MPC is exploring the possibility of a satellite location in downtown Seaside.

The Monterey campus of Monterey Peninsula College is a sprawling, tree-filled property just off Highway 1. MPC leadership is seeking not just to draw more students to its main campus, but also to meet students where they are.

“We are going to be focusing on our Marina and Seaside expansion. We want to increase access and remove as many barriers for students beyond this hill and beyond Monterey,” Superintendent Marshall T. Fulbright told the MPC board on Aug. 28. MPC’s student population from both cities is growing at a higher rate than elsewhere.

The board heard a presentation on the possible expansion from MPC staff, who shared preliminary information about a campus on Broadway in Seaside.

MPC currently has two satellite learning centers, in Marina and Seaside. The latter provides training for emergency medicine, and fire and police academies.

Seaside has invested millions of dollars to revitalize its downtown. “We’ve made the place look really top-notch, and there’s nothing better that I could think of in this area,” said Alex Miller, a Seaside City Councilmember.

Working with Seaside’s Economic Development Department, MPC identified the former Seaside Creates office as a potential location.

According to MPC staff, the facility would provide an array of programs including English classes for English learners; continuing education including senior technology classes; and student services providing counseling, financial aid workshops and free immigration services.

The plan is still in its early stages. MPC needs to determine the cost, negotiate terms to rent it from the city and select what classes they will offer, plus develop plans to staff it.