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B.I.G.E. Student Club

Beyond Incarceration: Greater Education (B.I.G.E.). Through our action, service and collective presence, we are breaking down stereotypes connected to being formerly incarcerated.

  • Connected by our backgrounds, united in our aspirations to support one another and succeed at Allan Hancock College
  • Bi-Weekly meetings geared towards: Breaking the stigma connected to being formerly incarcerated, peer support, mentoring and connections to campus resources
  • Meetings are open to all AHC students, including those who have experienced incarceration, those who have been impacted by the incarceration of someone else, or those who would ally with our communities
  • Opportunities to serve our larger Santa Maria community 

If interested in learning more, please join us at a BIGE Club meeting or email one of our Faculty Co-Advisors

B.I.G.E. Club in the News

Hancock College club intent on overcoming impacts of incarceration hosts first speaker series event
A club at Allan Hancock College is made up of students who have been incarcerated or who have been impacted by incarceration.

B.I.G.E. Club at Allan Hancock College sees membership triple following outreach
Students at Allan Hancock College are off and running on a new semester, but a handful of those students have a shared background you may not expect.

We get asked all the time, "What is the difference?"
We decided it was time to clarify! Yes we are different, and we are united!

B.I.G.E. Club
(Beyond Incarceration Greater Education)		 Rising Scholars
Program
  • NOT a program
  • Learning Community PD 101 & English 101 with English 112
  • Student-driven with student leadership team
  • Faculty advisor advises but students have the ultimate authority over club
  • ALL INCLUSIVE
  • Governed by Associated Students guidelines and student-advisor created constitution
  • Community relationships
  • Support systems
  • Club support
  • Grants Scholarships
  • AHC Foundation
  • Formerly Incarcerated
  • Not a club
  • Faculty-Student driven program
  • Governed by Allan Hancock College policies as they apply to ALL campus programs
  • A part of the Student Services division 
  • Educational Aspect
  • Resource connections
  • Outreach
  • “At Promise” youth support
  • Accepts donations
  • Categorical program

In-Person Meeting Schedule

Free food is always provided!

  • May 2, 2025, 1-2 p.m. (G-106)
  • May 16, 2025, 1-2 p.m. (G-106)

Upcoming Spring 2025 Volunteers Opportunities to Serve

  • April 25 Tabling Opportunity with fourth Annual Indigenous Youth InterTribal Wellness Gathering, Buena Vista Park (2 p.m. - 7 p.m.) 
  • May 3 BIGE Give Back: Breakfast serving Good Samaritan Shelter

Contacts

Lexy Conrad
Faculty Co-Advisor
alexandria.conrad@hancockcollege.edu

Lynn Becerra-Valencia
Faculty Co-Advisor
lynn.becerra@hancockcollege.edu

Arturo “Cheech” Raygoza
Club Founder (established Fall 2016)
Currently attending UC Berkeley

 

View B.I.G.E. Facebook Page