2023 News Releases

Archived news releases from the Public Information Office

JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC

December

Board of Trustees Names Officers

December 14, 2023 – The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees, which oversees College of the Canyons, named its officers and confirmed its 2024 meeting schedule on Wednesday, Dec. 13.

Program Awarded for 100 Percent Job Placement

December 12, 2023 – The College of the Canyons Workforce and Economic Advancement division was distinguished as one of the top-performing training providers by the South Bay Workforce Investment Board for its 100 percent job placement of Uniquely Abled Academy graduates.

College Awarded $600,000 for OER Materials

December 11, 2023 – College of the Canyons has been awarded $600,000 from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office in support of Zero Textbook Cost acceleration and Open Educational Resources that can be used and repurposed by community colleges statewide.

Daughtry to Perform at PAC on Jan. 17

December 8, 2023 – The Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC) Spotlight Series is proud to present Daughtry on Jan. 17, 2024 at 8 p.m.

College Receives Industry Training Grant

December 4, 2023 – College of the Canyons has received a $500,00 grant from the California Workforce Development Board to develop High Road Training Partnerships with regional industry partners.

Patinkin to Perform at PAC on March 21

December 1, 2023 – Broadway’s master songman, Mandy Patinkin, accompanied by Adam Ben-David on piano, will bring his newest theatre concert “Mandy Patinkin in Concert: BEING ALIVE,” to the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons on Thursday, March 21.

November

Registration Under Way for Winter 2024 Term

November 29, 2023 – Registration is underway for the College of the Canyons winter 2024 session, which boasts more than 300 class sections.

Women's Golf Team Wins State Championship

November 17, 2023 – College of the Canyons women’s golf won the 2023 California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) State Championship with a stunning two-day performance at Hunter Ranch Golf Course in Paso Robles on Nov. 13-14.

College Receives $1.4 Million Grant for Veterans

November 8, 2023 – College of the Canyons has received a $1.437 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education in support of a Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program designed to help student veterans succeed in pursuing postsecondary education by addressing gaps in support services and infrastructure.

College Ranked Among Top Institutions for Hispanics

November 7, 2023 – College of the Canyons has been ranked nationally No. 18 and 31 in The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine for enrolling the largest number of Hispanic students and granting the most degrees, respectively.

October

Fall 2023 Star Party Slated for Nov. 3

October 24, 2023 – On Friday, Nov. 3, Dr. Varoujan Gorjian, an astronomer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), will present “A Brief History of JPL” at the College of the Canyons Fall 2023 Star Party.

Instructor Named Paralegal Champion

October 19, 2023 – Lori Young, College of the Canyons paralegal professor, has been named the recipient of the 2023 Certified Paralegal Champion Award by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).

Oversight Committee Members Appointed

October 12, 2023 – The College of the Canyons Board of Trustees approved the appointment of seven new members to the Santa Clarita Community College District Independent Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee at its October 11 meeting.

ETI Receives Workforce Training Award

October 5, 2023 – The College of the Canyons Employee Training Institute (ETI) has received $749,785 from the California Employment Training Panel (ETP) to provide worker training to client companies in the Santa Clarita Valley who wish to retain an up-skilled workforce through customized training programs.

September

Chancellor Receives Award from FivePoint

September 28, 2023 – College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook received the rarely-awarded O – C (pronounced “oh bar see”) award from FivePoint at a community celebration event held to celebrate her 35 years of leadership at COC.

Registration Open for Short-Term Classes

September 13, 2023 – While the fall semester may have started on Aug. 22, more than 300 class sections have been added to the class schedule to give current and prospective students more options to help them reach their educational goals.

Veteran Support Program Launched

September 12, 2023 – College of the Canyons has launched a new certificate program for veteran service providers, such as veteran counselors in higher education, government agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations.

August

College Hosts 'Interview with Shelby Steele'

August 31, 2023 – College of the Canyons will host a conversation with race relations scholar and author Dr. Shelby Steele at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12.

Dolores Huerta to Speak at College

August 31, 2023 – In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and Labor Day, labor leader and community organizer Dolores Huerta will speak at the College of the Canyons Intercultural Center at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19.

Berthia, Briggs to Speak at College

August 28, 2023 – In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, Kevin Berthia and Kevin Briggs will recount the profound experience that took place at the Golden Gate Bridge on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons.

Chancellor Appointed to Promise Board

August 16, 2023 – Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook has been appointed to serve on the College Promise National Advisory Board, a nonpartisan initiative dedicated to advancing tuition-free programs at colleges across the nation to increase the economic, social, and civic mobility of students.

