and review their educational goals. Lunch and hands-on classroom activities are always fun and interactive!

» 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

Sonya Christian's Blog