SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) announced the release of the first annual report from the Measure P Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC), providing the community with a transparent update on how voter-approved bond funds are being managed and invested up to December 31, 2025. Click here to see the full report in English and Spanish: CBOC.SBCC.edu
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College would like to take a moment to acknowledge the fear, stress, and anxiety experienced by the Santa Barbara and SBCC communities including students and employees (faculty and staff) regarding recent events with law enforcement/ICE on Cliff campus. We want to ensure that our SBCC campuses remain safe places that prioritize learning, with dignity and respect.
The series of events that occurred last week at SBCC are very concerning. SBCC was not informed in advance of law enforcement activities on our campuses, including the Department of Homeland Security’s visit to Antioch University (who rents facilities at SBCC), ICE staging in the SBCC West Cliff Campus parking lot, or the dignitary training by the County of Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office.
SANTA BARBARA and GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is adopting Mentavi Health’s Diagnostic Evaluation to provide timely, rigorous ADHD assessments for students seeking academic accommodations. The partnership enables SBCC to reach accommodation decisions faster, when appropriate, and helps students stay on course during the term’s most demanding weeks.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College’s (SBCC) Physical Education Department is proud to announce the launch of three innovative certification pathways designed to meet growing workforce needs in sports, fitness, and healthcare industries: Youth Coaching, Fitness Trainer, and Pre-Sports Medicine. The certifications launched this Fall semester and registration for Spring 2026 begins Friday, Dec. 12.
“We are honored to welcome Juan Felipe Herrera to SBCC. Juan Felipe Herrera’s work exemplifies the profound power of storytelling and the resilience of the Latino experience, an especially significant contribution in today’s political climate. Storytelling has long been a cherished tradition in Latino culture, passed down through generations and deeply rooted in our ancestral heritage.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is proud to announce the election of three new members to its Board of Trustees: Jett Black-Maertz, Dave Morris, and Kyle Richards. Elected on November 5, 2024, these individuals bring a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to their roles. They join existing board members President Jonathan Abboud, Marsha Croninger, Dr. Charlotte Gullap-Moore, and Ellen Stoddard.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) and the Santa Barbara City College Foundation express heartfelt gratitude to the Santa Barbara community, Yes on Measure P campaign, and their volunteers for the passage of Measure P, a vital bond extension that will enable the college to enhance facilities, update technology, and continue offering a high-quality educational experience. This bond extension reflects the community’s commitment to SBCC’s mission of empowering students through affordable, accessible, and innovative education.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is thrilled to announce that the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) has granted provisional approval for SBCC’s proposed Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (HIM). This marks a pivotal step in offering an innovative, industry-driven baccalaureate program that prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is excited to announce the appointment of Diana Zapata as the new Director of Human Resources. With a distinguished career in strategic human resources management and as a former student and faculty member at SBCC, Zapata brings a wealth of expertise and experience back to the campuses, further enhancing the college’s commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace environment..
“It’s great to be back at SBCC,” shared Zapata. “I look forward to working with the SBCC team, to partner with them and build a better culture of belonging across all campuses.”
Zapata’s professional journey spans over two decades, with significant leadership roles in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. She has demonstrated exceptional skills in recruitment, talent acquisition and retention, labor relations, staff development, conflict resolution and organizational development. Her multidisciplinary approach and proven track record in supporting institutional growth make her an invaluable addition to the SBCC community.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) welcomes Dan Le Guen-Schmidt, MBA, SHRM-CP, as the new Assistant Superintendent/Vice President, Human Resources. Le Guen-Schmidt joins the Vaquero team with a wealth of experience in people relations, specifically in community college settings.
“I am grateful that we cast a wide net to attract amazing talent like Dan,” said Superintendent/President Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D. “The head of human resources is an integral position that helps to build a healthier campus culture. Dan’s approach with the human resources business partner model is just what we need to take SBCC to the next level.”
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is pleased to announce a new alliance with Arizona State University (ASU) to provide students a seamless transfer experience with the MyPath2ASU® program. MyPath2ASU allows students to take the steps needed, at the start of their college experience, to successfully plan their transfer to ASU, ensuring a smooth transition process and student success.
MyPath2ASU is a set of customized tools available to transfer students from accredited, U.S. regional institutions. These tools ensure a seamless transfer experience to ASU after earning credits or an associate degree from a U.S. community college or university and shortening the time to degree completion.
“SBCC has a strong transfer rate to four-year universities that include Arizona State University, who has created MyPath2ASU, of which we are proud to partner to extend our students opportunities and success,” said Angela Warren, SBCC University Transfer Academy Coordinator.
