Publish Date:  Jun 2, 2016

SALINAS, Calif. – Tomorrow, Friday, June 3, 2016, Hartnell College Office of Student Affairs and Community of Caring Monterey Peninsula (CCMP) will host 1,200 Alisal Union School District 4th graders to participate in a one-day event introducing them to the possibilities of post-secondary education.   Two groups are scheduled at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and will gather at Hartnell’s Mainstage, Building  at 411 Central Avenue, Salinas, CA. 

This is the second time that Hartnell partners with CCMP’s early career and college exploration - Monterey County College Challenge (M3C) to expose the younger generations to college life and careers offered locally.

“Students, teachers and parents will visit the campus to participate in a simulated day of college.  We are so happy to greet them and provide an overview of programs and services at their disposal,” said Dr. Romero Jalomo, Vice President of Student Affairs at Hartnell.  “What we have enjoyed seeing is the impact made when elementary students interact with Hartnell College students throughout the day.”

CCMP and education partners, through curriculum and activities, aim to create a college-bound mind-set in students and a culture in the classroom and community that encourages, promotes, and supports student success along the road to workforce readiness as part of the newly organized “Bright Futures” initiative for cradle-to-career success.

On the day of the event, administrators will welcome the “future college graduates,” will enjoy a special skit by The Western Stage staff, will enjoy demonstrations by robotics, student-athletes will present, plus plenty of information will be provided about accessibility to college, financial aid and more. Hartnell College students will serve as mentors and tour guides; our young guests will be introduced to specialty facilities that may include the nursing simulation lab, science labs, library, athletic facilities and others.

“M3C is a key, early step in supporting children towards post-secondary education and success,” said CCMP Executive Director, Kathi Speller. Speller can be reached at kathi@communityofcaringmp.org or 831-655-4755.

Hartnell Community College District – established in 1920

The Hartnell CCD serves over 16,000 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 proud to be the winners of the Innovation Award for CSin3 – a Computer Science degree in three years.  We are growing leaders through opportunity, engagement, and achievement. For more about Hartnell CCD, visit www.hartnell.edu.

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