This week, we had the Board of Governors retreat. Thank you so much to the Santa Monica Team team for your hospitality!
I also spoke at the ZTC (Zero Textbook Cost) Summit at the College of the Canyons:
Last weekend I was in Cabo … loved waking up to this:
Beautiful Cabo:
Desert Rose:
At home, too, it’s a season of roses:
It’s also commencement season – with exercises for some of our community colleges happening this weekend!
Life Is Not Measured By the Number of Breaths We Take, But By the Moments That Take Our Breath Away
Good morning California. It is May 4, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Chico State, Northern Community Colleges Streamline Transfer Process
Chico State President Steve Perez and leadership from Butte College, College of the Siskiyous, Feather River College, Lassen Community College, Shasta College, Woodland Community College and Yuba College signed Memoranda of Understanding to formalize dual admission and streamlined transfer for students interested in pursuing their bachelor’s degree at Chico State. This guaranteed admission and accompanying support mechanisms lay the groundwork to simplify and ease transfer students’ pathways to pursue four-year degrees, credentials, and further education within their region.
Celebrating College of San Mateo’s HSI Status and Black Excellence
On April 22, 2024, as part of California Community College’s Black Student Success Week, CSM’s Title V Grant team hosted an event to celebrate their designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) while spotlighting Black excellence in higher education.
Calbright College Launches Project Management Program
This spring, Calbright College launched its new Project Management program. This skills-based program will serve as an entry point into project management-based careers, which have an expected job growth rate of 10.5% over the next decade and can span multiple industries.
San Joaquin Delta College Invites Public to View “Eyes of Science”
San Joaquin Delta College is the only community college in the U.S. to offer training in electron microscopy. With magnification of 100,000 times or greater, these powerful microscopes are known as the “eyes of science” because they are used for critical research in many scientific fields. Graduates of Delta’s electron microscopy program have landed high-paying, in-demand jobs at laboratories across the country. SJDC recently held an open house showcasing their electron microscopy program.
Expanding Horizons: How California’s Community Colleges are Shaping the Future of Education
In a recent episode of the Capstone Conversation, hosted by Jared Asch, a special three-part series on community colleges and local education was kicked off with Tom Epstein, a member of the California Community College Board of Governors. The series explores the unique roles and innovative programs within the California community college system, emphasizing their efforts in local education and community engagement.
Wishing a Happy 21st birthday to Board of Governors member Casey Chang! Casey celebrated this milestone with her fellow BOG colleagues during a retreat.
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From Moorpark College:
Jamaal Brown hosted an exhilarating trivia-style Black History quiz competition at Moorpark College. The Black 365 Knowledge Bowl, a fast-paced, buzzer-beating event challenged participants to answer a series of questions related to African American history. The spirited contest crowned the Black 365 Knowledge Bowl Champ and was an inspirational celebration of Black history and achievements. The hour-long event was designed to entertain and inform attendees with rich historical content and stories of prominent Black individuals.
Winner of the Black 365 Knowledge Bowl: Student -Wren Grant. Special recognition to Tristin Fowler Counseling Service Specialist (Black Student Success) for organizing and implementing this event.
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From Reedley College:
2024 STEM Conference! Over 500 students from our local elementary, middle and high schools on our campus today. Lots of workshops and a lot of fun!
Blast from the Past
As we begin commencement season, I wanted to share my Welcome Remarks from the Bakersfield College 2021 Virtual Commencement:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Receives Generous Donation of 2023 Lincoln Aviator Thanks To Jim Burke Ford
Bakersfield College’s Automotive Technology Program has received a generous donation of a 2023 Lincoln Aviator from local dealership, Jim Burke Ford Lincoln. This contribution marks a significant enhancement to the College’s training fleet, providing students with hands-on experience with the latest in automotive technology.
Another wonderful action packed week.. testified at the Senate Fiscal Committee … and Bessie came to visit.
