College & Career

- Welcome
- Career & Volunteer Resources
- College Athletics
- Pre-College Programs
- Community College Resources
- University Resources
- Financial Aid Resources
- Senior Information
Welcome
Welcome Panthers!
The Pioneer Valley College & Career Center is available to all students and families. We collaborate with students, parents, school staff, colleges, and community members to provide resources and guidance as students explore and navigate their post-secondary options.
Career Center is located in Room 604. Stop by at break, lunch, or after school.

Career & Volunteer Resources
Career Quick Links
Employment Resources:
- SB County DOR- Employment & Ind Living
- Indeed Job Search
- Resume Sample
- Cal State Pays (Learn What You'll Earn with a Degree)
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Volunteer Match Idealist
- YouthWell Santa Barbara
- VolunTEEN Dignity Health / Marian Medical
- Orcutt Chalk Festival
- Los Alamos Mens Club
- Santa Barbara County Food Bank
- Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Maria Valley
- Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum
- Santa Maria Valley Humane Society
- The Salvation Army of Santa Maria
- YMCA of Santa Maria
Technical Schools / Military Resources:
- AHC Career Ready Programs
- Center for Employment Training (Santa Maria CET)
- ASVAB Enlistment Testing Program
PVHS Clubs on Campus:
- Listen to the daily bulletin for meeting days and times
- PVHS Clubs & Organizations on Campus - Grab your friend and attend your first meeting.
College Athletics
College Athletics
Please speak to your coach, athletic director, and school counselor if you are interested in learning more about playing sports in college
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The NCAA Eligibility Center (formerly known as the NCAA Clearinghouse) is an organization that helps determine the eligibility of student-athletes to participate in college-level sports in the United States. NCAA has Division I, Division II, and Division III.
- To determine your NCAA Eligibility, check the Core Course Requirements.
- Click HERE for a step by step guide.
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is a college athletics governing body for small college athletics programs. The NAIA offers student-athletes an opportunity to earn athletic scholarships in 28 different sports at more than 250 schools across the country.
National Junior College Athletic Association
The National Junior College Athletic Association, or NJCAA, is a governing body for two-year colleges and junior colleges in the United States. NJCAA has over 500 member schools across the country, representing a wide range of sports. The level of sport can still be very high but academics are typically easier than that of at a four year school (NCAA or NAIA)
Pre-College Programs
Community College Resources
Community College Websites & Info:
Allan Hancock College Info
- College & Career Access Pathways (CCAP)
- High School Enrichment (formerly College Now!)
- AHC Promise- First Year Free
College & Career Access Pathways (CCAP)
College & Career Access Pathways (CCAP)
In CCAP Dual Enrollment, students enroll in AHC courses offered as part of a College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) partnership agreement between the Allan Hancock Community College District and the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District. Classes taught at a high school during school hours are restricted and are only open to students from a participating high school district. Classes taught at a high school campus outside of school hours are open to the public. Students receive both high school and college credit for completing courses in the Dual Enrollment program.
See your school counselor for more information to get you enrolled in Fall or Summer Dual Enroll courses at PVHS.
High School Enrichment (formerly College Now!)
High School Enrichment (formerly known as College Now!)
In High School Enrichment (Non-CCAP), students enroll in AHC courses that are not covered by a CCAP partnership agreement with the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District. These courses are typically taken outside of the regular high school day. Enrollment fees are waived, but college-related fees apply (fees are typically $26-$50 per semester) . Students are also responsible for the cost of any books and supplies. Students receive college credit for courses taken, but their high school will determine if they are able to receive dual credit toward their high school graduation requirements as well.
See your school counselor for more information and get signed up for Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer courses.
- AHC Admission Application
- AHC Class Search
- Cal-GETC - The California General Education Curriculum refers to specific coursework at community college that transfers to a California State University (CSU) or a University of California (UC) campus.
FORMS:
Important Dates & Deadlines
SUMMER 2025 / FALL 2025:
- Class Search Opens / Accepting Petition for Enrollment Paperwork for Summer/Fall: April 14, 2025.
- High School Enrichment Registration Begins: May 12, 2025.
- Deadline to submit petitions for Summer: June 9, 2025. ⏱️ Please allow 7–10 business days for processing.
- Deadline to submit petitions for Fall: Aug 4, 2025. ⏱️ Please allow 7–10 business days for processing.
WINTER 2025/ SPRING 2026:
- Class Search Opens / Accepting Petition for Enrollment Paperwork for Winter/Spring: Oct 13, 2025.
- High School Enrichment Registration begins: Nov 10, 2025.
- Deadline to submit petitions for Winter: Dec 1, 2025. ⏱️ Please allow 7–10 business days for processing.
- Deadline to submit petitions for Spring: Jan 6, 2026. ⏱️ Please allow 7–10 business days for processing.
AHC Promise- First Year Free
Become a PROMISE STUDENT- Steps for Seniors In High SchoolThe expanded two-year Hancock Promise (HP2) offers free tuition and required fees for local students who graduate high school within the Allan Hancock Joint Community College District (AHJCCD) and immediately enroll at AHC in the summer or following academic year. To secure your Hancock Promise award, complete the required steps by the end of May for summer enrollment or by the end of July for fall enrollment.
Counselors will be helping all students complete the steps of the promise during senior year.
STEPS of the Promise. Click HERE for a checklist.
1. Apply to AHC as a First Time College Student. Click HERE
2. Complete your Financial Aid Application: FAFSA OR Dream Act Application . (AHC School Code: 001111)
3. Complete Orientation: Click HERE
4. Complete First Semester Plan and Register for Classes: Promise Registration Rally. TBD on dates/times.
5. Complete a comprehensive Student Education Plan (CSEP): Click HERE for information on how to schedule this meeting
University Resources
University Websites:
Launch all applications through California Colleges (CCGI). Click HERE for instructions.
Admissions Requirements:
A-G University Requirements
College Entrance Testing
College Testing:
The UC and CSU systems no longer consider SAT or ACT test scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. If a student is accepted, these test scores may be used as an alternate method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement.
- PSAT / NMSQT- The preliminary SAT is offered to sophomores and juniors at PVHS. See your counselor for information.
- SAT
- Why take the SAT? Many private/out of state Universities still require the exam for admissions. Check each school.
- By taking the SAT, you will receive 4 free applications to UC schools and free applications to Common App/ Private Schools. SAT w/ Fee Waiver- How to access my College Fee Waiver
UC Application
CSU Application
Financial Aid Resources
Scholarship & Financial Aid Websites:
Financial Aid Assistance:
- The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) protects student/parent CADAA privacy under California Senate Bill (SB 54) known as
the “Sanctuary” law. For more information about privacy and rights on your CA Dream Act application (CADAA), visit CSAC.CA.GOV. - California Financial Aid Resources at a glance.
- Attend Cash for College Nights at PVHS and local high schools across the county for Financial Aid assistance.
Cash for College Workshops
Pioneer Valley High School Library
|
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 |
3–7 p.m. |
|
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 |
3–7 p.m. |
|
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 |
3–7 p.m. |
|
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 |
3–7 p.m. |
Click HERE for all dates and locations on the Central Coast
To complete your application, you will need the following if applicable:
- Student & Parent/Guardians Social Security Number (SSN) if you have one
- Student & Parent/Guardians last years W-2’s & tax returns
- Student & Parent/Guardians records of untaxed income such as welfare benefits, SS benefits, or child support payments
- Student & Parent/Guardians birthdates
- Student & Parent/Guardians personal email address
Senior Information
Senior Quick Links:
- Senior College Timeline Information
- Senior Calendar of Events
- PVHS COLLEGE HANDBOOK - Class of 2026
- PVHS School Profile
- Launch ALL college application through California Colleges (CCGI)
- Graduation Honors Regalia
- College Readiness Indicators "Sashways"
- Letter of Recommendations
- Brag Sheet
- Transcript Requests (Parchment)
- Senior Picture Info
- Yearbook Info
- Jostens Cap & Gowns
Important Dates:
November 4, 2025 - Senior Meeting - 4th PERIOD
TBD , 2026 - Senior Panoramic Picture
April 30, 2026 - College Signing Day
May 16, 2026 - Prom
May 19, 2026 - Senior Awards Night
June 3, 2026 - Grad Nite
June 10, 2026 - Graduation Practice
June 11, 2026 - Graduation

Career Center Staff

Israel
Hernandez
HS & College Counselor
ihernandez@smjuhsd.org
805-922-1305 x5111

Melani
Mederos
Career Center Specialist
mmederos@smjuhsd.org
805-922-1305 x5604



























