EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast

What if one application could change your future? In this inspiring and informative episode of EDUCATE. ELEVATE., we’re talking about the upcoming September 2nd Cal Grant deadline for community college students. Join us as we discuss the importance of completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by September 2, how to get help with your application, and how it opens the door to many other types of financial aid.  Hear from Gina Browne, Vice Chancellor for Programs Operations & Systems Initiatives, as she breaks down the resources available to help students—from tuition and books to childcare, transportation, and more. Then, meet Trajan Robinson, a Folsom Lake College alum and now UC Berkeley transfer student, as he shares how financial aid helped him stay focused and fearless. You CAN accomplish your dreams; you just need to know where to start. Learn more at ICanGoToCollege.com.

In this episode, the EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast explores Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), a powerful program available through California’s community colleges. CPL recognizes the knowledge and skills students gain through work experience, military service, internships, professional training, and other real-world experiences, allowing eligible students to earn college credit for what they already know.
Instead of starting over, students can build on the knowledge they've already gained, potentially saving time and accelerating their path toward a degree or certificate. Learn how CPL is helping students of all types – younger students, nontraditional students, working professionals, and lifelong learners - transform experience into progress and move closer to their educational goals.
You CAN accomplish your dreams; you just need to know where to start. Learn more at ICanGoToCollege.com.

Dive into one of the most exciting and fastest-growing career frontiers shaping California’s future: the Blue Economy. From underwater robotics and renewable marine energy to aquaculture and ocean restoration, this career path is creating real opportunities for California community college students.
 
Los Angeles County alone could see 100,000+ jobs by 2030, contributing $14 billion to the state economy. California’s community colleges are helping students gain hands-on skills and earn degrees designed with employers, turning the state’s 840-mile coastline into a hub for innovation, sustainability, and meaningful careers. The tide of opportunity is rising—are you ready to ride the wave?
 
You CAN accomplish your dreams; you just need to know where to start. Learn more at ICanGoToCollege.com.

In this powerful and emotional episode, discover how hope, education, and second chances are transforming lives. Justice-impacted individuals often face overwhelming barriers—but California’s community colleges and the Rising Scholars Network are opening doors once thought closed. Serving nearly 20,000 students, both on campus and inside correctional facilities, this program is rewriting what’s possible. Hear real stories of redemption, purpose, and resilience. If you or someone you know feels as if there is no hope for the future – start here. You can reclaim your future. Learn more at ICanGoToCollege.com.

Hear how the Nandi Organization continues to enrich and empower Black women in the California Community Colleges system through its 3rd Annual Nandi Conference. Nandi is a powerful community where students, faculty, and leaders come together to be uplifted, supported, and inspired. The organization embraces the South African greeting sawubona—meaning “we see you”—and brings that spirit to life by honoring the stories, strengths, and experiences of African American women across the community college system. Nandi is more than an organization—it’s a movement of visibility, unity, and belonging. You CAN accomplish your dreams; you just need to know where to start. Learn more at ICanGoToCollege.com.

In part two of this episode, we continue our deep dive into one of the most exciting shifts across the California Community Colleges: the rapid rise of artificial intelligence for students as a practical and powerful tool for everyday learning. Whether you are a current student, someone thinking about returning to school, or simply curious about how AI is reshaping education, this conversation offers a clear and approachable look at what the future of learning means and how you can be part of it.
 
“We want to give our learners the license to actualize their imaginations.” -Don Daves-Rougeaux, Senior Advisor in Workforce Development, Strategic Partnerships and Gen AI at the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. Thanks to AI, that vision is becoming real. The future is already here.
 
At its core, this movement is about access and opportunity. It is about ensuring every Californian can build data literacy and benefit from tools created for students, not imposed on them. The California Community Colleges are helping lead this work by expanding support and opening doors so every learner has the chance to shape their own future.
 
The Futures Summit 2025 took place September 9–11 in Santa Clara, bringing together 800+ educators and leaders, including Chancellor Sonya Christian, to explore how emerging technology is shaping education. Hosted by the California Community Colleges Digital Center for Innovation, Transformation and Equity with Foothill-De-Anza Community College District, the event spotlighted innovation, policy, and curriculum in the digital era.
 
You CAN accomplish your dreams; here's where to start. Learn how and enroll today at ICanGoToCollege.com.

In part 1 of this episode, a powerhouse panel of California community college educators, experts, and students on the frontlines talk about how AI is changing the game. Moderated by Dr. Abdimalik Buul, together, they examine the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into classrooms and communities, always with a focus on relevant cultural implications, and ensuring equity, access, and student success.
 
The panel discusses how AI is a tool to enhance both teaching and learning. It can save faculty time, help students overcome barriers, and open new ways of learning. But its potential depends on equity, consistency, and training. For California’s community colleges—the largest and most diverse higher education system in the nation—AI represents a chance to connect students with learning in ways that feel relevant, adaptive, and empowering. 
 
You CAN accomplish your dreams; here's where to start. Learn how and enroll today at ICanGoToCollege.com.

What if one application could change your future?
 
In this inspiring episode of EDUCATE. ELEVATE., we’re talking about the September 2nd Cal Grant deadline, and the importance of applying for financial aid for students enrolling in community college in the fall. Join us as we highlight the benefits of applying for the FAFSA or CADAA by the September 2nd priority deadline to receive the most aid possible.
 
Hear from Gina Browne, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Programs and Strategic Operations, as she breaks down the resources available to help students—from tuition and books to childcare, transportation, and more. Then, meet Trajan Robinson, a Folsom Lake College alum now thriving at UC Berkeley, as he shares how financial aid helped him stay focused and fearless.
 
Plus, don’t miss an exclusive performance of “Lessons” by musical guest and San Jose City College alum Justin Llamas—a heartfelt vocal piece about growth and self-discovery.
 
This is more than an episode—it’s a reminder that your dreams are within reach. Learn more and take the first step at ICanGoToCollege.com.

In this episode, we take you inside a very special event – the 18th Annual A²MEND Summit – bringing together over 1,300 community college students, faculty and leaders from across California. The African American Male Education Network and Development (A²MEND) organization helps students redefine their futures and find greater success in and out of the classroom. While the organization’s passion is to motivate and inspire Black and African American men to dream big and become whatever they want to be, A²MEND supports all students with mentorship, leadership development, and other transformative experiences. The A²MEND Summit brings together students, professionals, and administrators across the California Community Colleges system to build stronger pathways from application to graduation. Nearly 75% of African American males begin their higher education journey at a community college, and A²MEND is committed to ensuring each has access to the support and mentorship they need to accomplish their dreams. A²MEND now has charters and counselors at over 60 California community college campuses, offering students access to housing support, food pantries, financial aid, mental health resources, and mentorship. Whether you are a student or a student ally, join A²MEND to help be the community you want to see on college campuses. You CAN accomplish your dreams; you just need to know where to start. Learn more at ICanGoToCollege.com.
Watch the full Executive Board Member Interviews here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4nY0DVQODTimGPB_1f1zFCgqdEqWUHVn

Student Rights ensure equitable placement—meaning you can enroll directly in transfer-level English and math courses without the need for standardized placement tests.This change guarantees that all California community college students start with the courses they need to reach their degree or transfer goals—right from day one. You also have the right to tutoring and other support services designed to help you save time, save money, and succeed.In this episode, students and faculty share how equitable placement has boosted confidence, reshaped learning habits, and made graduation and transfer more achievable for everyone—from high school seniors to adult learners returning to college.You CAN accomplish your dreams—you just need to know your rights.Learn more at ICanGoToCollege.com.