VISION 2030 NONCREDIT SUMMIT

7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Registration, Breakfast, and Visit Sponsors

9:00 a.m. - 9:20 a.m. | Welcome

(ROOM LOCATION: SUMMIT I, II, III)

Introduction: Madelyn Arballo, Vice President, Mt. San Antonio College, School of Continuing Education; Tina King, President, San Diego College of Continuing Education

Mt. San Antonio College: Martha Garcia, President/CEO

Mt. San Antonio College Board of Trustees: Peter Hidalgo, President

Land Acknowledgement: Primavera Reza-Nakonechny, Director of First Peoples Native Center

9:25 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. | Vision 2030 Update and State of Noncredit

(ROOM LOCATION: SUMMIT I, II, III)

Sonya Christian, Chancellor, California Community Colleges

9:50 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. | Panel #1: Student Voices of Transformation

(ROOM LOCATION: SUMMIT I, II, III)

Adult learners share how noncredit education has reshaped their lives by breaking down barriers, opening doors to new opportunities, and building pathways to higher education and careers. Their amazing stories highlight the power of resilience, equity, and hope, reminding us that noncredit is not just about classes, but about transformation and success for both their families and them.

Facilitator: Tami Pearson, Associate Vice President, Mt. San Antonio College, School of Continuing Education

Panelists: Ruby Nassour, Citrus College; Marnelli Marquez, Mt. San Antonio College; Yahir Melendez, San Diego College of Continuing Education; Miguel Soto Troccoly, North Orange Continuing Education

Land Acknowledgement: Primavera Reza-Nakonechny, Director of First Peoples Native Center

10:20 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Break

10:30 a.m. - 11:05 a.m. | Panel #2: Leading with Purpose - CEOs on the Future of Noncredit Education and Adult Learning

(ROOM LOCATION: SUMMIT I, II, III)

This panel brings together California community college CEOs who are leading with vision and purpose to reimagine the role of noncredit education. Panelists will share how they are positioning noncredit programs to expand access, accelerate workforce preparation, and promote economic mobility for underrepresented adults. They will also discuss how policy, funding, and innovation impact the most vulnerable learners while advancing Vision 2030 goals.

Facilitator: Martha Garcia, President/CEO, Mt. San Antonio College

Panelists: Tina King, President, San Diego College of Continuing Education; Valentina Purtell, President, North Orange Continuing Education; Alberto Román, Chancellor, Los Angeles Community College District

11:10 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. | Panel #3: Vision 2030 in Action - Building Adult Pathways Through the Career Education Master Plan

(ROOM LOCATION: SUMMIT I, II, III)

This panel brings together state and local leaders to explore how the Career Education Master Plan strengthens pathways for California’s adult learners, with a focus on those entering and re-entering the workforce. Panelists will examine Vision 2030’s commitment to equity and economic mobility while highlighting the pivotal role of noncredit and adult education in preparing adults for in-demand careers. The discussion will consider emerging workforce needs, fiscal strategies for sustainability, and the practical integration of credit and noncredit pathways at the district level.

Facilitator: Salvatrice Cummo, Vice President, Workforce and Economic Development, Pasadena City College

Panelists: Stewart Knox, Secretary, California Labor and Workforce Development Agency; Chris Ferguson, Executive Vice Chancellor of Finance and Strategic Initiatives, California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office; Greg Smith, Chancellor, San Diego Community College District

11:55 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Panel #4: Why is Noncredit Education Underutilized?

(ROOM LOCATION: SUMMIT I, II, III)

Noncredit enrollment in California community colleges is growing following the pandemic but is underutilized by the 2.1 million California community college students. Between 2018-19 and 2024-25, noncredit FTE enrollment increased by 11% (from ~70,300 to ~77,907). However, this pales compared to a 53% jump in dual credit enrollment, indicating significant untapped noncredit potential – especially if noncredit were to garner more students from the 325 adult schools and capture a greater percentage of overall California Adult Education Program (CAEP) enrollment of nearly 600,000 students. What are some strategies to spur noncredit as the on and off ramps to our colleges?

