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
Spoke at the Collective Equity Institute in Irvine and had a lot of fun with our team from the Chancellor’s Office the Student Senate for the California Community Colleges and other leaders in the state.
The main theme song I used for my speech was Nina Simone’s I am Feeling Good. Was so happy when one of my friends snapped this picture of me walking onto the state with the song blasting through the event ballroom.
Here is the song for you to enjoy.
Good morning California. It is October 11, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
El Camino College Selected for 2025–2026 National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC) Mentorship Program
El Camino College (ECC) is proud to announce its selection to participate in the 2025–2026 Mentorship Program of the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium (NAAIC). This prestigious opportunity positions El Camino College among a select group of institutions nationwide working to expand access to artificial intelligence education. Through this nationwide program, El Camino College will partner with NAAIC to develop and launch an associate degree in Artificial Intelligence.
$100,000 Investment for San Diego MiraCosta College Strengthens Pathways for Student-Owned Businesses and Economic Mobility
MiraCosta College Foundation has received a $100,000 grant from San Diego Foundation’s El Camino Fund. The funding will support the Latina/o Entrepreneur Advancement & Contracting Initiative (LEACI), which will expand and enhance the College’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) programs to focus specifically on Latina/o entrepreneurs.
Yuba College Earns Silver-Level Caring Campus Certification
Yuba College has been recognized as a Silver-Certified Caring Campus, marking the first time the college has achieved certification through the Institute for Evidence-Based Change’s (IEBC) Caring Campus initiative. The certification, which lasts three years, highlights Yuba College’s commitment to institutionalizing caring practices that strengthen student belonging, connection and success.
Moreno Valley College Hosts HR Network Business Meeting to Strengthen Apprenticeship Partnerships
More than 48 industry partners gathered at Moreno Valley College on Sept. 11 to strengthen apprenticeship and career education pathways during the Inland Empire HR Network and Business Meeting, a private event focused on workforce collaboration. The meeting, organized in partnership with the Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire (MCIE), featured presentations on regional workforce development, a networking breakfast, and a guided tour of MVC’s new Industrial Automation classroom. For many attendees, it was their first time on campus, offering an opportunity to expand education-industry connections.
New Research Shows How Many California College Students Benefit from CalWORKs and CalFresh benefits
New research from the nonpartisan California Policy Lab shows how many students in California Community Colleges and in the University of California (UC) system are enrolled in two safety-net programs that help pay for expenses while in college.
One data point focuses on CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids), which provides cash assistance for low income students who are also parents, and for students who are younger than 18.
A second data point focuses on CalFresh, which provides monthly benefits that can be used by low-income students (of any age) to purchase food. CalFresh is much more widely used among college students than CalWORKs.
Yesterday, OCC hosted a vibrant celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival! This festival is a cherished tradition across many Asian cultures. OCC’s event included cultural performances, delicious mooncakes, tea tasting and a resource fair.
*****
From Oxnard College:
The “Miracle League of the 805” turns every inning into a celebration by bringing the joy of baseball to children of all abilities. Our Condors were honored to coach the Miracle League’s teams over the weekend in Camarillo. It was a beautiful and fun day for all!
*****
From Gavilan College:
On 9/5, Judy Rodriguez, Hollister Campus Site Director, accepted an award from the Santa Cruz Breastfeeding Coalition. The award recognizes Gavilan’s Hollister Campus for providing dedicated lactation accommodations that support the health and well-being of our campus community.
*****
From Santa Rosa Junior College:
We are so proud of our SRJC Shone Farm and all the hardworking students and staff! The college farm has earned multiple awards at this year’s Sonoma County Harvest Fair, which celebrates its 50th anniversary. Shone Farm received the Excellence in Local Food Production award. The estate-grown olive oil, Miller’s Blend, was awarded Best in Show. Additionally, the wines won a Double Gold and three Gold medals.
*****
And check out this video showcasing Las Positas College’s photography program:
And From the Home of the Renegades
Bakersfield College Hosts Annual High School Counselor Conference to Strengthen Regional Partnerships
On Friday, October 3rd, Bakersfield College hosted its annual High School Counselor Conference, bringing together over 100 high school counselors and staff from across the region to strengthen partnerships and support student success for all high school students.
