Jan. 20, 2022 - Vision in Action No. 62
This week, California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley joined Gov. Gavin Newsom, University of California President Michael V. Drake and California State University Chancellor Joseph I. Castro to launch the largest state-level investment in a college service program in California history.
California Volunteers announced the 45 colleges and universities, including 18 of our colleges, that were selected as inaugural partners for the service-based college opportunity program. The Californians for All Service Corps will provide up to 6,500 college students over two academic years with service opportunities in critical issue areas such as climate action, K-12 education, and COVID-19 recovery. Students who complete a year of service will receive $10,000 while gaining valuable experience serving in their communities.
This program will unite young Californians of all backgrounds in service, and, for the first time, specifically creates state-funded opportunities for AB 540 eligible Dreamers to serve their communities. We’re proud that so many of our colleges have been offered an opportunity to participate in this groundbreaking program.
The full list of colleges and universities can that were selected can be found here. Click the photo above to watch a video that describes the effort.
MESSAGE TO AMERICAN INDIAN/ALASKAN NATIVE COMMUNITIES FROM CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLYMEMBER JAMES RAMOS
Recently, the Chancellor’s Office had the opportunity to work with Assemblymember James Ramos, a member of the Serrano/Cahuilla tribe, to record a series of public service announcements promoting California community colleges. A Victor Valley College alum, he graciously donated his time to help develop (3) short videos and (1) :30 radio advertisement encouraging enrollment at California community colleges. From January 10 through January 24, the Ramos videos are running on paid and organic social media, and the radio spot will air on radio stations across California.
In addition, Chancellor Oakley recently interviewed two esteemed members of the American Indian Alaska Native (AIAN) community on his podcast. Topics included why California community college is a good choice for AIAN students and communities and the guests were Stanley Rodriguez, EdD, Kumeyaay Santa Ysabel Band of the Iipay Nation, Cuyamaca Community College faculty, and Marissa Hemstreet, Navajo, Student at San Jose City College.
System Guidance/News/Webinars
Join the Chancellor’s Office College Finance and Facilities Planning Division for its monthly Fiscal & Policy Webinar Series. The team will provide timely updates on issues related to colleges finance, state budgets and fiscal policy. Webinars will be held on the last Thursday of each month (excluding holidays). The first webinar is Thursday, January 27 at 11:00 a.m. Register here.
Register now for an all-virtual professional development event, “Transforming Institutional Culture through Effective Anti-Racist Practices,” sponsored by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges. The event is Tuesday, February 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and Wednesday, February 2 from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Join fellow community college leaders to learn about how to incorporate actionable Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) strategies into faculty, staff, and administrator professional development opportunities, culturally responsive teaching and learning practices, and student support services, all with an eye toward dismantling structural racism, establishing and sustaining anti-racist institutions, and promoting the success of a diverse student population systemwide. Each day of the event will feature different content within the context of the event theme, so it is recommended that registrants attend both days.
To register for this event, log in to the Vision Resource Center or create an account. Once you’re logged in:
- In the main navigation, hover over “Systemwide Information”, then select “Systemwide Events” from the drop-down menu. Click the blue “Upcoming Events” button.
- In the calendar view, scroll to February and click on “Transforming Institutional Culture through Effective Anti-Racist Practices” to view event details.
- Click the blue “Request” button to register.
For detailed instructions, view the event registration guide or watch a video guide.
If you have technical support issues or questions related to the event, please contact Maureen Akal.
The Chancellor’s Office System Webinars in 2022 will take place during the first Wednesday of each month. The next 2022 System Webinar is scheduled for February 2 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Register Now. Registration is only required one time. Once registered, you will gain access to all System Webinars in 2022. Additional information pertaining to System Webinars in 2022 is forthcoming.
The recording and slides from the previous webinar - Sharing the California Community Colleges Story: Our Impact on Californians - are posted in the Vision Resource Center. After logging-in, under the “Communities” menu, visit “All Communities” and look for “CCC | Webinars, Conferences, and Events”. Join this community, then access the “Chancellor’s Office System Webinars” topic to view the content.
The Chancellor’s Office is committed to keeping everyone informed during this uncertain time. We encourage administrators, faculty, staff and students to regularly check the Chancellor’s Office COVID-19 resource page and the Chancellor’s Office Communications to Colleges section for ongoing executive orders, guidance memos and announcements. Current and prospective students can also get connected with their local college to find out specific resources and support services available as well as enroll in their local community college.
Announcements
The U.S. Department of Education today announced more resources for students and institutions to help reduce barriers to success in higher education, particularly those created and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s announcements include: an additional $198 million in American Rescue Plan funds that will primarily support community colleges and other institutions with the greatest needs; new guidance on how colleges can use these new and existing federal funds to meet students’ basic needs such as housing and food security; and guidance on how colleges can use existing data to connect students to other federal benefits. Find more information here.
The Foundation for California Community Colleges announced this week it received a million-dollar grant from Lumina Foundation for a two-year project to support the advancement of construction careers as a reliable pathway for California community college students. The program will strengthen collaboration between California Workforce Development Board “High Road Construction Careers” entities and community colleges to increase placement of pre-apprentice students into paid employment and apprenticeship opportunities in construction. Read more here.
The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) will be seeking nominations and applications for individuals who wish to be considered for election as Commissioners for ACCJC. As required by the ACCJC Bylaws, an announcement of vacancies is made at the January meeting prior to the election. Information about the nomination and application process will be available on the ACCJC website and announced in early spring. Find more information here.
Student Supports
The California Youth Crisis line runs 24-hours a day, seven days a week: 800-843-5200. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides confidential assistance to anyone in crisis and their loved ones through a live chat and free 24-hour hotline at 800-273-8255. You can also text COURAGE to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
