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.[1]
Academics
Hartnell College offers certificates and associate degrees at five campuses: Main Campus, Alisal (East Salinas), Castroville, Soledad, and King City.[3] 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.[4] 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.[4][5] The company's productions are part of the college's curriculum, though a separate foundation was established to support the Western Stage.[6] In particular, the Western Stage is known for adapting the work of noted local author John Steinbeck to the stage,[4][7][8] often in partnership with the nearby National Steinbeck Center.