This week was the AI Futures Summit in Santa Clara. This year’s theme was Educational Innovation in the Digital Era.
One highlight of the summit was that the Chancellor’s Office AI Fellows Program hosted its first retreat for the inaugural cohort. This group includes 13 AI Fellows that will develop frameworks, guidelines, and resources that support the responsible adoption of AI technologies across all 116 colleges.
Good morning California. It is September 13, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Butte College Breaks Ground on Chico Center Expansion
Butte College officially broke ground on its Chico Center Expansion Project, a $27.2 million investment that will add nearly 24,000 square feet of new facilities to serve students in Chico and the surrounding communities.
Norco College Sees Success with Disposable Glove Recycling Pilot Study
Last spring, Norco College’s Sustainability and Climate Action Committee launched an initiative to redirect disposable glove waste away from landfills and into recycling centers. The project salvaged nearly six pounds of gloves, masks, and hairnets from the Coral in just one month.
Yuba College Manufacturing Team Wins National Championship in Project MFG’s Clash of Trades
Yuba College’s Advanced Manufacturing program is celebrating a national victory after three of its students claimed first place in Project MFG’s Clash of Trades, a televised competition that challenges the best and brightest in advanced manufacturing, computer numerical control (CNC) machining and additive technologies. Competing June 10 to 12 at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, Illinois, students Phoenix Farrell, 19, Adam Davis, 21, and Wyatt Curry, 21, represented Yuba College in the final round against Central Alabama Community College, Everett Community College and Autry Technology Center. The trio walked away as national champions and with $100,000 in prize money. Half will go to support the college’s manufacturing program, while the other half was split among the three students.
California Community Colleges & Google Launch Nation’s Largest Higher Education Systemwide AI Partnership
Google today unveiled a major collaboration with the California Community Colleges that will provide more than 2 million students and faculty across the state’s 116 community colleges with free access to AI training, Google Career Certificates, and some of Google’s cutting-edge AI tools including Gemini for Education and NotebookLM. The announcement came during the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Futures Summit 2025, an event designed to drive digital transformation and innovation across the California Community Colleges. The system will also be one of the first members of Google’s AI for Education Accelerator, an initiative specifically designed to help prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow. This announcement with Google represents a significant expansion and investment in workforce development within higher education, positioning California’s community college students at the forefront of the AI-driven economy.
California Community Colleges Launches Nation’s Most Ambitious AI Integration Initiative
This week at the Futures Summit 2025, the California Community Colleges – the largest and most diverse higher education system in the country – will officially announce the launch of its Chancellor’s Office AI Fellows program, a bold new initiative aligned with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s statewide AI agenda and designed to make California the national leader in equitable AI education and workforce development.
The inaugural cohort of 13 AI Fellows will develop frameworks, guidelines, and resources that support the responsible adoption of AI technologies across all 116 colleges, which serve 2.1 million students and employ 88,000 professionals. Fellows will specialize in critical focus areas including AI assessment and learning analytics, AI infrastructure, AI professional development, AI research and innovation, AI student support services, AI in teaching and learning, and AI workforce development.
California faces a nursing shortage. Community colleges can help
The road to becoming a nurse in California has been paved with roadblocks, sharp turns and bottlenecks. Where that education is offered has a lot to do with it.
As someone who has lived every long mile and continued to drive forward, I believe the solution lies in expanding the ability for California’s community colleges to offer bachelor of science degrees in nursing.
Community colleges are where many nurses start. They should be where we have the chance to finish as we shift into our careers.
Many of our original and early faculty (or their families) from our opening in 1975… Walter Soellner, Linda Roy, Ron Fisher, Sami Ibrahim, Evonne Davenport, Karen Strelitz (wife of our first president, Gerald Strelitz), Rose Higashi and Susan Morgado (daughter of Gene Morgado, our original auto faculty)
*****
From College of San Mateo:
What an incredible Transfer Day at CSM! Nearly 60 colleges, universities, and private schools from across California and beyond visited campus, providing students with the opportunity to meet representatives, ask questions, and learn about some of their dream schools. A huge thank-you to our Transfer Services team for organizing this packed event and to our amazing student leaders for helping spread the word and guiding students to the fair.