Facilitator: Gary W. Adams, Dean of Adult Education, Apprenticeship and Contract Education, Workforce and Economic Development Division, California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office

Panelists: Byron D. Clift Breland, Chancellor, North Orange Community College District; Omar Torres, President, De Anza College; Tina Recalde, Assistant Superintendent / Vice President of Instruction, Palomar College

12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. | Lunch

1:20 p.m. - 1:50 p.m. | Panel #5: Faculty as Architects - Designing Noncredit Pathways that Build Equity and Mobility

(ROOM LOCATION: SUMMIT I, II, III)

Faculty leaders share how noncredit education is being reimagined beyond access to ensure real impact. Panelists will explore four critical dimensions of this work: designing strategies that expand economic mobility (department chairs); aligning noncredit-to-credit pathways (curriculum designers); embedding equity-focused supports (counselors); and strengthening faculty leadership in shared governance (academic senators). Together, they highlight the importance of centering the strengths and needs of adult learners—reminding us that when faculty act as architects, they design, sustain, and champion pathways and systems that advance equity and expand economic mobility.

Facilitator: LaTonya Parker-Parnell, President, Academic Senate California for Community Colleges

Panelists: Maryanne Galindo, West Los Angeles College; Richard Gholson, San Diego College of Continuing Education; Renu Katoch, Mt. San Antonio College, School of Continuing Education; TJ Perez, Calbright College

2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. | Concurrent Breakout Session #1

Attendees can choose from five individual sessions offered during this time.

Learn, Build, and Innovate: Creating AI-Powered Solutions with Playlab

(ROOM LOCATION: FOUNDERS HALL)

Learn how to build your own chatbot app using Playlab, an AI-powered platform that can be used to support adult learners in various ways. In this hands-on session, you'll gain access to Playlab and learn the fundamentals of creating customized chatbots for student-facing support, faculty professional development, and streamlining administrative tasks. Hear from the Mt. SAC community about their innovative approaches to using Playlab to enhance student success and improve operational efficiency. Participants are encouraged to bring their charged laptops to this session.

Presenters: Tiffany Kuo, Professor of Music, Mt. San Antonio College; Landry Chaplot, Professor, Adult Basic Education, Mt. SAC School of Continuing Education; Christyna Serrano, Head of Community Learning & Growth, Playlab; Sonia Ortega, Professor, ESL, Mt. SAC School of Continuing Education; Polly Chen Smith, Learning Partner, Playlab; Kayla Dizechi, Junior Learning Engineer, Playlab

Everyday Advocacy for Noncredit

(ROOM LOCATION: MERIDIAN)

Presentation - Everyday Advocacy for Noncredit

When one thinks of advocacy, speaking to state legislators or the Chancellor's Office may come to mind. While advocacy in Sacramento is important, the reality is advocacy for noncredit is an on-going everyday effort. Join experienced local college and state advocates as they discuss strategies for being noncredit champions to promote noncredit for equity and economic mobility through advocacy at our colleges, in our communities, and beyond.

Presenters: Ashley Walker, Senior Policy Advisor, Nossaman LLP; Cheryl Aschenbach, Past President, Academic Senate for California Community Colleges

New Horizons in Adult Education: CAEP and the English Language Learners Healthcare Pathways

(ROOM LOCATION: SUMMIT IV)

Presentation - New Horizons in Adult Education

Join us for key updates around the California Adult Education Program (CAEP) and the English Language Learners Healthcare Pathways (ELL HP) initiative. This session will explore recent statewide trends and successes in CAEP as well as provide important developments on the ELL HP funding. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into these two major programs.

