Tag Archives: Southwestern College

CA CCs wrapping up August 2023 in a big way

As summer comes to a close …. another glorious Bakersfield sunset:

Was another busy week at the California Community Colleges.

On Tuesday, we reached agreement with Doug Moore, Executive Director of United Domestic Workers, for the Pathways for Workers Demonstration Project.

We also launched the Apprenticeship Pathways Demonstration Project with 25 Districts and with Dr. Marvin Martinez and Rancho Santiago taking the lead. This project aims to give college credit to apprentices for “on the job” training through their apprenticeship programs. 

Later Tuesday, the Foundation for California Community Colleges hosted a reception at the California Museum. It was wonderful to see so many colleagues from across the state, as well as representatives from philanthropic organizations.

Everyone who worked on and presented at the program was magnificent – special thanks to Keetha Mills; Daisy Gonzales; Amy Costa; Andra Hoffman, President of CCC Trustees; Chanelle Win, VP SSCCC; Hildy Aguinaldo; Cheryl Aschenbach, President of the Academic Senate; Manuel Payan, CSEA; Julianna Barnes, President of CEO Board and Chair of the League Board; Francisco Rodriguez, Chancellor of LA District; and Pam Haynes.

On Thursday, I joined new CSU Chancellor Millie Garcia and UC President Michael Drake, Superintendent Tony Thurmond, Secretary Stewart Know, Academic Senate President Cheryl Aschenbach, and others, as Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Career Education Executive Order in West Sacramento.

Good morning California.
It is September 2, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Bernardino Valley College’s Summer Bridge Program Prepares Students for College Life

For two weeks in July, more than 200 Valley-Bound Commitment students came to San Bernardino Valley College for Summer Bridge and enrolled in the Orientation to College course, where they learned about the academic and vocation programs available and watched presentations from different departments. They also had the opportunity to meet staff members and explore the campus to become familiar with it before the first day of the fall semester.

» Read more about SBVC’s Summer Bridge program!


Sky’s the Limit Observatory Becomes Satellite Campus for
Copper Mountain College Astronomy Classes

Just in time for Fall Semester Astronomy classes, an Affiliation Agreement between Copper Mountain College and Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center has established the observatory as a satellite campus for the college’s Astronomy courses.

Astronomy students from CMC will have as their “laboratory,” the dark desert skies of Twentynine Palms, on the border of Joshua Tree National Park.

» Read more about the agreement!


NASA Competition lands at Orange Coast College

Orange Coast College played host to NASA’s Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) Robotics competition. This 4-day engineering design challenge brought students together from OCC and Southwestern College who had completed two online events earlier this year.

» Read more about the competition!


100 Black Men of the Inland Empire Establishes Umoja Scholarship Fund at Riverside Community College District

Riverside Community College District (RCCD) is pleased to announce a collaboration with 100 Black Men of The Inland Empire (100 BMIE) to introduce the 100 BMIE Umoja Scholarship Fund. This investment from 100 BMIE underscores their commitment to supporting youth and young adults in their pursuit of higher education and academic excellence.



In Case You Missed It

Inside Higher Ed: Community Colleges Double Down on Dual Enrollment

The number of students taking advantage of dual enrollment has grown slowly since California lawmakers adopted a new, more structured framework for dual enrollment in 2015. The new program, College and Career Access Pathways, was designed to expand dual-enrollment opportunities “for students who may not already be college bound” by removing “fiscal” and “policy barriers.”

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Bakersfield College‘s Basic Needs Center and Nexus ribbon-cutting:

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California Treasurer Fiona Ma was a guest speaker at one of Fresno City College‘s political science classes:

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From Cabrillo College‘s new student welcome:

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And check out this video from Mission College about the Community College Collaborative project, with Mission College offering classes at Elmwood Correctional Facility.


And From the Home of the Renegades

Veterans Plaza Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Bakersfield College held a ribbon cutting ceremony to honor the Veterans plaza located in the center of the Panorama Campus. 

The plaza was built over the Summer of 2023 as a devotion and recognition of the Bakersfield College student veterans who serve our country. There are pillars with quotes from current veteran staff, faculty, and current veteran students and sitting areas for others to sit and learn about the people who fight for our freedom. 

» Read more about the ceremony!

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

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

CA CC Vision 2030 on the road

As summer comes to a close, I’ve had a very busy week traveling to several of our community colleges.

On Tuesday, I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for student housing at Lake Tahoe Community College. It was inspirational to see so many people come out to support this fantastic project.

Thank you to Pam Haynes for joining from the Board of Governors, LTCC President Jeff DeFranco, the LTCC Board of Trustees, Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil, Chris Ferguson & the CA Department of Finance team, and everyone who was present and who has made this possible.

