Hartnell College


Hartnell College is a community college in Salinas, California. Established in 1920 as Salinas Junior College, Hartnell is one of 115 schools that constitute the California Community Colleges, one of the three higher education systems in California. It enrolls nearly 10,000 students, 56% of whom are Latino, and the college is a Hispanic-serving institution. Its name commemorates William Hartnell, who founded the first junior college in California. Hartnell's main campus is located less than a mile west of downtown Salinas. It also has two satellite campuses, one in the Alisal district of Salinas and the other in King City.

History

Hartnell College was founded in 1920 as Salinas Junior College. It was renamed Hartnell College in 1948. The college moved to its current location on Central Avenue in 1936.

Academics

Hartnell College offers certificates and associate degrees at three campuses: Main Campus, Alisal, and King City. The main campus in South Salinas also includes a Disabled Students Services Center, admissions and records office, financial aid office, Student Union, cafeteria, a parking structure and a library. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

The Western Stage

In 1974, Ron Danko established on campus The Western Stage, a professional theater organization with an educational mission. Initially a summer theatre festival, the Western Stage now produces an annual year-round season of plays, produces school tours, offers internships, and youth classes. The company's productions are part of the college's curriculum, though a separate foundation was established to support the Western Stage. In particular, the Western Stage is known for adapting the work of noted local author John Steinbeck to the stage, often in partnership with the nearby National Steinbeck Center.

Notable alumni

Gallery