Gavilan has programs for almost everybody
Published on Page 1 of the August 21, 2013 issue of Morgan Hill Life.
By Steve Kinsella
Gavilan College Superintendent/President
Steve Kinsella
Morgan Hill’s population has grown significantly over the 10 years that I have been Superintendent/President of Gavilan College. The college has kept pace with programs for every phase of your life.
Children can be introduced to college through summer programs such as Summer Theater Arts Repertory, College for Youth, and sports camps at the Gilroy campus. The fall Children’s Theater Repertory brings hundreds of elementary school students on field trips to the Gavilan College Theater. In February, Science Alive! offers a one-day, hands-on science and math experience for middle school students.
High school students can get a head start on college with Gavilan’s High-Step program that brings college courses to high school campuses during the school year, or they may take college courses during the summer with approval from their high schools. The Gilroy Early College Academy at the Gilroy Gavilan campus is a high school for students who thrive in an academically intense environment. They graduate with a high school diploma and one or more years of college work already behind them.
Many Gavilan students begin college right out of high school and plan to transfer to a university. There are nine options for the new Associates Degree for Transfer program, which guarantees transfer to CSU with upper-division standing. Students seeking to enter the professions of nursing, law enforcement, fire fighting, aviation mechanics, digital media, cosmetology, child development or waste-water treatment can enroll in top-notch technical certificate and associate degree programs. A lot of students come to Gavilan after working for a number of years, or raising children.
For students returning to school, or balancing college with work and family, Gavilan College offers student services and instructional support. Students needing extra preparation for college work can enroll in Basic Skills courses such as pre-collegiate math and English, English as a Second Language, or GED preparation.
Gavilan also provides students extra support in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math, with resources received through federal grant funds. Three multi-million dollar grants over five years are providing students with additional instruction, internships and on-the-job experiences that are not generally available at a community college.
Bond Measure E, approved by voters in 2004, provided Gavilan with the money to purchase property for additional campuses in Coyote Valley and San Benito County. The long-term goal is to have a comprehensive college serving the needs of the Morgan Hill/Coyote Valley community at the Bailey Avenue property and a second college in Hollister to serve the San Benito community. Until those two locations can be developed into comprehensive colleges, Gavilan will continue to expand services needed by these communities.
Gavilan really does have something for everyone, and a learning opportunity for every phase of life. On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Gavilan College, the faculty, staff and the administration, thank you for your past support.
I encourage all residents of Morgan Hill to take advantage of the programs and services available. If you do not see what you want, let me know. We are always looking for new and innovative programs that will help our communities grow and improve the businesses that hire our students.
Steve Kinsella is the president and superintendent of Gavilan College. Contact him at (408) 848-4712 or at [email protected]
Fall semester starts Aug. 26.
Enroll online at www.gavilan.edu, at the Gavilan Morgan Hill site at the Community and Cultural Center, or call (408) 782-2873.