Bessie and Neo
Good morning California. It is April 27, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Pasadena City College, PUSD Celebrate Seven Dual Enrollment High School Students Earning College Degrees
Local leaders and Pasadena educators gathered at PCC to celebrate seven students, who between them are earning 13 associate degrees in addition to their high school diplomas this spring. The event marked a major milestone for the college’s partnership with the Pasadena Unified School District. This is the first time that multiple dual enrollment students are earning their associate degrees in the same year.
Clovis Community College, Madera College Join Achieving the Dream
Clovis Community College and Madera College are among eight community colleges that have joined the ATD Network of more than 300 institutions across the country as part of the 2024 Network cohort. The colleges will enter into ATD’s Foundations of Transformation core engagement, an intensive three-year program.
Final Beam Signed for Butte College’s New State-of-the-Art Science Building
The Butte College Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students celebrated a major milestone in the construction of the college’s new science building by signing the final beam that will top off the 72,276-square-foot facility. The campus community gathered at the construction site at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17.
Rio Hondo College Community Unites to Celebrate Grand Opening of Campus Pride Center
Río Hondo College students, staff and community leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting celebration to mark the grand opening of the institution’s first Pride Center on Feb. 15. The Pride Center provides students with a place to bond in community and access support resources.
Equity in Support: Strengthening Behavioral Health Services through Partnerships
Join us on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. for the California Community Colleges System Webinar, “Equity in Support: Strengthening Behavioral Health Services through Partnerships.”
Application Period Open for California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Climate Fellows Program
Are you passionate about climate action and sustainability? Would you be excited to make a two-year commitment to support statewide level climate related work with Chancellor Sonya Christian and the Chancellor’s Office?
If so, please apply for this exciting opportunity to become a Chancellor’s Climate Fellow. Fellowships are available in four focus areas including community engagement, curriculum development, workforce and campus facilities.
From Calbright College – it was great seeing the Calbright team at the ASU+GSV Summit!
The Calbright team was thrilled to participate in the conversation at the recent @asugsvsummit to discuss the intersection of AI and equitable education design! Our thanks to the organizers for convening a group of inspiring professionals to advance these important ideas.
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From Shasta College:
Shoutout to our Forestry & Natural Resources club for their work in cleaning up a mile-long stretch of Old Oregon Trail near campus. 7 students & 2 faculty filled 3 55-gallon bags and collected large waste items. What a fantastic way to honor Earth Day! Way to give back
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From Hartnell College:
#ThrowbackThursday: In March, Hartnell MESA students explored Elkhorn Slough Reserve and attended the impactful Black Men in White Coats Conference. Proud of their learning journey!
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And check out this amazing dancing from Rock The School Bells Hip Hop Conference at Skyline College:
Blast from the Past
Here are my remarks about Competency Based Education and recognizing alternative forms of learning, from Day 2 of Bakersfield College’s virtual Opening Day 2021:
And From the Home of the Renegades
Bakersfield College Performing Arts Presents Metamorphoses
The Performing Arts Department is pleased to announce their latest performance for the Spring semester entitled Metamorphoses. Based on the original writings from legendary director Mary Zimmerman, adapted from the classic Myths of Ovid, the play combines both the modern and mythical for a must-see spectacle of love, loss, and transformation.
Performances will be held in Bakersfield College’s Edward Simonsen Outdoor Theatre: Saturday 4/27, and Sunday 4/28 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are now available online: $12 for general admission; $8 for students, staff, seniors, and veterans. Visit BC’s Online Events Calendar for additional information!
This week, I traveled down to San Diego again. This time for the ASU GSV conference.
Check out this 30-sec video of the Coronado Bridge, the water, and 2 men fishing.
I took the ferry back-and-forth to the conference site at the convention center.
At the conference, I joined ASU President Michael Crow & Silicon Valley Community Foundation President Nicole Taylor for a Sunstage X Coffee session to discuss the revolution in education & learning technology for California learners.
