June 2, 2025 - Allan Hancock College and California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) are partnering to expand access to bachelor’s degrees in nursing for students
in northern Santa Barbara County.
Backed by a $1.15 million grant from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, the innovative program will launch in fall 2026 and bring CSUCI’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program directly to Hancock’s Santa Maria campus.
Designed for individuals who are nearing completion of an associate degree in nursing or currently working as associate degree-prepared nursing staff, the program offers a pathway to higher education and advancement in clinical practice, research, and leadership. It will follow a hybrid model that blends online coursework with in-person instruction. Students will meet face-to-face with CSUCI faculty at Hancock’s campus during the start, midpoint, and end of each course, and will have access to local academic and student support services throughout the program.
“This collaboration with CSU Channel Islands is another example of how Hancock is working to remove barriers and create seamless pathways for students to pursue higher education and meaningful careers,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Nurses are in high demand across the state, and this program will help our students advance their careers while serving their communities.”
The program establishes a clear, affordable, and supportive route for students in Hancock’s nursing programs - especially licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and registered nurses (RNs) - to earn their BSN degrees without leaving the region.
Program organizers aim to build an initial cohort of 15 to 20 students for the 2026 launch.
“CSUCI is proud to partner with Allan Hancock College to help meet the evolving healthcare needs of our Central Coast communities,” said CSUCI President Richard Yao, Ph.D. “This BSN pathway will allow students to remain rooted in their communities while continuing their education and expanding their impact as healthcare professionals.”
Hancock and CSUCI are finalizing program details, with full implementation expected in fall 2026.
“Today’s announcement is incredibly meaningful to me and so many others,” said Rachael Belunza, a student in Hancock’s registered nursing program. “The idea that we can now pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree right here on the Hancock campus without having to move away from our families or quit our jobs is life-changing.”
The BSN partnership supports a broader statewide effort to grow California’s nursing workforce and improve healthcare outcomes in underserved and diverse communities.