July

COC to Host Welcome Day on August 11

July 20, 2023 – To better assist its incoming class of freshman students and their families, College of the Canyons will host Welcome Day on Friday, Aug. 11.

Adjunct Faculty Labor Pact Approved

July 14, 2023 – The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees approved a two-year agreement with the Part-time Faculty United American Federation of Teachers Local 6262.

Fall 2023 Classes Still Available

July 14, 2023 – Registration for the fall 2023 semester remains under way, giving students the opportunity to enroll before classes begin on Monday Aug. 21.

College to Offer TK Pathway for Teachers

July 13, 2023 – In response to a significant demand for Transitional Kindergarten (TK) teachers, College of the Canyons will offer an additional pathway for currently credentialed teachers to earn the 24 Early Childhood Education units required to teach TK.

June

Grant Supports Native American Students

June 28, 2023 – College of the Canyons has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges to fund a Native American Student Support and Success Program.

Fall Registration Under Way

June 22, 2023 – College of the Canyons will offer new degrees and certificates in the fall 2023 semester designed to help students successfully launch careers in growing fields. The new programs include commercial photography (associate of arts degree), cybersecurity (associate of science degree), clinical laboratory scientist (certificate of achievement), and entrepreneurship (certificate of specialization).

Edison Awards 21 Fire Technology Scholarships

June 6, 2023 – Twenty-one College of the Canyons fire technology students have received $1,000 scholarships from Edison International to cover tuition, books and school-related fees.

Degree Deferred Becomes Reality for Graduate

June 1, 2023 – For 25 years, one of the biggest hurdles standing between Daniel Andrade and a college degree was his math anxiety. But with the help of the College of the Canyons Academic Accommodation Center (AAC) and the Veterans Affairs program, Andrade was able to complete the remaining two math classes he needed to earn an associate degree in real estate.

Performing Arts Center Announces Spotlight Series

June 1, 2023 – The Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center Spotlight Series will feature an eclectic lineup of talented musicians and performers, as well as family-friendly programs as part of its fall 2023 programming.

May

Paralegal Graduate Fights for Her Dreams

May 31, 2023 – On the first day of the College of the Canyons spring 2023 semester, Laura Llamas was virtually attending her civil litigation class via Zoom along with her classmates. Unbeknownst to all, Llamas was physically in an emergency room in Utah.

Graduate Discovers Power of Small Steps

May 30, 2023 – Nine years ago, Cinthia Zelaya immigrated to the U.S. from Honduras with the goal to continue her education in her newly adopted country. Unable to speak English and unfamiliar with the American education system, Zelaya would have to start from square one.

College Announces 54th Commencement

May 26, 2023 – College of the Canyons will honor its 2023 graduating class during the college’s 54th annual commencement celebration, which will include a morning and evening ceremony.

Staff Member Named Classified Employee of Year

May 23, 2023 – Frederick Bobola, an instructional laboratory coordinator at College of the Canyons, has been named a 2023 Classified Employee of the Year by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.

College Awarded Grant for Student Veterans

May 15, 2023 – College of the Canyons has received a $598,718 from the U.S. Department of Education to support a Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success (CEVSS) at the college’s Canyon Country campus.

Student Named to ALL IN Voting Honor Roll

May 3, 2023 – College of the Canyons student Jesse McClure is one of 175 students to be recognized nationally as part of the 2023 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll for his voter registration, education and turnout efforts ahead of last year’s historic midterm elections.

Registration Under Way for Summer Sessions

May 1, 2023 – College of the Canyons will offer four summer sessions running from June 5 through August 19, giving students a variety of options in both class format and scheduling designed to help them achieve their educational goals, from launching a new career to transferring to a four-year university.

April

Ribbon Cutting Held for New Building

April 28, 2023 – On Tuesday, April 25, College of the Canyons held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Student Services & Learning Resources Center, a new four-story building at the center of the Canyon Country campus.

College Honored for Equitable Course Placement

April 26, 2023 – College of the Canyons has been named a 2023 Champion for Excelling in Equitable Course Placement in Campuswide English Enrollment, Latinx English Enrollment, and Black English Enrollment by The Campaign for College Opportunity.

Spring Star Party to Return on April 28

April 21, 2023 – The College of the Canyons Spring 2023 Star Party will return on Friday, April 28 at the college’s Canyon Country campus.

International Animation Festival to Debut

April 21, 2023 – College of the Canyons will host the inaugural International Animation Festival (IAF) on May 5-6, 2023 to showcase the work of student animators at the high school and college level.