Presenters: Gary W. Adams, Dean of Apprenticeship and Adult Education, Apprenticeship and Contract Education, Workforce and Economic Development Division, California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office; Mayra Diaz, Program Lead, California Adult Education Program (CAEP), Workforce and Economic Development Division, California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office

Combining Adult Dual Enrollment and Ability to Benefit to Facilitate Noncredit to Credit Transitions

(ROOM LOCATION: 1020 A-C)

This session examines how combining Adult Dual Enrollment and Ability to Benefit provides a policy framework to strengthen noncredit-to-credit transitions. Presenters will highlight implementation strategies, compliance considerations, and local practices that maximize adult dual enrollment opportunities.

Presenters: Matthew M. Morin, Dean of Academic Affairs, Santa Ana College; Lorena Valencia, Associate Dean, Financial Aid, Santa Ana College; Jesús Miranda, Dean of Instruction and Student Services, Santa Ana College - School of Continuing Education

Noncredit 101: Noncredit Without a Hyphen and More

(ROOM LOCATION: SUMMIT V)

Presentation - Noncredit 101

Bring your questions and even your misconceptions! Ever wondered what noncredit education is really about? We’ll give you the inside scoop on the courses, programs, and the amazing, resilient students. You can learn what noncredit is, how it works, and why adult education is one of our community’s true superpowers. We’ll unpack how programs are funded, how students are counted (spoiler: it’s not as simple as it sounds!), and, most importantly, how noncredit transforms lives by helping adults and their families achieve college, improve their health, and start a career.

Presenters: Madelyn Arballo, Vice President, Mt. SAC School of Continuing Education; L.E. Foisia, Professor, Basic Skills, Mt. SAC School of Continuing Education

3:20 p.m. - 4:35 p.m. | Concurrent Breakout Session #2

Attendees can choose from five individual sessions offered during this time.

Rising Scholars: Shattering the Concrete so the Roses can Rise Through the Cracks

(ROOM LOCATION: 1020 A-C)

Presentation - Rising Scholars

As we set our sight on Vision 2030, it is imperative to uplift and be intentional about equity in access, success and support for the needs of formerly incarcerated and system impacted students in our noncredit programs. Utilizing the “roses in the concrete” analogy to guide our premise, we look to utilize the Vision for Success’ three core goals to ensure that we as practitioners cultivate the “soil” for our roses [students] to rise to their full potential via intentional institutional and programmatic support.

Presenters: Joe Louis Hernandez, Director of Rising Scholars, Mt. San Antonio College; Anacany Torres, Counselor, Counseling and Student Services Department, North Orange Continuing Education

It Shouldn't be the Luck of the Draw: Strategies for Strengthening Noncredit to Credit Transitions

(ROOM LOCATION: MERIDIAN)

Presentation - It Shouldn't be the Luck of the Draw

California has built a vibrant set of options for learners in noncredit, designed to meet the needs of many different populations. However, our system lacks clear pathways from those opportunities to educational next steps, which means that learners often don't know how to navigate this transition unless they are connected with someone at the college who can explain the process. This is particularly troubling given that many learners may be trapped in the spin cycle of unstable, low-wage work, and need additional training to get to more stable jobs. This session will lay out a set of structural barriers that make it difficult for students to move from noncredit to credit coursework and provide concrete solutions that your college could take, based on research that WestEd has been conducting by analyzing coursetaking patterns, mapping similarities in noncredit and credit coursework, and collecting insights from practitioners.

Presenters: Kathy Booth, Director, Center for Economic Mobility, WestEd; Meghan R. McBride, Director, Adult Education Projects, WestEd

Vision in Action: Best Practices to Launch Noncredit Offerings

(ROOM LOCATION: SUMMIT IV)

Presentation - Vision in Action

This session will highlight proven strategies and actionable best practices for developing, launching, and sustaining impactful noncredit programs. Learn from real-world examples, share insights with peers, and gain practical tools to enhance educational opportunities and meet community needs at your college.