SANTA BARBARA — Stop by Santa Barbara City College and join us for an important discussion on upcoming issues in the November ballot affecting the Latinx community. Santa Barbara City Council members and candidates will be on hand to answer questions and share their perspectives on key issues. This non-partisan, informational forum will feature a moderated panel discussion. Spanish translation services will be provided. Stay after the forum to enjoy lunch and connect with your community! This event is sponsored by the Latinx Mental Health Students at Antioch University Santa Barbara and Antioch Works for Democracy.
SANTA BARBARA — On Thursday, Sept. 14, the Santa Barbara Community College District Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Jordan Killebrew as the new Executive Director of Public Affairs and Communications. This is the first appointment made by the new Superintendent/President, Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D., who began her term on Aug. 1. Killebrew will begin his time at SBCC on Monday, Sept. 25, and looks forward to working with the SBCC team.
“Santa Barbara City College is an anchor institution where access, opportunity and innovation meet to make dreams into tangible realities,” said Killebrew. “I am energized to work on behalf of SBCC to build stronger relationships, be a vessel for education and amplify all the good this vibrant community brings.”
SANTA BARBARA — Tuesday, Aug. 1, marked Dr. Erika Endrijonas’ first day as the new superintendent/president of Santa Barbara City College.
Dr. Endrijonas’ new role as superintendent/president marks her return to SBCC; She served as the Dean of Career and Technical Services from 2000 to 2009, where she oversaw 28 departments spread across the Business, Technology, and Health and Human Services divisions on campus, along with the School of Culinary Arts and the Kinko’s Early Learning Center. Since then her college leadership roles have included Executive Vice President of Oxnard College, President of Los Angeles Valley College, and most recently, Superintendent/President of Pasadena City College since January 2019.
SANTA BARBARA —This summer two of Santa Barbara City College’s innovative programs welcomed local students to experience college-level coursework and gain confidence and motivation to seek higher education in their lives.
The PEAC program is a Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) initiative that exists to help close the achievement gap and change the trajectory of low-income, first generation college students, while also providing a system of academic and social-emotional support to guarantee students are prepared to enter a college or university. In partnership with SBCC’s Dual Enrollment program and supported by the Foundation for SBCC, students experienced a great opportunity to attend SBCC for a week … earning one unit of college credit even before they enter high school. Students from Goleta Valley, La Cumbre, Santa Barbara and La Colina Junior High schools took a college course in time management along with guided introductions to the Basic Needs Center, Financial Aid, Library, computer labs, EOPS, Center for Equity and Social Justice, Student Health Services, Career Center, Guided Pathways, Automotive, School of Justice Studies and the Cafeteria.
The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office recently announced that Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) has received an Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Innovative Best Practices Grant of $299,995. The SBCC grant is specifically earmarked for programs that disrupt institutional racism and foster equitable hiring and belongingness on campus.
The SBCC endownment is one of a number of EEO IBP grants totalling $5,651,806 to be distributed among a total of 21 California Community college districts. The funding will aid institutions that pilot or create innovative DEIA-minded practices related to EEO in the categories of pre- and post-hiring interventions as well as diversity interventions.
“I was humbled and inspired to collaborate with an amazing group of coworkers who understand the importance of approaching our DEIA work with intentionality; everyone was focused on creating and sustaining an environment where new employees and those who have been here for awhile feel welcomed as a part of this community and inspired to pay it forward and build lasting cultural change,” said SBCC Interim Vice President of Human Resources Deneatrice Lewis.
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Community College District Board of Trustees is proud to announce the selection of Dr. Erika Endrijonas as the next Superintendent/President of SBCC.
Dr. Endrijonas’ employment is subject to contract negotiations. Her contract is expected to go before the Board of Trustees at their June 15, 2023 meeting. Dr. Endrijonas is expected to officially begin her role on August 1, 2023.
The Santa Barbara Community College District Board of Trustees has opened the application process for hiring the next Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Superintendent/President. Recruitment will be open through January 20 with a goal of having a new president start in summer 2023. SBCC has been led by Interim Superintendent/President Kindred Murillo, Ed.D. since September 2021.
Santa Barbara City College celebrated the grand opening celebration of the SBCC Dream Center in the Campus Center on its main campus (721 Cliff Dr.), Wednesday, Oct. 19. The Dream Center is a space where undocumented students can receive legal assistance, academic assistance, financial assistance, access to community resources and more.