Good morning California. It is April 20, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Long Beach City College to Receive Nearly $1 Million in Federal Funding to Train “Space Beach” Workforce and Bolster Aerospace Program
Thanks to the advocacy of Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42), Long Beach City College (LBCC) will receive $963,000 from the Community Project Funding to update the college’s engineering and aerospace programs. The federal investment will fund advanced manufacturing equipment to train LBCC students as skilled technicians for the growing “Space Beach” aerospace industry hub in Long Beach.
College of the Redwoods Holds “Breaking the Cycle” Event for Formerly Incarcerated Students
College of the Redwood’s Breaking the Cycle event brought together over 115 people from around the North Coast to examine the realities of life for formerly incarcerated student scholars. The event provided a tremendous opportunity to help empower and better understand these students’ journey.
Moreno Valley College Guitarist Wins the Los Angeles American String Teachers Association Competition
Moreno Valley College’s Laurel Harned, a second-year virtuoso guitarist, won first prize at the Los Angeles American String Teachers Association competition in April. The victory was her second after winning the Denver Guitar Competition in October. » Read More!
Federal Funds Headed to Mt. San Antonio College’s Wildland Fire Technology Program
Mt. SAC’s new Wildland Fire Technology program will be able to purchase much-needed equipment and supplies thanks to a half-million dollars in federal funding recently approved by Congress and President Biden. The college requested $534,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending through the offices of Sens. Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler.
AI Challenge from the California Education Learning Lab
The California Education Learning Lab (Learning Lab) is pleased to announce two new grant opportunities to promote AI-integrated innovation in teaching and learning at California Community Colleges (CCC), and California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) campuses. These funding opportunities will help to position California public higher education faculty as thought leaders and changemakers in the intersection between AI and education.
The 2024 Black Student Success Week is scheduled for April 22-26, 2024. This year’s theme is Building a Better Future Together: the Urgency is Now. The 2024 Black Student Success Week will focus on innovative approaches to ensure Black and African American students succeed in community colleges.
From Palomar College – it was a pleasure to meet you!
Grateful that two of our @palomarcomets trustees (@Roberto63 and Dr. Judy Patacsil) were able to attend the @CalCommColleges sponsored, “Trustee Welcome: Leading for California Students and Communities” event in Sacramento. Go Comets!
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From Folsom Lake College:
FLC President Art Pimentel is part of the Capital-to-Capital delegation in Washington, D.C. right now. This morning he met with members of the U.S. Department of Education to advocate for FLC students and on behalf of community colleges. #captocap#falconpride#supportingstudents
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From Butte College:
Congratulations to the 17 cadets who received their badges and formally became State Park Peace Officers on Friday after completing the California State Park Peace Officer Cadet Academy at Butte College!
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And from Mt. San Jacinto College:
The Selena Day Painting Parties were a hit this week!
And From the Home of the Renegades
Career Education Department Hosts 2024 Spring Health Fair
The Bakersfield College Career Education Department hosted the Spring 2024 Health Career Fair to provide BC students with education opportunities, career advancement, and resources in the healthcare field. The event took place in the Renegade Crossroads on BC’s Panorama Campus.
This week, parts of the United States, Mexico & Canada were treated to one of the rarest & most beautiful phenomena – a total solar eclipse. In California, it was a partial social eclipse.
Check out this video from NASA of highlights from the eclipse:
When he started teaching in 1978, Patrick Moriarty passed out worksheets to his science class, showing the trajectories of upcoming eclipses. Only one was expected to pass near their hometown in Upstate New York, but watching it as a class was going to be difficult — it wouldn’t occur for nearly five decades.
“Hey, circle that one on April 8, 2024,” Moriarty recalled telling his students. “We’re going to get together on that one.”
On Monday, Moriarty fulfilled his promise when about 100 former students watched the total solar eclipse from the driveway of his Rochester, N.Y., home. But ultimately it wasn’t the eclipse that astonished Moriarty — it was his students.