*****
From Diablo Valley College:
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 9/11 Tribute Run at DVC Pleasant Hill yesterday! Our amazing DVC student veterans and supporters ran together across campus to honor the lives lost and the heroes who rose in service after September 11, 2001. A special thank you to our DVC student veterans for leading this meaningful tribute and reminding us of the values of unity, resilience, and service.
*****
From Victor Valley College:
Earlier this month, Victor Valley College’s Workforce Development celebrated the Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (IMM) Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony at the High Desert Training Center!
We proudly honored 10 outstanding employees from employer partners, including Mitsubishi Cement Corporation, Rio Tinto, CEMEX, Church & Dwight, and Exquadrum. These graduates completed their year-long Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI) and are now returning to their organizations with advanced technical skills.
*****
From Saddleback College:
This summer, the voices of Saddleback were heard around the world. Our Chamber Singers and Emeritus Chorale came together for Saddleback College Choir’s first international tour. From ages 18 to 90, singers shared the stage across four countries, proving that music truly connects generations and cultures.
*****
From Allan Hancock College:
Cadets in our fire academy climbed the six-story tower at the AHC Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc to memorialize the first responders killed in the September 11th attacks. They made the trip up the tower 19 times, the equivalent of the World Trade Center’s 110 stories.
And From the Home of the Renegades
Transfer Pathways Hosts Transfer Day for Fall 2025
On Monday, September 8, Bakersfield College’s Transfer Pathways department hosted Transfer Day for the Fall 2025 semester. This exciting event brings several colleges and universities to the Panorama Campus, giving students an incredible opportunity to learn more about their academic options once they have completed their time at BC.
More than 50 colleges and universities participated in the event, and representatives were eager to provide students with details about admissions, campus environments, degree options, campus housing, and more. The event drew several hundred student participants over the course of the day, and each attendee walked away with valuable information, and swag, from a variety of local, private, and national institutions.
This week was the Board of Governors meeting followed by the Central Valley AI Forum at Modesto Junior College and the tracking the budget process in the legislature.
This photo was snapped to celebrate AAPI Heritage month
This photo was taken at the AI Forum at Modesto Junior College
Tony Cordova, Lena Tran, Sonya Christian, Emily Lawrence, Don Daves-Rougeaux
And check out the mobile welding classroom at Antelope Valley College with 6 bays for MIG and TIG ……also, the AVC Auto club built a Racecar.
Good morning California. It is May 24, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Santiago Canyon College’s Neon Nights Marks New Athletic Chapter
In a landmark moment for Santiago Canyon College (SCC), over 350 attendees gathered for Neon Nights, a dynamic and action-packed eSports Showcase, that marked a major milestone for the college’s growing competitive gaming program. Prior to the event, President Dr. Jeannie Kim officially announced that eSports will now be recognized as an official sport offering in the SCC athletic department.
Hundreds of eighth-grade girls attend STEM conference at Yuba College
On April 1, more than 700 eighth-grade girls attended the American Association of University Women’s (AAUW) annual STEM conference at Yuba College. The event aims to provide role models and STEM classes to young women, with the hopes of opening career opportunities currently occupied predominantly by male students.
Golden West College Hosts Fall of Saigon 50th Anniversary Commemoration
Golden West College hosted a commemorative event recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon on April 30, inviting faculty, staff, students, and community members to reflect on a significant moment in Vietnamese and world history. Attendees were invited to explore informational displays detailing the Fall of Saigon, the journey of Vietnamese boat people, and the conditions of post-war re-education and labor camps.
Columbia College Creates Scholarship Honoring Fallen Firefighter
Columbia College has established the Thomas “TJ” Wennhold Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor the life and service of a Calaveras County firefighter and student who died unexpectedly earlier this year.