College Awarded $3 Million Title V Grant

April 20, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Education has awarded College of the Canyons a $3 million Title V Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI) grant to help the college support Hispanic students pursuing degrees in STEM and increase overall retention and completion rates of Hispanic students attending college for the first time.

University Center to Host Open House on April 18

April 13, 2023 – The Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center at College of the Canyons will host an in-person Open House event from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 18 to provide community members and prospective students with information about the wide variety of degree and certificate programs offered by University Center partner institutions, including University of La Verne, University of Massachusetts Global, National University and CSU Dominguez Hills.

Express Admissions Days Announced

April 4, 2023 – College of the Canyons will offer a series of Express Admissions Days to facilitate the admission process for new students looking to enroll in the summer or fall 2023 semesters.

March

College Hosts 'Afternoon with Angela Davis'

March 30, 2023 – Political activist and renowned scholar Dr. Angela Davis will speak at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC) at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 15.

Trustees Appoint Danielsen to Seat 4

March 28, 2023 – The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees appointed Jerry Danielsen to fill Board Seat No. 4, effective immediately, at its March 22 meeting.

Herrick to Receive Hall of Fame Honors

March 24, 2023 – Recently retired College of the Canyons women's basketball coach Greg Herrick, who guided the program to 611 career wins, has been selected for induction into the California Community College Women's Basketball Coaches Association (CCCWBCA) Hall of Fame.

English Instructor Receives Hayward Award

March 23, 2023 – Angeli Francois, a College of the Canyons English adjunct instructor, has received a 2023 Hayward Award for ‘Excellence in Education’ from the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC) for her dedication and commitment to serving and empowering students from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Former Cougars Named to Honor Roll

March 14, 2023 – Former College of the Canyons student-athletes Lauren Hannah (women’s tennis) and Doyle Kane (baseball) have been named to the 2021-22 California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll.

College Recognized for Innovative Technology

March 10, 2023 – The College of the Canyons Biological and Environmental Sciences Department was awarded the State Chancellor’s Office Innovative Use of Technology Award at the Chief Information Systems Officers Association (CISOA) Technology Summit on Wednesday, March 8 in San Francisco.

Board Approves Naming of Athletic Facilities

March 9, 2023 – The College of the Canyons Board of Trustees named three athletic facilities to honor legendary Cougar athletics head coaches and faculty members Lee Smelser and Mike Gillespie, along with longtime board member Michele Jenkins.

Students Offer Free Tax Preparation Services

March 8, 2023 – The College of the Canyons Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will be offering free tax preparation services to individuals who made less than $60,000 in 2022, persons with disabilities and limited English-speaking skills.

COC to Hold Discover Day on March 18

March 2, 2023 – On Saturday, March 18, College of the Canyons will hold Discover Day, an event that will give new and potential students the opportunity to explore program offerings and opportunities.

February

Women's Conference Slated for March 25

February 28, 2023 – The annual College of the Canyons Women’s Conference will return to the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center on Saturday, March 25.

Information Night Offered for Prospective Students

February 24, 2023 – To better assist high school seniors who are curious about making College of the Canyons their next step, the college will be offering an information night on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at both its Valencia and Canyon Country campuses.

Board of Trustees to Appoint New Member

February 23, 2023 – The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees will appoint a new member to fill Board Seat No. 4, a vacancy left by the recent death of Michele Jenkins, who served as a board member for nearly 40 years.

Cinema Instructor Receives Annie Award

February 22, 2023 – College of the Canyons cinema instructor Mindy Johnson will receive the prestigious June Foray Honor at the 50th Annie Awards, which will be held on Saturday, February 25 at UCLA Royce Hall.

Canyons Promise Accepting Applications

February 15, 2023 – The College of the Canyons "Canyons Promise" program is now accepting sign-ups for the 2023-24 academic year.

More Than 500 Short-Term Classes Offered

February 13, 2023 – More than 500 short-term classes are still open to students looking to enroll in the College of the Canyons spring 2023 semester.

Members Sought for Bond Oversight Committee

February 1, 2023 – College of the Canyons seeks qualified individuals to serve on the Independent Citizens Bond Oversight Committee for a three-year term.

January

Audit of Bond Spending Affirmed

January 25, 2023 – The Santa Clarita Community College District’s Independent Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee voted to accept the results of an independent audit confirming the district properly accounted for all bond expenditures in the 2021-22 fiscal year.

District to Receive $5 Million in Federal Funding

January 18, 2023 – The Santa Clarita Community College District will receive more than $5 million in federal funding to purchase equipment required to provide high-quality training in robotic automation production, Non-Destructive Inspections (NDI) of aircraft, and firefighting.