Prez Hands

My journey with Junior Achievement began over three decades ago at Inglewood High School, where serving as Treasurer sparked skills in leadership, budgeting, and accountability that shaped my path forward. Those early experiences built my confidence and helped me navigate college and step into leadership opportunities.

Today, as a college president, I rely on those same skills and am proud to trace their roots back to JA. Serving on the JA Board is an honor and a way to give forward what was given to me.

Together, we can expand what is possible for young people. With your support, students gain the skills, confidence, and networks to move their dreams forward and step into futures they can shape.

Invest in What’s Next My journey with Junior Achievement began over three decades ago at Inglewood High School, where serving as Treasurer sparked skills in leadership, budgeting, and accountability that shaped my path forward. Those early experiences built my confidence and helped me navigate college and step into leade...

San Diego Mesa College is offering free X-rays, cleanings, and sealants to the entire community!�

X-rays start in January�
Cleanings in March�
Sealants in April
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No insurance. No fees. Just healthy smiles.�

Appointments fill fast, book now at buff.ly/YAYITRs!

✨ Celebrating unity, culture, and community. Happy Kwanzaa! 🖤❤️💚✨

San Diego Mesa College is expanding access to higher education through a new partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego. A memorandum of understanding was signed yesterday with President Ashanti T. Hands and representatives from the Mexican Consulate. Yolanda Granados of Mesa College’s Dreamer Resource Center provides weekly bilingual support at the Consulate, connecting community members with Mesa programs, pathways and student services.
The partnership reflects Mesa College’s commitment as a Hispanic-Serving Institution to meet students and families where they are and to provide welcoming, culturally responsive access to education. Mesa College will also co-host a bilingual college fair on Jan. 24, 2026, at Logan Memorial Educational Campus, offering information on college options, financial aid and academic programs for students and families.
buff.ly/ksKCrqJ

Opinion: Community College Is San Diego’s Best-Kept Secret for Affordable Degrees San Diego’s community colleges offer one of the smartest financial and academic strategies for earning a degree without crippling debt, yet they remain one of the most underutilized resources in the city.

Congratulations to the 10 SDCCD students who have been named semifinalists for the prestigious scholarship award from the The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.

Across the United States, 467 community college students are in the running for the highly competitive Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The scholarship can provide as much as $55,000 per year for two to three years so that a student can complete a bachelor's degree at any accredited four-year undergraduate institution in the U.S.

The semifinalists were chosen from a pool of 1,600 applicants from 212 community colleges in 43 states. The selection process assessed candidates on their exceptional academic ability and achievement, demonstrated financial need, perseverance, and leadership.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation will announce the 2025 undergraduate transfer scholars in May.

San Diego City College
Hadia El Hallou
Brandon Mills
Michelle Romero
Yaretzi Rubio Martinez
Nicole Garcia Delgado

San Diego Mesa College
Asiya Ayoubi
Paula Cantu (pictured left)
Monika Eskander (pictured right)

San Diego Miramar College
Hailey Ly
Yahir Salas

🎉 Grand Opening Alert! 🎉

Join us for the CommUnity Spaces Grand Opening at San Diego Mesa College on Thursday, April 24th from 10-11 AM in I4-202! 🎓✨

Come celebrate the launch of student support spaces designed to boost learning and campus engagement:
📍 CalWORKs (I4-208)
📍 Promise (I4-410)
📍 Rising Scholars (I4-204)
📍 KUP Unity Village (I4-201)
📍 Dreamer Resource Center (I4-207)
📍 Family Resource Center (LRC 113)

Everyone is welcome! 🌟
Don't miss out on a morning of community, connection, and celebration!

For Women's History Month, Diverse: Issues In Higher Education features Black Women leaders at California Community Colleges, including San Diego Mesa College President Ashanti Hands. https://bit.ly/4iJpygy

"As a Black woman from Inglewood, California, my journey to the presidency has been shaped by the resilient community that raised me. Inglewood taught me perseverance, the power of dreaming, the necessity of lifting as we climb, and, as Tupac Shakur declared, that we are the roses that grew from concrete defying limitations." - Prez Hands

Festival de Libros - A Celebration of Diverse Voices! 📚✨

Thursday, April 10th, from 10 AM to 1 PM at Mesa College in Room MC-211 for a festival celebrating Latino/a/e, Chicano/a/e, and Indigenous local authors, bookstores, and libraries! We will also have an opportunity drawing with the prizes being books and/or gift cards.

List of participants:

Libélula Books & Co
Gracia Azua
Sonia Gutierrez
Jason Magabo Perez
Désirée Zamorano
Christopher M. (The Red Tarot)
Juan Medina
Jenn Budd
Centro Cultural de la Raza
San Diego County Library
San Diego Mesa Library
San Diego Books Thru Bars

Jumpstart Your Success at San Diego Mesa College! 🚀 🌟

Ready to take the next step in your educational journey?

Join us for Jumpstart and discover all the amazing opportunities awaiting you at Mesa College! 🎓

Who should attend?

• Prospective students ready to start their academic path
• SDCCE students looking to continue their education
• Family and friends who want to support their loved ones

What is the cost to attend? FREE! Just reserve your free ticket and you're all set! 🎟️
RSVP: sdmesa.edu/jumpstart

Date: Saturday, March 22,
Time: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Location: San Diego Mesa College

San Diego Mesa College is excited to sponsor this year's Linda Vista Multicultural Fair & Parade!

🗓 When: Saturday, April 26 | 10 AM
📍 Where: 6900 Block, Linda Vista Rd

Come celebrate with us and enjoy the vibrant culture, food, and festivities! 🌍💃🕺 🎭✨
For more information, follow