Graduating students from Allan Hancock College’s TRiO College Achievement Now (CAN) program to be honored at special ceremony on May 20. The program offers special services to first-generation, low income and special needs students. Courtesy photo
SANTA MARIA — The TRiO College Achievement Now (CAN) program at Allan Hancock College celebrated the perseverance and success of dozens of its students who graduated this week and transferred to four-year universities. The TRiO/CAN recognition ceremony was held May 20 inside the Student Center on the Santa Maria campus, college officials reported in a media release.
“The ceremony is so significant because it highlights the accomplishments of first-generation, low income and special needs students who have overcome countless obstacles,” said Petra Gomez, the CAN program director. “They deserve to be recognized for changing the futures of their families for generations to come by furthering their education.”
The TRiO/CAN program offers multiple services for students that include priority registration, academic counseling, transfer assistance, career advising, mentoring, tutoring hours, tours of four-year universities, free printing and more.
Every student participating in the TRiO/CAN Recognition Ceremony will graduate from Hancock on Friday, May 22, with a certificate or degree, and/or transfer to a four-year university. Students will receive a certificate of completion from CAN, and TRiO medal, while students with a grade point average of 3.0 or above will receive special sashes to wear during Commencement.
“Our students have persevered through hardships most students do not even know exist,” added Gomez. “With the help of our program, as well as the student services and academic affairs departments, they have defied the odds. They are the true role models for our community.”
Niki Angelic, a CAN alumna, Nick Presher, a U.S. Veteran and Hancock student, Eriberto Perez, a CAN student who will transfer to California State University, Bakersfield, as well as Vice President of Student Services Nohemy Ornelas will speak during the ceremony. Poet, Felix Hernandez Sr. will deliver a quote.
Students must apply to the CAN program. To be eligible, students are required to be a citizen of the United States or permanent resident, and must either be a first-generation or low income student, or have a verifiable disability. Once accepted, they are required to attend an acceptance orientation, meet with an advisor or counselor, attend a field trip or campus event, maintain a cumulative 2.30 GPA, complete a student educational plan (SEP), and transfer or graduate from Hancock within four years.
For more information about CAN or the ceremony, call 805-922-6966 ext. 3434 or email canprogram@hancockcollege.edu.