Hancock Celebrates Noncredit Students
MAY 20, 2024-- Students from Allan Hancock College’s noncredit programs were recognized for their accomplishments at a special ceremony on May 17 at the college’s Santa Mara campus.
More than 120 students from a variety of noncredit programs celebrated a diverse range of achievements, including completing English as a Second Language classes, earning their GED or passing their tests for United States Citizenship. Others celebrated earning certificates in computer skills, job training, and classes designed to help them prepare for careers in childcare, tax preparation, and commercial truck driving.
The event’s keynote speaker was Mayte Solis, a chemistry instructor at Santa Maria High School, Hancock alumna and the former coordinator for the college’s AIM to Dream Center.
"Get out there and give it everything you have,” Solis told the graduates. “You are capable, and your family, your friends, your community and the world needs your talents and abilities.”
Noncredit classes are offered through Hancock’s Community Education, which offers free and fee-based classes to help individuals of all backgrounds and educational levels build important job skills, improve their basic computer skills, learn English as a second language and more. Noncredit students learn skills that prepare them for promotions or new careers and even transition into AHC credit programs.
2024 graduate Mario Gonzalez knows just how valuable Hancock’s noncredit programs can be. Originally from Michoacán, Mexico, Mario was working in Santa Maria’s agricultural fields when he began taking noncredit English courses through Hancock’s Community Education program. After excelling in his English classes, Mario earned his G.E.D. and transitioned to taking credit classes from the college. This year, Mario will be graduating with an associate degree in welding.
“I knew I needed to learn English and work on my grammar so I could better communicate with my teachers and be prepared for credit classes,” said Gonzalez, who received a special recognition award at the ceremony. “I completed noncredit classes so I could focus and succeed in credit classes.”
Registration for summer and fall noncredit classes is currently open. To learn more and register, visit https://www.hancockcollege.edu/communityed/index.php.