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I began my week at the 2024 Pathways to Equity Conference in Anaheim.
I asked my keynote time to be split between my opening remarks and a student panel. Our students were fantastic – Jessica Lopez, Jessica Velez, Esteban Zeferino & Alexis Primo.
Jessica Lopez, a recent graduate of Coastline Community College and transfer student to ASU, was born without hands and feet, and battling a chronic illness, Jessica’s story is one full of institutional barriers, systems of inequity and her resilience to overcome them is remarkable. Here is a link to her LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/realjessl/
Alexis Primo, a single mother of two, who had to close her home childcare business in the face of COVID. Needing to make ends meet for her family, Alexis faced system barriers, and situations difficult to overcome, but she found the way out through a noncredit business pathway at San Diego College of Continuing Education.
Jessica Velez, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who became a single mom and needed help with housing and finances. Education and a degree seemed out of reach at the margins, and Jessica’s stressful daily grind did not align with the structure and mainstream messaging about who belonged at college. Facing the difficulties addressing her basic needs, Jessica’s story is testimony of her resilience in finding allies.
Esteban Zeferino, who currently serves as a work study student in Santa Ana College’s Rising Scholars Program, assisting with the onboarding process of other justice impacted members of the Santa Ana community. Esteban’s story of survival and will is a stark reminder of how those out of sight and marginalized must be brought into our equity work.
With BOG member Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg:
Wednesday was CCC Advocacy Day. It was a great day meeting with many state leaders to support our California Community College students.
Love this fun photo of walking to the Capitol with Amy Costa, Board President.
At Senator Newman’s Office
With our student Jacob from Sierra and Board Members Paul Medina and Harry LeGrand
Recognizing Senator Ashby at the Legislative Champions Reception
Trustee Welcome event in Sacramento
Good morning California. It is April 13, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Grossmont College Introduces Innovative Student-Centered Space The Village
Step inside the second floor of the Grossmont College Tech Mall, and you’ll find one of the most unique and transformative spaces on the Grossmont College campus. The Village is a brand-new student cultural hub that includes student services, community, and culture. It also brings together specialized counseling programs under one roof.
Colleg of the Canyons Instructor Selected to Represent COC in Iceland
Holly Hitt-Zuniga, an architecture and interior design instructor at College of the Canyons, has been selected to represent the college and the National Science Foundation’s Center for Renewable Energy Advanced Technological Education (CREATE) in Iceland as part of a 10-person delegation of educators participating in an international education program focused on clean energy and electric transportation.
Ventura College Holds Annual Diversity in Culture Festival
Ventura College held the 2024 Diversity in Culture Festival April 10-11. This year’s theme was returning to our roots with nature and highlighting Indigenous Culture worldwide.
Woodland Community College hosts Lake County Restaurant Expo
On January 29, Lake County Campus was host to the Lake County Restaurant Expo organized by the Lake County Economic Development Corporation. The event is part of an initiative to support the local food service and restaurant industry.
Four student leaders, dedicated to equity and inclusion on campus and in their communities, have been honored with the California Community College’s annual Student Leadership Award.
April Brown of Long Beach City College, Claudette Clark of Cuyamaca College, Jessica Lopez of Coastline College and Nikhil Masand of Contra Costa College were recognized April 5th at the Student Senate for California Community Colleges 28th General Assembly in Santa Clara.
Bridge Program founders Kate Pluta and Kim Flachman
A literary love story: Local colleges collaborate on English programs at conference
Kim Flachmann, the coordinator of the writing program at CSUB, and Kate Pluta, a retired English professor from BC, originally started the conference with a $13,000 grant and a goal to create a smoother pathway for English students to transfer from BC to CSUB.
Flachmann and Pluta chose to collaborate on their English programming rather than compete in the interest of their students. Flachmann calls it “the love story” between the two colleges that started more than 30 years ago.
