CCBA Celebrates National CCB Program Expansion, Student Success and New Resources During 2026 National Conference

"Your work doesn’t just create programs, it creates futures. Today, I stand before you as proof that when access meets belief, lives change."

These profound words from Antelope Valley College Airframe Manufacturing Technology BS graduate Promise Roberts opened the 2026 CCBA National Conference this month in Long Beach, CA and set the tone for the three day event which focused on CCB national expansion, promising practices and program success.

Featuring nationally-recognized speakers including California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor Dr. Steven R. Gonzales and American Association of Community Colleges President and CEO Dr. DeRionne Pollard, CCBA President Dr. Angela Kersenbrock also introduced new resources and tools including the CCBA Quality Framework and the CCB Comprehensive Planning Guide.

"As we continue to strive to ensure all community college bachelor’s programs meet the highest national standards, these tools will provide institutions proven strategies for creating and evaluating programs while ensuring effective student supports, workforce alignment, and continuous improvement practices." 

Conference highlights also included:

• presentation of the 2026 CCBA Student Scholar awards to Rudy Dardon from West LA College and Nina Nguyen from Seminole State College of Florida.
• honoring the 2026 Debra D. Bragg Dissertation Awardee Dr. Jessica Wojtysiak who completed her doctoral degree in educational leadership at California State University, Bakersfield. 
• recognizing 11 Gold Medallion Promising Practices that serve as examples of proven solutions for making innovative, workforce-focused CCB programs succeed.
  

"The sessions are always great, but I really like the networking that goes on at this conference," an attendee said. "It is so nice to be able to talk to other community colleges that are likely facing similar challenges to yours!"

At the close of the event, it was announced that the 2027 CCBA National Conference will take place in Albuquerque, New Mexico at Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town February 17- 19.

Seeking CCB Quality Framework Pilot Colleges

Building on extensive research, national expertise, and the experiences of practitioners across the country, CCBA is developing the first comprehensive Quality Framework for CCBs—a practical, evidence-based tool designed to help colleges deliver high-quality, workforce-aligned bachelor’s degrees.

To ensure the integrity of this project, CCBA is seeking Pilot Colleges to apply the Quality Framework to existing bachelor’s degree programs (with at least three years of outcome data), provide feedback, and help shape national standards for high-quality CCB programs. Learn more and apply!

CCB National News Roundup

• The Fight Over Community College Bachelor’s Degrees
  Earning a four-year degree at a two-year institution is now possible in nearly half of all states—and others are exploring the option.

• CA Community Colleges approve 3 new bachelor’s degrees over CSU’s objections
  Approvals are the latest development in an ongoing clash between the state's two largest higher education systems

• States offer community college bachelor’s degrees as alternatives to pricey four-year campuses 
  More states are authorizing community colleges to grant bachelor’s degrees as an affordable alternative to four-year universities.