Hancock & SMJUHSD Offer Classes in Guadalupe
JANUARY 28, 2025-- Allan Hancock College and the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District have partnered to bring college-level courses directly to students in Guadalupe, expanding access to higher education opportunities within the community.
The new classes allow high school students in Guadalupe to enroll in general education courses for college credit. The classes include Communication Studies 101: Introduction to Public Speaking and Psychology 101: Introduction to Psychology and are held at the Guadalupe Senior Center.
Each course combines weekly in-person sessions from 5 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. with one hour of online instruction. The classes began on Jan. 21 and will run through May 14, with a capacity of up to 30 students per course.
“This is a pilot initiative designed to create college opportunities for Guadalupe residents with face-to-face, in-person courses,” said Thomas Lamica, Hancock’s Dean of Academic Affairs. “Part of our mission is to create systems built on equity and opportunity. Bringing college to Guadalupe increases access for many residents.”
About two dozen Ernest Righetti High School students are already enrolled in college courses as participants in Hancock’s College Now program. College Now allows high school students to earn college credit.
“Righetti is very excited about partnering with Hancock to provide our students who live in Guadalupe with easily accessible College Now courses,” said Righetti Principal Ted Lyon, “The support and head start these students receive will assist them in beginning their college journey and eventually make a difference in their opportunities post-graduation.”
In addition to academic courses, students enrolled in the Guadalupe courses will also have access to a range of wraparound student services designed to support success, such as tutoring, mentoring, career readiness training and nutrition programs. Transportation services and a dedicated on-site study space further ensure that barriers to learning are minimized.
“This partnership aligns with Hancock’s commitment to equity and opportunity,” added Lamica. “By bringing education directly to the community, we are preparing students for success in college, their careers, and beyond.”
The initiative also received enthusiastic support from the City of Guadalupe, who provided space at the senior center for the classes, as well as updated technology, new equipment and other items needed for the program.
For more information about this initiative and other educational opportunities at Allan Hancock College, visit https://www.hancockcollege.edu/admissions/college-now.php.