Making an Impact in California – Higher Education Leaders on Learning & the Ed Tech Revolution
On Monday, April 15, at 10:30 am, I will join ASU President Michael Crow at the ASU+GSV Summit. We will present a session – “Making an Impact in California – Higher Education Leaders on Learning & the Ed Tech Revolution.”
I was honored to be invited to speak on a student panel to open the California Community Colleges Pathways to Equity Conference on Monday. Seeing Chancellor Christian’s commitment to equity and accessibility within the higher education was impactful, and I appreciated the opportunity to share my story with the leaders of the community college system.
Here are the key takeaways I hope the audience received from my story: • Online education may not be for everyone, but it’s necessary to offer it. It expands access to higher education in ways traditional education has never done. Coastline College served 56% percent of all disabled students within the Coast Community College School District. This represents the fact that disabled students are drawn to online learning formats. • Accessibility is not about compliance, it’s about culture. With over 1 billion disabled people in the world, we make up a wide variety of artists, inventors, administrators, and leaders. Schools that highlight diversity will serve their disabled students better by elevating disability as a culture and celebrating it as an identity, rather than just a compliance issue. • Schools that allow their online students to participate through hybrid events will find higher student engagement. Not everyone can make it to an in-person event, but it doesn’t mean they don’t want to participate.
The biggest takeaway from my story is that my story isn’t unique at all, it’s extremely common. As such, my place within this world isn’t to make people feel good or inspired, it’s to teach them how to serve.
I was approached by many people after the student panel who told me that my story was inspiring. That may be intended as a compliment and I appreciate that sentiment. However, a true compliment would be to tell me that my story made you rethink how you do your work. My goal is for people to come away with a direct policy you’ve identified that can be changed to make your institution more inclusive to disabled people. That’s true inspiration.
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From Cerro Coso Community College:
It was an amazing evening at Cerro Coso Community College’s Denim and Diamonds event. A great opportunity to focus on how Cerro Coso Community College gives the Eastern Sierra region access to higher education. President Sean Hancock shared how their college is an engine of opportunity for thousands of students. Dr. Richard Jones, the first President of the college, honored the attendees with his inspirational speech about the beginning of the college. Such an uplifting night at one of our sister colleges in the Kern Community College District. #collaboration #studentsuccess #highereducation
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From West Valley College:
What an amazing day on campus as we welcomed students from 16 Bay Area high schools for the Black Student Summit! Major props to Phil Severe for leading this effort and our Umoja Community of student leaders for showing our prospective Vikings a great day at WVC! #gowest#getfutureready
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From Los Angeles Harbor College:
LAHC Dual Enrollment Team in the House @ San Pedro High! Come see us at the San Pedro High Open House. So Pirates and Go Seahawks!
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And check out this video from Folsom Lake College:
Here are my remarks from the Educators for Peace virtual event back in 2021:
And From the Home of the Renegades
Garden Fest at Bakersfield College Postponed to April 27th Due to Weather
Garden Fest, previously scheduled for Saturday, April 13, 2024, has been postponed due to anticipated adverse weather conditions. The event will now take place on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Check out this photo collage (less than 5-min) video of the first 6 months of Vision 2030:
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This week started with a Monday holiday honoring Cesar Chavez. After that, it was another busy week of travel!
On Tuesday, I joined fellow members of the Governor’s Council for Career Education to visit Sierra College’s workforce programs. Before the Council meeting the First Partner swung by to do a tour of the mechatronics program.
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On Wednesday, we had a System Webinar, “Our Time is Now! Advancing California’s Economy Through Community Colleges.” This month, I was joined by Assemblymember Dawn Addis, who is the author of our sponsored bill, AB 1885, College Access for Students with Disabilities Act.
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On Thursday, I spent much of the day visiting San Bernardino Community College District. Chancellor Diana Rodriguez is a rock star. All the trustees came out in full force.
It was great to see BOG member Joseph Williams on his home turf!
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Back at home, I was able to enjoy Neo and the start of the rose season.
