Publish Date:  Apr 23, 2014

SALINAS, Calif. - Hartnell Community College District announces the  Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Science Center Building  on Thursday, April 24, 2014. The Program and BBQ is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. near the center of campus in front of the construction site at 411 Central Avenue, Salinas, CA. The community is invited and parking will be free during this time. The program is as follows:

11:30 a.m. - Student demonstrations - science and math

12:00 p.m. - Program Emcee is Candi Depauw, president, Hartnell CCD Board of Trustees

12:30 p.m. - Groundbreaking, BBQ, and student demonstrations

This new construction is thanks to private donations and to the residents of the Hartnell CCD for supporting the passage of Measure H which is providing the funding for the construction of the science building.

The Hartnell Science Center will allow Salinas Valley students to reach their goals through excellent Science, Math, and Engineering education (STEM). Astronomy, biology, chemistry, environmental science, geology, physics, math, and engineering will be among the programs that will have access to the state of the art facilities provided in the new building.

"Students will have the opportunity to pursue STEM education in a world class facility, engage in exciting and innovative learning experiences, and students will soar to heights of academic achievement with the support of outstanding faculty, staff, and administrators," said Superintendent/President, Dr. Willard Lewallen.

The building will provide 54,000 square feet to contain six lecture spaces, ten laboratories, and the planetarium. The new building is scheduled to open for the spring semester 2016.

Hartnell Community College District

The Hartnell CCD serves over 15,000 students annually through its main campus in Salinas, the Alisal Campus in East Salinas, the King City Education Center, and various outreach learning centers throughout the Salinas Valley. Hartnell College, a Hispanic Serving Institution, provides workforce training, basic skills courses, and prepares students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Hartnell College is recognized for its innovative public and private partnerships that support world class STEM education, career technical education, fine and performing arts, humanities, and athletics. We are growing leaders through opportunity, engagement, and achievement. For more about Hartnell CCD, visit www.hartnell.edu.