San Bernardino Community College District

CONGRATULATIONS! San Bernadino County Community College District’s (SBCCCD) Farrah Farzaneh was awarded the California Community Colleges Board of Governors’ “Excellence in Energy and Sustainability – Climate Action Leadership.” Farrah Farzaneh, executive director for the Facilities Planning, Construction, Sustainability & Local Outreach department, has spearheaded transformative sustainability initiatives since 2018. This includes: leading the district toward its Zero Net Energy goals; helping secure $700,000 in funding for the solar farm and battery storage project at Crafton Hills College; $1 million in incentives for electric vehicle charging stations and $160,000 for energy-efficient projects under Southern California Edison’s Emerging Technology Program; implemented a district-wide energy and water monitoring dashboard; and served on the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office Climate Action Task Force. The Board of Governors Energy and Sustainability Awards were established in 2012 to honor community college sustainability leaders as well as local energy efficiency and sustainability efforts. Climate action is at the cornerstone of Vision 2030, the California Community Colleges strategic plan. Read more at bit.ly/4fTNo81. #Vision2030 #SanBernadinoCountyCommunityCollegeDistrict #FarrahFarzaneh San Bernardino Community College District

This Thanksgiving, we’re filled with gratitude for our SBCCD family: ?? Students chasing their dreams ?? Faculty and staff making a difference ?? A community growing stronger together We also know this season can feel different for everyone. Let’s give back and share kindness with those who need it most—because together, we can make the season brighter for all. ?? From all of us at the San Bernardino Community College District, Happy Thanksgiving! ????

?? In 2018, our community made a smart investment in the future of the San Bernardino Community College District: To upgrade classrooms, labs, and career training facilities with Measure CC. Here’s a quick look at the return on that investment. Great colleges make great communities—and thanks to Measure CC, we’ve made smart investments in the infrastructure and quality of education at Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College. At the San Bernardino Community College District, your tax dollars are working for a stronger future.

?? You're invited! SBCCD is proud to sponsor this year's California Student Aid Commission College Affordability Summit. Whether you're an educator, student advocate, or just passionate about making college more affordable, this event has valuable tools and updates for you! ?? When? November 7 at 8:30 a.m. The summit is online and FREE to attend. ?? Register now:?https://lnkd.in/gVZQknNn

Today, we celebrated the signing of Assembly Bill 2033 with Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes, which will expand access to EBT benefits for college students. This new law is a major win in the fight against food insecurity on college campuses. Special thanks to all colleagues who worked to organize these events, enhancing SBVC’s impact in the community and supporting our students!

Day 2 of the SBCCD Olympics was a blast at San Bernardino Valley College! ?? Everyone brought their A-game as we battled it out in a fierce Free-Throw Competition ?? and a wild Pull Cart Relay Race ??. The energy was high with music, laughs, and some friendly rivalries between San Bernardino Valley College, Crafton Hills College, and DSO! ?? Big thanks to everyone who joined the fun and brought the community together once again.

San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) is proud to announce the official approval of its new bachelor’s degree in water resources management, a landmark achievement for the college and the community. The California Community Colleges (CCC) Board of Governors granted the approval during their historic, first-ever meeting at SBVC on September 23, marking a significant milestone for the institution and its students. “We are thrilled to receive approval for this groundbreaking program,” said SBVC President Dr. Gilbert Contreras. “This degree will not only equip our students with the specialized knowledge and skills required in the water resources management field, but it will also position SBVC as a leader in addressing critical workforce needs in our region. By offering this degree, we are opening doors to high-wage, in-demand careers that will benefit both our students and our community.” The bachelor’s degree in water resources management is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the vital and evolving field of water management. Focusing on sustainable practices and advanced technologies, the program will address the growing demand for skilled professionals who can tackle complex challenges related to water supply, quality, and infrastructure. “This program is a testament to SBVC’s commitment to educational excellence and community impact,” said Melita Caldwell-Betties, chair of the water supply technology program at SBVC. “Water is one of our most precious resources, and this degree will give students the expertise needed to make a difference. We are excited to launch this program and support our students in becoming future leaders in this critical field.” The program’s approval comes at a crucial time for the water industry, which faces significant challenges due to an aging workforce and a looming wave of retirements. According to a recent SBVC regional labor market analysis, over 30% of water industry employees in the Inland Empire are expected to retire within the next 10 years. The new bachelor’s degree program will play a pivotal role in addressing the regional skills gap and providing trained professionals to fill these positions. The Inland Empire is one of the top regions in the nation for water-related careers, offering high salaries and strong demand for qualified candidates. Graduates of the program will be prepared for a variety of high-demand roles, including: - Leadership positions in water supply utilities - Water and wastewater treatment plant management - Regulatory agency positions focused on water quality and environmental protection Groundwater and conservation district leadership Watershed and river basin authority management SBVC is hoping to begin enrolling students in this innovative new degree program by Fall 2026.

Congrats to Our MC3 Cohort 2 Grads! ?? In just 5 weeks, these graduates earned certifications like OSHA 10, and are now ready to kick off careers in the building and construction trades. With support from SBCCD and the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) , this program is all about second chances—giving people the skills they need for a fresh start and a brighter future. We’re proud of their hard work and can’t wait to see what’s next! Know someone looking for a new career? This might be the chance they’ve been waiting for! ??? Learn more: SBCCD.EDU/EDCT

?? The 1st ever SBCCD Olympics kicked off with an epic day of community, camaraderie, and a little friendly competition! ?? Today, Crafton Hills College was the battleground as we faced off in a high-stakes Corn Hole Tournament and a thrilling Inflatable Raft Relay Race! ?? ?It’s amazing to see our classified staff, faculty, and managers from Crafton, Valley, and the DSO come together for some good old fun and team spirit. See you at the next one at San Bernardino Valley College! ??

The California Comminity College Board of Governors and Chancellor Christian conducted their business meeting at San Bernardino Valley College and I was able to welcome them to our district family! Truly a historic time for our college district, students and communities.