Good morning California. It is April 6, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Norco College Receives RP Group Outstanding Project Award for Faculty Impact on Black Student Success
Norco College announces its recognition as the recipient of the 2024 RP Group Outstanding Project of the Year Award for its groundbreaking initiative, “Faculty Impact on Black Student Success.” The project, led by Dr. Greg Aycock, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, and Caitlin Busso, Institutional Research Specialist, has been lauded for its significant contributions to student success and institutional effectiveness.
Santa Monica College Law Pathway Program Receives Diversity Champion Award
The Santa Monica College (SMC) Law Pathway program has been honored with the Diversity Champion Award, established in 2016 by the California LAW Pathways Advisory Council to recognize outstanding organizations for their efforts in supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the law field. The award was announced at the Annual Pathways to Law Summit held Feb. 23 – 24 at UC Davis School of Law. Past awardees include UC Berkeley School of Law, UCLA School of Law, University of Southern California Gould School of Law, Rio Hondo College, and Saddleback College, among many others.
Fresno City College Celebrates Social Justice Center Grand Opening
Last month, Fresno City College celebrated the grand opening of the Social Justice Center. The new center is designed to engage the campus and greater community in cultivating and promoting social justice and equity on campus, locally, nationally, and globally.
Laney College Eagle’s Nest Addresses Clothing Insecurity with Popup Event
On March 20, 2024, in the Laney College Student Center, the Laney College Eagle’s Nest, which is the College’s Basic Needs Center, hosted a “pop-up” style event focusing on giving away clothing to students in need. All items were free, gently worn items, including shoes, for women, men, and children. In addition to these much-needed resources for students, students were also offered hygiene kits and other basic needs resources.
Challenges for Higher Education: An Emerging Skills Shortage and Inequity in the Workforce
George Boggs and I co-wrote this piece in Diverse: Issues In Higher Education.
American higher education is called upon to serve a variety of purposes: advancement of knowledge, expansion of cultural appreciation, extending understanding of societal benefits and obligations, and preparing a diversity of students with the skills they need for a successful and rewarding life. These missions are important to the well-being of our people and the strength of our country. Recently, it has become apparent that higher education must give increased attention to skill development and educational attainment.
The 2024 Black Student Success Week is scheduled for April 22-26, 2024. This year’s theme is Building a Better Future Together: the Urgency is Now. The 2024 Black Student Success Week will focus on innovative approaches to ensure Black and African American students succeed in community colleges. Administrators, faculty, staff & students from across the California Community Colleges are invited to join for a series of daily webinars.
ICYMI: On 3/29, students in the Citrus College Cosmetology & Esthetician programs provided Whitcomb High School students with hairstyles, makeup & manicures for their prom! This was a free community service event & about 25 Citrus College students participated. Way to go, Owls!
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From Gavilan College:
GAV COLLABORATES WITH UC MASTER GARDENERS OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY ON CESAR CHAVEZ DAY! Thank you to Gav’s Dean of Counseling, Student Success and Equity, Diego Espinoza (pictured standing, second from left) for coordinating a Cesar Chavez Day of Service with the South County Teaching and Demo Garden in San Martin. Despite the cold and drizzle, students, and even President Avila, came out to honor the legacy of labor rights leader, Cesar Chavez, by volunteering, and led by Master Gardeners.
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And check out this video from San Diego College of Continuing Education, highlighting the 2024 surviveHEADSTRONG Walk and Health Fair:
Blast from the Past
Here are my video remarks from the Jean Fuller Women in Leadership Panel on March 4, 2021:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC And Wonderful Industrial Park Support Local Workforce
Bakersfield College was honored to gather with leaders from the Wonderful Industrial Park (WIP) to learn more about the exciting growth opportunities taking place in the WIP! Leaders from organizations such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, the City of Shafter, and others came together to provide updates on their operations. It was a valuable opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the dynamic ecosystem that drives economic development in the region.
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.