The fund, launched with $18,000 in donations from family, friends and community members, will award annual scholarships to students pursuing careers in fire service and emergency medical response. Beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year, the college will offer four scholarships each year — two for students in the Columbia College Fire Academy and two for students enrolled in the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course. Wennhold, a Columbia College Promise Program student, was actively working toward an Associate of Science degree in Fire Science at the time of his death on Jan. 15, 2025. In recognition of his dedication, academic achievements, and service to the community, Columbia College will award him a posthumous degree.
CC Daily: CC baccalaureates spread as resistance wanes
Community college baccalaureate programs continue to become increasingly commonplace as more two-year schools overcome political resistance with a combination of strategic degree build-outs based on student and workforce demand, along with a respectful, partnership-oriented stance toward their university brethren.
As of mid-April — and the numbers change regularly — 24 states allowed community colleges to confer workforce-focused bachelor’s degrees, and 205 community colleges in those states were offering 736 different options, according to Angela Kersenbrock, president of the Community College Baccalaureate Association (CCBA), which compiles data on such programs, much of it in conjunction with Bragg & Associates, Inc.
In honor of Foster Youth Awareness Month, SMC’s Foster Youth Services Support Programs hosted an art activity on May 17 at the SMC Student Equity Center. Students were invited to express themselves by pouring paint onto canvas.
*****
From Los Angeles Mission College:
Los Angeles Mission College wins the Culinary Cup! We swept all categories and brought home the coveted Golden Chef’s Hat Trophy — it’s ours until next year! A huge thank you to our fellow competitors from L.A. Trade-Tech and L.A. Harbor College for bringing the heat , to our amazing sponsors for their support, and to the 500+ attendees who came out to cheer us on. Go Eagles!
*****
From Foothill College:
The Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce spent their Education Day at Foothill College today learning about the California Community College Mission.
*****
From Santa Barbara City College
The Sustainability Festival hosted by @sbcc_asg and @sbcchonors brought together like-minded students to celebrate keeping earth green and clean!
*****
And check out this video from San Joaquin Delta College:
Last week, 13 goats from our Manteca Farm arrived at South Campus at Mountain House to help students de-stress during finals. But on Tuesday morning, led by their ringleader ‘Birria’, they busted out of their pen and made a break for it! Thanks to the quick response from Tina Le-Tran (Admin III), student worker Alondra Torres, and a farm intern, the goats were quickly and calmly wrangled back in… All was fine—except for our trees, which lost about 20% of their leaves in just five minutes! The goats are back to the Manteca farm now, but spent the rest of the week at Mountain House in their pen with extra precautions to prevent another daring escape.
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Jazz Students Receive Scholarships
Congratulations to all of the students who were awarded scholarships from the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop on Tuesday, May 13, including our BC jazz students and alumni: Robert Longmire (Dolores Huerta Award), Aidan Scully (Kerry Pierce Award), Mason Heath (Larry Totten Award), Pedro Lozano (Doctora Nora Award), Sean Balingit (Aubrey Stonelake Award), Alejandro Andrade (Laura Booker Award), Nate Wy and Enrique Orozco Carrillo (BJW Discretionary Awards).
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.
Nine years ago, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s masterpiece “Hamilton” debuted to rave reviews, following 2005’s “In the Heights.” Here is the 4-min piece My name is Alexander Hamilton.
He’s been busy in the years since, including soundtracks like “Moana”, “Vivo” and “Encanto”.
This week, he released his newest musical – a concept album, based on the 1979 movie The Warriors.
Check out a few minutes of it:
I attended the Inspire conference at the UCLA Luskin Center. It was a lot of fun. Here are a few pictures snapped by Cirian Villavicencio, member of the Board of Governors who attended the event.
Elizabeth Gonzalez, College Futures; Sonya Christian; Michael Crow, ASU; Julia Lopez, CSU Trustee; Kim Wilcox, UC Riverside
Good morning California. It is October 19, 2024 A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Riverside City College Hosts Inaugural Digital Art & Animation Convention, Inspiring Creativity and Cultural Representation
Can you imagine what happens when educators, industry professionals, and aspiring artists come together for a day of creativity and inspiration? That’s exactly what unfolded at the 2024 Digital Art & Animation Convention, where over 150 participants gathered to explore the latest in animation technology, learn from top industry leaders, and dive into hands-on experiences that brought digital art to life. Hosted at Riverside City College (RCC), the event was a game-changer for students looking to break into the world of animation and digital media.