On Wednesday, I headed down to Chula Vista for an event at Southwestern College. This event focused on the Vision 2030 goal of Equity in Access. Southwestern College showcased two projects – Dual Enrollment and AB 91 – new legislation currently in appropriations that would waive out-of-state tuition for those crossing the border from Mexico to take classes at Southwestern or other San Diego colleges.

Here is a a 2:31-min coverage of the event by KPBS.

President Mark Sanchez, BOG Member Mary Salas, Sonya Christian, Assembly Member David Alvarez
BOG member Paul Medina, Student Trustee from Miramar College Namod Pallek, Student Trustee from Mt. San Jacinto College Joseph Awad, Former Student Body President from Southwestern College Leonardo Vanegas

On Thursday, I headed to East Los Angeles College for another Vision 2030 event, focused on dual enrollment. Thank you to Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez and President Alberto Roman for hosting this event. Members of the Board of Governors came out in full strength — Vice President Hildy Aguinaldo, Pam Haynes, Adrienne Brown, Joseph Williams, and Paul Medina.

Assembly member Mike Fong was also there and recognized the importance of community colleges.

Before I started my crazy week of travel, I caught Greta Gerwig’s Barbie at the cinema. It was a fun and thought provoking at the same time – a feature of many Gerwig movies. Like some of her past work, Gerwig explores the complexities of female identity and societal expectations. Both Margot Robbie (Barbie) and Ryan Gosling (Ken) are wonderful in the movie. Gerwig’s Ken for the most part is as an accessory to Barbie, existing for the sole purpose of winning her warm gaze, adds comedic elements to the story while also providing opportunities for emotional depth. Check out this 1:30-min “I am just Ken” fun and talented video.

Good morning California.
It is August 12, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Río Hondo College Partners with MIT to Inspire
New Wave of Inventors During Summer Program

Students from Río Hondo College and local high schools created innovative solutions to modern problems, such as using drones for campus security to report suspicious activity or adapting smart textiles to chairs to fix poor posture in office workers, during the College’s inaugural Bridge to Invention Río program.

The program, which ran from July 17 to 28, was created in partnership with Lemelson-MIT (LMIT) to guide students through the disciplines of business and engineering to create and present a product, web app or service. The program was made available at no cost to all college students and local high school juniors and seniors.

» Read more about the program!


College of the Desert Awarded M-STAR Grant Funding by NASA

College of the Desert is one of only nine colleges/universities – and the only CA Community College – to be awarded M-Start Grant Funding by NASA.

Ahmed Elshafie, Michael Gariety, Amira Elsenousy and David Jackson all collaborated on the project entitled: A Penetrolyzer for Extracting Oxygen and Hydrogen from Mars Regolith.

» Read more about the award

» Learn more at NASA


Berkeley City College NOVA Scholars Summer Program Gallery Walk

In July, the Berkeley City College NOVA & RISE team hosted a Gallery Walk in celebration of scholars in our fourth cohort of NOVA, which stands for Networking, Opportunities, Vision, & Action. NOVA is a dual enrollment pathway program designed to support Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) rising 9th graders with their transition into high school. During the event, nearly 40 scholars displayed their culminating projects and shared their stories and dreams in the company of their families and our larger BCC community.

» Read more about the program!


Foster Youth Bicycle Giveaway Brings
Opportunity, Support to Pasadena City College Students

Supervisor Kathryn Barger and One Bicycle Foundation partnered together to gift bicycles to foster youth students at Pasadena City College. The gift of 24 bikes will help them get to class, work, errands, and activities.

» Read more about the gift!



In Case You Missed It

Laist: Can Community Colleges Meet the Urgency of the Climate Crisis?

On August 7th, Laist published a piece by Bonnie Ho and Jackie Orchard about the California Center for Climate Changed Education at West Los Angeles College.

“Through its new climate center, West is developing more climate change curriculum for community colleges in California to adapt to their own campuses. Eventually, the plan is for West to educate students of all disciplines on climate change, not just what people might expect of those studying environmental science.”

» Read the article!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

The Community College League of California shared an update from the 2023 Student Trustees Workshop:

This year 60+ student trustees travelled from @CalCommColleges to Riverside

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Fresno Unified School District‘s Tressa Overstreet shared this post:

Dual Enrollment is rolling in ⁦@fresnounified⁩ our students CAN!”

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Allan Hancock College shared this photo from their All Staff Day event to kick off the fall semester:

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Madera Community College shared these photos:

We had a wonderful turnout this afternoon at our President’s Cabinet BBQ! Thanks to our incredible Facilities team, our students, staff, and faculty all got to enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers as we close out the summer!


And From the Home of the Renegades

Early College Convening

The Bakersfield College Early College team hosted our 4th annual Early College Convening on August 2nd, 2023 and it was a momentous day in setting forth our collective vision for the 2023-2024 school year. 

» Read more about the Early College convening!

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

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

To new beginnings June 2023

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.

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.

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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

Sonya Christian's Blog