Presenters: Linda Ju-Ong, Director, Noncredit Adult Education, Golden West College; Crystle Martin, Dean, Library, Academic Support, & Noncredit, El Camino College

Demystifying LLMs (under the hood of AI) and their Impact on the Workforce

(ROOM LOCATION: SUMMIT V)

Presentation - Demystifying LLMs

This breakout session will demystify large language models (LLMs) with an accessible “under the hood” overview tailored for educators and workforce professionals. A hands-on segment will address key issues of privacy, security, and ethics, while also exploring their impact on higher education and the workforce through the AIM3 (Artificial Intelligence Management) Frameworks. We’ll close by examining AI’s growing role in healthcare.

Presenters: Jorge Saucedo-Daniel, Regional Director, Orange County Regional Consortium, Hosted at Rancho Santiago Community College District; Kim-Leiloni Nguyen, Professor of Biological Sciences, Mt San Antonio College

4:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Day 1 - Wrap Up

7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast

8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Welcome

(ROOM LOCATION: SUMMIT I, II, III)

Madelyn Arballo, Vice President, School of Continuing Education, Mt. San Antonio College

Emma Diaz, President, Association of Community and Continuing Education (ACCE) and Director, Inland Adult Education Consortium, San Bernardino Valley College

Presentation: Innovations in Online Education

(ROOM LOCATION: SUMMIT I, II, III)

Ajita Talwalker Menon, President and CEO, Calbright College

President Talwalker Menon will present how agile, learner-centered online models are transforming adult and noncredit education across California. Highlighting scalable digital delivery, competency-based frameworks, and systemic collaboration, the presentation will illustrate how innovations, including the thoughtful use of AI and enhanced student supports, can remove access barriers and accelerate pathways to skilled employment in alignment with Vision 2030 priorities.

9:05 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. | Panel: Policy in Action - Advancing Economic Mobility in California

(ROOM LOCATION: SUMMIT I, II, III)

This panel brings together state legislators to examine policies and advocacy that are shaping adult learners in California. Panelists will explore how state priorities, including workforce initiatives, federal presence, and immigration issues, impact equity, funding, and access for adult learners. The focus is on advancing economic mobility for all.

Facilitator: Linda Vazquez, Assistant Vice Chancellor for State and Federal Relations, California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office

Panelists: Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, California State Senate, District 25; Senator Susan Rubio, California State Senate, District 22

Special Welcome video from Assemblymember Mike Fong Watch Video

10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. | Concurrent Breakout Session #3

Attendees can choose from four individual sessions offered during this time.

Pathways to Prosperity: Fee-Based Not-for-Credit Programs Fueling Equity and Economic Mobility

(ROOM LOCATION: MERIDIAN)

Presentation - Pathways to Prosperity

This session will explore how not-for-credit, fee-based programs enhance educational access for adult learners by providing customized instruction, workforce training, and experiential/work-based learning opportunities. Three institutions will showcase different models of not-for-credit programs, sharing strategies for fostering internal collaboration and demonstrating how these efforts create pathways that strengthen workforce development and promote social and economic mobility.

Presenters: Debbie Wong, Director, Community & Contract Education, Mt. SAC School of Continuing Education; Janice Mrkonjic, Director, Contract and Community Education, Mt. San Jacinto College; Carisa Chavez, Programs Supervisor & Associate Faculty, Community Education & Workforce Development, MiraCosta College

Boosting Access to Accelerated Credit Pathways with Noncredit Learning

(ROOM LOCATION: SUMMIT IV)

Presentation - Boosting Access to Accelerated Credit Pathways

In this session, the presenters will explore current examples of CPL opportunities, procedures, tools (current and in-development), and policies used by colleges to develop, offer, and award credit for extra-college learning. Participants will have the opportunity to provide recommendations and feedback on the development of current and planned CPL tools and policies—all to increase equitable access, matriculation, completion, and career attainment for working adults and lifelong learners.

Presenters: Samuel Lee, Senior Advisor to the Chancellor, Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) and Chief Ambassador California MAP Initiative, California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office; Sara Decelle, Career Education Noncredit Academic Specialist, Cabrillo College

Marching as One: Orchestrating Noncredit to Credit Partnerships for Seamless Student Transitions

(ROOM LOCATION: 1020 A-C)

Presentation - Marching as One

Integration is like a marching band—each section plays a different part, yet the music works when everyone moves in step. In this session, Mt. SAC’s School of Continuing Education and Instruction Division share how we keep time together: clear shared goals, data-sharing and dashboards, co-designed courses and programs, and bridges from noncredit to credit.