As part of SBCC’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Cultural Competency, the Dream Center hosted a number of activities and events in recognition of the California Community Colleges system-wide Undocumented Student Week of Action, Oct. 17-20. On Tuesday, Oct. 18, Rafael Agustín was on hand for an in-person keynote speech and book signing. An award-winning television writer (“Jane the Virgin”), Agustín is also the author of “Illegally Yours: A Memoir,” a funny and poignant book about how as a teenager, he accidentally discovered he was undocumented and how that revelation turned everything he thought he knew about himself and his family upside down.
At their meeting on Sept. 15, the SBCC Board of Trustees passed a resolution to join in with others across the United States to proclaim Sept.15-Oct 15, 2022, as Hispanic Heritage Month. National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the invaluable ways in which Hispanics contribute to our society. Read the resolution.
In 2021, SBCC composition and creative writing instructor Emma Trelles was named Poet Laureate for the City of Santa Barbara. This year, Trelles was selected as one of 22 poets in the United States to be recognized by the Academy of American Poets with a prestigious Poet Laureate Fellowship. As a Poet Laureate Fellow, Trelles will receive a $50,000 stipend to support her public work and craft.
Read the story in Noozhawk.
On Friday evening, June 24, at the Wake Campus auditorium and garden, SBCC School of Extended Learning hosted a triumphant group of 29 adult students celebrating a life-changing milestone. In all, 36 students graduated from the Adult High School, GED and Bilingual GED programs this year. The graduates were welcomed and celebrated by the SBCC and School of Extended Learning leadership team and a full house of proud family and friends, followed by an outdoor dinner and dessert. The ceremony was also available by private Zoom link to the grads, family and friends who could not attend in person.
The Santa Barbara City College Foundation hosted nearly 300 guests at its Spring Forward! Gala on the Great Meadow of the West Campus, raising more than $450,000. The Foundation provides more than $5 million annually to support SBCC students with scholarships and emergency grants. Read the article and see more photos in the Montecito Journal.
When the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced the recipients for its highly competitive Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship on May 12, 2022, one Santa Barbara City College student appeared on the list: Cameron Black. Cameron, who majored in both psychology and communications, was also an SBCC Associated Student Government (ASG) officer committed to nurturing equity and inclusion within the SBCC community.
“Today, almost half of all college students begin their academic career at a community college,” said Seppy Basili, executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “We know our community colleges are full of high-achieving students, and we’re committed to playing our part to ensure those students succeed. Congratulations to a cohort of students who have persisted in the midst of such unprecedented disruptions in our lives.”
It was a picture-perfect day on May 13, when under clear blue skies faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, family and friends gathered at La Playa Stadium to celebrate commencement day for the 1,449 students in the Class of 2022. Students from previous years 2020 and 2021 who didn’t receive an in-person commencement ceremony due to the pandemic were also invited to “walk” and be recognized for their achievements.
After opening remarks from Interim Superintendent/President Dr. Kindred Murillo and Academic Senate President Dr. Raeanne Napoleon, student speaker Lisandra Barrera-Rising took to the podium. Delivering an inspiring account of her academic journey, she also praised her fellow graduates for their tenacity and perseverance for completing their classes in the middle of a pandemic. (Read more about Lisandra below.)
Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce that registration for summer 2022 is now open to everyone in the community. Whether looking to earn a certificate, an associate degree or transfer to a four-year university — or enroll in the School of Extended Learning for life-enhancement classes, career-skills training, a high school diploma or GED — SBCC is ready to help you achieve your goals.
Two six-week sessions are offered, starting May 16 and June 27.
Interim Director of Admissions & Records and Dual Enrollment Angelica Contreras received this year’s Outstanding Administrator of the Year Award for her commitment to students and her ability to lead with compassion, professionalism and courage. Known for fostering cooperation and collaborations, she ensures that everyone involved is included and heard. “Leadership is who she is, in all she does,” said one of her colleagues.
Santa Barbara City College extends congratulations to students Carie Millard, Nicole Pena, Olivia Reed and John Fletcher (not pictured) for being named 2022 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-California Award Winners. This year’s list of award recipients includes 114 students from across the California Community Colleges for the All-California Academic First, Second and Third Teams. To view the team selections and rankings, click here.
PTK recognizes the academic achievement of college students and provides opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders. Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa has a presence on almost 1,300 community college campuses in 11 nations. Building on the success of the national All-USA Team Program, PTK launched the All-State Academic Team Program. The purpose of this program is to provide recognition at the state level for these top community college students.
At the Southern California International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) held Feb. 25-26, Santa Barbara City College won the top honor for two-year colleges for the second year in a row.
