Access to Higher Education

With several colleges, universities and organizations located in close proximity that provide outstanding educational programs, Gonzales’ businesses can participate in training programs that will advance the skills of your workforce.

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Within close proximity to Gonzales are many highly regarded colleges and universities that offer coursework and degrees in a variety of disciplines. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at institutions, such as:

Hartnell College
Monterey Peninsula College
Cabrillo College
California State University at Monterey Bay
University of California Santa Cruz
Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey
Naval Post Graduate School
Brandman University Monterey

THE CENTER FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AT HARTNELL COLLEGE

The Center for Advanced Technology at Hartnell College is a collaboration between Hartnell College and the local community that allows students to explore relevant education by partnering with local industry leaders. Courses in agribusiness, design and construction, transportation technology and computer science are offered in “real life” settings.

ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT

Start-up resources are available to Gonzales’ entrepreneurs and creative thinkers are available by participating in the Steinbeck Innovation Cluster – an initiative that will help train, mentor and guide the newest wave of entrepreneurs in the region. The Steinbeck Innovation Cluster was formed to help leverage the agricultural expertise and relationships and create sustainable solutions that address global challenges. Through the project, emerging entrepreneurs – from youth to veterans – can participate in programs that will provide them the training and education they need to be the next pioneers of innovation.

Kauffman FastTrac Program
Hartnell CoderDojo
Steinbeck Country Wine Forum

AGRICULTURE AND LAND-BASED TRAINING ASSOCIATION (ALBA)

ALBA creates opportunities for farm workers and aspiring farmers with limited resources by allowing them to grow and sell crops from two organic farms in Monterey County. ALBA’s goal is to create greater economic opportunities for small farms while promoting ecological land management and healthy local foods. Objectives accomplished in pursuit of this goal include training in organic farm production, marketing, record-keeping, labor law, pest management and numerous other topics related to operating a small farm business.

FARMER EDUCATION PROGRAM (PEPA)

PEPA is a course designed by ALBA to train individuals in farm management and organic crop production with an emphasis on business success. These bilingual courses are designed for individuals interested in becoming full-time organic farm owners and operators.

 ADULT EDUCATION

Originally named Gonzales Evening High, Gonzales Adult School was established in 1933. Low-cost classes in GED Test Preparation, High School Diploma, English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) and Parenting classes/workshops are offered throughout the school year.  Approximately 250 adult students from Gonzales, Chualar and surrounding communities are served annually.