Grand Opening of Mission Market: A New Era of Student Support
Mission College is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Mission Market, an innovative initiative designed to support students by providing access to fresh, nutritious food every week. In collaboration with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley and the Bill Wilson Center, Mission Market aims to be a cornerstone of student support, recognizing that access to healthy meals is vital for academic success.
Cuesta College Hosts 3rd Annual Awareness Gallery for Students
Cuesta College is proud to announce the return of the 3rd Annual Awareness Gallery, an interactive health-focused exhibit open to all students, staff, faculty, and the public. The Awareness Gallery is a collaboration between the Cuesta College Student Health Center, the SLO County Behavioral Health Department, and the Cuesta College Libraries.
Yuba College Expands On-Campus Support for Students Through Partnership with Yuba County Health and Human Services
Yuba College is excited to announce a significant expansion of student support services through a partnership with Yuba County Health and Human Services (YCHHS). Beginning this month, a dedicated social worker from YCHHS will be stationed at Yuba College’s Marysville Campus to provide essential services and assistance to the college’s growing population of more than 10,000 students.
Building for Tomorrow: Meeting California Community College Students’ Housing Needs
The Chancellor’s Office Student Housing team is hosting an all-day, in-person Student Housing event: Building for Tomorrow: Meeting California Community College Students’ Housing Needs on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at Sierra College in Rocklin.
No Magic Here: Demystifying Black Female Leadership in a California Community College HSIs
Contra Costa College President Kimberly Rogers wrote this piece for Diverse:
Today, the California Community College System, with more than 1.8 million students at 116 institutions, boasts 29 Black CEOs and nearly 40 Latine CEOs. As a Black woman, I am privileged and proud to serve as President of Contra Costa College (CCC), an institution serving approximately 10,000 students annually in the East Bay. CCC has a diverse student body, with 44% self-identified as Hispanic, 20% as Asian Pacific Islander, 14% as white, and 13% as African American. CCC is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). If Governor Gavin Newsom signs SB 1348 into law, CCC will seek status as a Black Serving Institution (BSI).
We are so grateful to Arlene Abundis for coming back to Citrus College to share her story. A Citrus College alumna, Arlene is the author of the acclaimed children’s book, “Into the Mighty Sea.” In front of faculty, staff and students, Arlene talked about her journey as a student, mother and author. During her appearance, which also included a book signing, Arlene encouraged everyone to keep chasing their dreams.
*****
From Ventura College:
We’re creating a college-going culture in Ventura County! During Higher Education Week our Ventura College Outreach Team visited eight local high schools to share info about the amazing programs and services we provide
*****
From Fresno City College:
We are excited to announce the grand opening of our brand new Child Development Center!
*****
And check out these videos from De Anza College:
As Latinx Heritage Month draws to a close, we want to share the new Tiny Mic videos created by the Office of Communications in celebration of the month. Students and employees were asked about their culture, traditions and favorite foods, as well as any advice they have for our Latinx students.
Bakersfield College hosted a series of events to celebrate Homecoming Week. Students had the opportunity to participate in the various activities and contests all leading up to the Homecoming football game on Saturday, October 19th.
The week kicked off with ‘Conquer the Gauntlet’, which featured a large, inflated obstacle course for students to race through. Students could compete against each other while running through inflated stations, climbing hills, and a huge slide to the finish line.
The Workforce & Economic Mobility Blog blog shares approaches to workforce and economic development, with a goal of supporting economic mobility for our community while staying committed to the health of our people and the health of our environment.
In the Bhambi & Christian blog, Dr. Brijesh Bhambi join together joined together with the goal of facilitating healing and conversation in our community.
A special thank you to our DVC student veterans for leading this meaningful tribute and reminding us of the values of unity, resilience, and service.