The ICPC is a programming challenge for college students to solve real-world problems, fostering collaboration, creativity, innovation and the ability to perform under pressure.
Held in Riverside, California, 48 teams from 15 Southern California institutions competed to solve a set of 10 programming problems in five hours. The problem set was particularly difficult this year, with no team solving all of the problems.
In partnership with the regional Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce the opening of two satellite Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) where – at no cost – professional consultants work one-on-one with business owners and entrepreneurs to help them start-up, grow and navigate today’s complex business environment. The Centers are located at the Schott Campus (310 W. Padre St.) and at the Wake Campus (300 N. Turnpike Rd.).
Since last August, approximately 1,800 Santa Barbara City College students have received a form of debt relief, and an opportunity to pursue and complete their educational goals, thanks to SBCC’s Fresh Start Initiative and the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).
HEERF funds were allocated to institutions to support students with immediate needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. One way that SBCC met those needs was by creating the Fresh Start Initiative, allocating $1 million to go directly to students with outstanding balances. Through the initiative, students enrolled in Spring 2020 through Spring 2021 terms impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic were provided with funds to pay off their entire outstanding balance. In addition, students who left SBCC prior to the pandemic who are attempting to re-enroll – and find themselves challenged by COVID-19 related circumstances and restricted from registration due to a pre-pandemic balance – were also provided with Fresh Start monies.
The Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Santa Barbara City College recently celebrated the conclusion of its 2021 Get REAL Accelerator program with a live broadcast of its “Get REAL Shark Tank.” Inspired by the hit TV show, this version of “Shark Tank” featured three student entrepreneurs who shared their business pitches with a panel of local business leaders hoping to earn their “investment” of a $10,000 prize to help make their plans a reality. John Harmon and his Oil Slick+ Adhesive Remover ultimately won the prize sponsored by Union Bank and will use it to expand his product line into wipes for medical tape adhesive removal, aimed particularly at Type 1 diabetics who wear medical devices, providing an easy way to remove medical tape.
On Sept. 1, SBCC was awarded a Title V “Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI) Program” grant. The grant award is for nearly $3 million over a five-year period starting Oct. 1, 2021.
The grant has five main objectives: expand outreach, enrollment and academic planning; increase completion in transfer level math and English; increase first to second year retention rate; decrease time to degree completion; and increase transfers to four-year institutions.
Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce that Mr. Jerry Hannula has been selected to serve as Interim Athletic Director.
Originally from Morro Bay, Calif, Hannula earned a bachelor’s degree in Sports Information from the University of Southern California with an emphasis in public relations, and a master’s degree in kinesiology from California State University Long Beach with an emphasis in sport management.
Dr. Utpal K. Goswami resigned as Superintendent/President of the College effective July 12, 2021. Dr. Peter Haslund, President of the Board of Trustees, stated “The Board of Trustees extends thanks to Dr. Goswami for his service to SBCC and the substantial contributions he has made to the success of the College. We wish him well in his future endeavors.” Read the full press release…
At its July 14 board retreat, the SBCC Board of Trustees announced a board motion to appoint Dr. Helen Benjamin as interim Superintendent/President pending final approval at the July 22 board meeting. The appointment is for six weeks. Dr. Benjamin came out of retirement and previously served as interim Superintendent/President at SBCC for several months in the Spring, Summer and Fall of 2019. She will do so again in the same capacity.
Dr. Utpal K. Goswami has resigned as Superintendent/President of the College effective July 12, 2021. Under the terms of the agreement that was reached, he will continue as a consultant for the next month when requested to assist in the transition and will be paid a portion of the remaining time on his initial employment contract.
Dr. Peter Haslund, President of the Board of Trustees, stated “The Board of Trustees extends thanks to Dr. Goswami for his service to SBCC and the substantial contributions he has made to the success of the College. We wish him well in his future endeavors.”
On June 3, KCBX public radio aired a report by Beth Thorton, who interviewed SBCC Foundation Grant Director Rachel Johnson and Dr. Adam Green of the Biological Sciences Department about the nearly $100,000 grant the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded the SBCC Foundation for an ecological and edible garden project. The project will connect students and residents to a network of edible gardens, and foster a connection to local ecosystems. Listen to the five-minute broadcast here…
Perseverance. Resilience. These are just two of the qualities demonstrated by the Class of 2021 during a year of unprecedented challenges. Watch the video applauding their accomplishments.
Nearly 1600 students participated in the virtual commencement ceremony held on May 7. Over 4,300 degrees and certificates were awarded, 608 students graduated with honors and 20 graduates are veterans.
