City presents 'Rec Ready' internship that pairs Allan Hancock students with parks mentors

Santa Maria’s Recreation Department presented a new workforce-development initiative called Rec Ready, a hands-on mentorship program that pairs Allan Hancock College recreation-management students with experienced city staff and industry partners.

Program supervisor Stephanie Salcedo told the commission Rec Ready runs roughly 12–14 weeks and combines weekly mentoring, two professional-development workshops, a capstone project and WE-49 academic enrollment to help students earn three units. Salcedo said partners include Allan Hancock College and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, which helped recruit hospitality businesses for placements.

“One of the things that stands out is a clear pathway and a mentor,” said Dr. Chuck Provencio of Allan Hancock College, who praised the program for giving students practical experience that complements classroom learning. Mentee Jenna Ramirez described organizing a Polynesian-themed movie-in-the-park event — including cultural outreach and lei-making activities — that drew about 75 attendees to pre-event activities and about 125 people for the full movie at Rotary Park.

Salcedo said Rec Ready helps students take on equipment requests, marketing and partnership-building and culminates in a capstone project where students prepare a program plan and budget and pitch it to mentors. The department reported all members of the first cohort scored 80 or above on their capstone evaluations. Staff said they plan additional cohorts, with a spring start anticipated and a potential summer offering.

The commission applauded the program’s community connections and its potential to retain local talent in parks and recreation careers.