Allan Hancock College

In 1920 Allan Hancock College was started by the Santa Maria High School District. Originally called Santa Maria Junior College, classes were held until eventually a bond was passed that allowed them to build a wing specifically for the college. Due to rising enrollment numbers in 1954, the college was moved to the former site of Allan Hancock Field. Named after G. Allan Hancock, Santa Maria’s Hancock College of Aeronautics was the primary training center for fighter pilots during World War II. Soon after it was moved the name was changed to Allan Hancock College in honor of George Allan Hancock. In 1958 another bond was passed that allowed the college to buy the site they were on, and start a building program. A large business education building was opened in 1964, and a new fine arts building in 1965. The industrial technology building, gymnasium, administration and student services were all completed in 1967, and the performing arts center in 1968. A remodel of the Learning Resource Center, one of the original campus buildings, was finished in 2007. A community education building was opened in 2007, which currently contains modern computers and offices, along with a new two-story science building. In June, 2006 a $180 Million bond measure was passed, allowing additional new facilities to be completed over a period of 10 years.