Click here to watch the recorded ceremony.
The Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge business plan and pitch competition returned for its 11th season on Friday, April 23, showcasing some of our region’s most exciting, innovative, and cutting-edge college and high school student entrepreneurs. The event was live streamed on YouTube and the video can be viewed on the Scheinfeld Center’s YouTube channel.
Students from Santa Barbara City College and University of California, Santa Barbara, kicked off the collegiate tier of the event, followed by the high school tier, which featured students from San Marcos High School. The aspiring entrepreneurs competed for over $15,000 in cash awards and startup support.
Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce that registration for Summer 2021 is now open to everyone in the community. Whether you are looking to earn an associate degree or transfer to a four-year university via SBCC’s award-winning credit programs — or enroll in the School of Extended Learning for life enhancement classes, career skills training, a high school diploma or GED — SBCC is here to help you reach your goals.
For everyone’s health and safety, the majority of classes will be conducted online, though a select number of classes are scheduled to meet in person. Continue to check the class registration pages, via the links below, for the most current information on whether your selected course will be held online or in-person.
Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce that Dr. Anselmo Villanueva has been selected to serve as the new Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Dr. Villanueva has enjoyed a long career in education at all levels, from preschool through graduate school. His career has been dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice, especially ensuring access to education by students who have been traditionally underrepresented, marginalized or otherwise disenfranchised from the system.
Best Value Schools has ranked Santa Barbara City College as the No. 2 Best Online College among community colleges in the nation for 2021. Their rankings explore multiple categories designed to help students looking for the best and most affordable schools including amenities and overall valuable college experiences that suit their needs. Read more…
There’s still time for college and high school students throughout Santa Barbara County to submit their entries to the virtual 11th annual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge business plan and pitch competition hosted by the Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at SBCC. The call for entries opened on March 1 and the deadline for submission is midnight on Thursday, April 15.
“We’re excited to host the Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge for our 11th year, and we’ve made some exciting changes to this year’s event to adapt to the digital experience. We look forward to shining the spotlight on Santa Barbara student entrepreneurs as they showcase their best business ideas,” said Scheinfeld Center Director Julie Samson. Finalists will pitch to judges via Zoom and the event will be live streamed on the Scheinfeld Center’s YouTube channel for our entire community and the world to enjoy.
Santa Barbara City College student Ezekiel Contreras Forrest has been awarded one of three Board of Governors Student Leadership Awards, initiated for the first time in 2021. The awards were presented by Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley and two student members of the California Community College Board of Governors at the opening of the General Assembly for the Student Senate of the California Community Colleges on Friday March 26.
On Mar. 4, KCLU’s Caroline Feraday interviewed Luz Reyes-Martín, SBCC’s Executive Director of Public Affairs and Communications, about the back to work courses offered by the School of Extended Learning for those affected by coronavirus job cuts. Listen to the interview here…
Santa Barbara City College is pleased to announce that the Board of Trustees recently approved Christina Llerena, MSW, as the new EOPS/CARE and CalWORKs Director.
EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services) is a state-funded, educational support program for financially and academically disadvantaged students enrolled full-time at SBCC. The CARE program (Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education) provides additional services for low-income, single parent students.
At the Southern California International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) held online on Feb. 27 this year, Santa Barbara City College won the top honor for two-year colleges.
The ICPC is an extra-curricular, competitive programming competition which provides college and university students opportunities to interact, demonstrate and improve their teamwork, programming and problem-solving process. In addition to hosting regional contests, the ICPC is a global platform that allows academia and industry to shine the spotlight on — and raise the aspirations of — the next generation of computing professionals as they pursue excellence.
SBCC School of Extended Learning is proud to announce the free ‘Back-to-Work’ program. The program was created as a rapid solution to help unemployed Santa Barbara County community members secure employment. Back-to-Work participants will receive training, grant funding, job search support and more. The application deadline for the first three Back-to-Work career tracks is March 9.
“The pandemic’s toll on local service jobs is pushing already vulnerable families into crisis,” said Joyce Coleman, Vice President of SBCC School of Extended Learning. “Our Back-to-Work program focuses on local job markets that, in part due to the pandemic, have immediate high-demand for trained workers.”
Jim Clark, Santa Barbara City College’s Director of Information Technology Infrastructure and Security, was recently notified by the Chief Information Systems Officers Association of the California Community Colleges (CISOA) that he is the recipient of the CISOA Technology Planning Award for 2021. The award is bestowed upon someone who has played a prominent role in evaluating information technology variables and developing a strategic plan of action that advances the college mission.