Presenters: Kelly Fowler, Vice President, Instruction, Mt. San Antonio College; Tami L. Pearson, Associate Vice President, Mt. SAC School of Continuing Education; Patricia Quiñones, Director, Research and Institutional Effectiveness, Mt. San Antonio College; L.E. Foisia, Professor, Basic Skills, Mt. SAC School of Continuing Education

Supporting Economic Independence and Mobility for Students with Disabilities

(ROOM LOCATION: SUMMIT V)

Presentation - Supporting Economic Independence

This session highlights the importance of including disability in the equity conversation. We will explore how noncredit education can support economic independence and mobility for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Presenters will share best practices for disabled student program development, and strategies for addressing barriers in education and employment. This session is appropriate for those already involved in disability programs, and for those new to the program area interested in learning more.

Presenters: Sage Overoye, Director, Education for Older Adults & Adults with Disabilities, Mt. SAC School of Continuing Education; Lara Rofman, Job Developer, Disability Support Services, North Orange Continuing Education; Kristine Zapata, Adjunct Professor, Adults with Disabilities, Mt. SAC School of Continuing Education

11:20 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Concurrent Breakout Session #4

Attendees can choose from five individual sessions offered during this time.

Stacking Success: Innovative and Interdisciplinary Faculty Collaboration for Noncredit-to-Credit Pathways

(ROOM LOCATION: SUMMIT IV)

Presentation - Stacking Success

Santiago Canyon College is transforming healthcare education by prioritizing skill building with stackable noncredit-to-credit pathways in alignment with Vision 2030. From Nursing Assistant and Vocational Nursing certificates leading to a Pre-Nursing AS and BSN transfer, to a four-tiered Lactation Educator pathway that spans noncredit and credit, SCC is creating seamless routes for adult learners to advance their education and careers through innovative & interdisciplinary faculty and university collaborations.

Presenters: Chrissy Gascon, Dean of Instruction and Student Services, Santiago Canyon College - Continuing Education; Kimberly Johnson, Professor of Biology, Santiago Canyon College; Lianne Matthews, Faculty Coordinator-Career Education Healthcare, Santiago Canyon College; Cristina Morones, Assistant Professor/Coordinator, Career Education Department Chair, Santiago Canyon College Continuing Education; Sandra Sanchez, Associate Professor of Biology, Santiago Canyon College; Michelle Samura, Dean, Division of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences, Santiago Canyon College

Reimagining Access and Equity: Research on the Impact and Innovation of Noncredit College Programs

(ROOM LOCATION: MERIDIAN)

Presentation - Reimagining Access and Equity

This panel brings together a group of newly minted Doctors of Education (Ed.D.) whose dissertation research explores the evolving role of noncredit programs in community colleges and higher education. As institutions seek to broaden access, meet workforce needs, noncredit education has emerged as a dynamic and flexible vehicle for innovation. Panelist will share the findings and recommendations of their dissertation work. Together, these studies provide timely insights into the barriers, benefits, and breakthroughs shaping the future of noncredit education. The panel will also include a moderated discussion exploring how research can inform policy, program design, and strategic investment in this critical sector of postsecondary education.

Presenters: Emma Diaz, ACCE President | Director, Inland Adult Education Consortium, San Bernardino Valley College; Graciela Vasquez, Dean of Continuing Education, Cerritos College; Jasmine Port, Interim Associate Dean of Career Services and Experiential Learning, Mt. San Jacinto College; Maria Lopez, Counselor | Noncredit Coordinator, San Bernardino Valley College

A Tale of Two Attendance Methods: Reimagining Noncredit Attendance

(ROOM LOCATION: SUMMIT V)

Presentation - A Tale of Two Attendance Methods