News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2019-10-15-boykinhall
October 15, 2019

Boykin Receives State Funding for Renovations

College of the Canyons has received the state funding necessary to begin planning much-needed renovations to Boykin Hall, a 44-year-old science laboratory facility on the Valencia Campus, thanks to the efforts of Senator Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) and Assemblywoman Christy Smith (D-Santa Clarita).

“As one of the college’s oldest buildings, Boykin Hall has been long overdue for a renovation,” said Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook. “We are so grateful to receive state funding to modernize the building that has served as the bedrock for the college’s science programs. Moreover, we appreciate the leadership and dedication of both Senator Wilk and Assemblywoman Smith, who worked diligently on behalf of their districts to ensure this much-needed funding was included in the state budget.”

The 2019-20 state budget includes $397,000 that will fund preliminary plans and working drawings for the renovation project. The funding comes from Proposition 51, the 2016 statewide facilities construction bond.

“I am very excited about what this means for the college’s future,” said Wilk. “We need to make the investments required to remain competitive in fields such as science and engineering. We have the moral obligation to give every opportunity to the next generation to succeed.”

Throughout the recent 2019 legislative session, Senator Wilk and Assemblywoman Smith advocated for increasing the amount of Prop. 51 funds made available for community college construction projects, and worked to ensure College of the Canyons was included for funding in the 2019-20 state budget. Both legislators visited the campus Monday to present a check from the state for the funding. 

“The college has been very ambitious in meeting its goals of serving a student population that has increased dramatically, so it meant a lot to us to bring this across the finish line,” said Smith. “This funding will help ensure that existing facilities are up to date as the college continues to grow.”

The classrooms and laboratories in Boykin are used to teach physical sciences, biology, and chemistry. The renovation project will encompass all three floors of the building, and includes bringing the concrete structure up to current seismic safety standards. Interior and exterior space will be reallocated to make more efficient use of the facility, and expand work stations to accommodate more students.
 
The total cost of the Boykin Hall modernization is $9.4 million.  Of that, the state is expected to provide $4.4 million in Prop. 51 funding in the 2020-21 budget, in addition to the $397,000 already received.  The college’s share of the project – $4.6 million – will come from Measure E, the local bond approved by Santa Clarita voters in 2016.