Outreach
Our Mission
Our mission is to reach, inspire, and connect prospective students with Santa Monica College by providing meaningful outreach, personalized guidance, and access to programs and resources that empower students to achieve their educational goals.
We Can Help You:
- Complete your SMC application
- Apply for financial aid and scholarships
- Learn about free tuition through SMC Promise
- Explore SMC's special support programs
- Complete your orientation
- Navigate Corsair Connect
- Enroll in classes
Request an SMC Outreach Representative
Looking to bring Santa Monica College directly to your students? Our Outreach & Recruitment team is here to partner with you! Complete the form below to request an SMC representative for a presentation or workshop, college fair, application support, or other prospective student event. We look forward to connecting with your students and helping them explore the many opportunities available at SMC!
Meet Your Team
Tracie Bucsa
After serving nearly seven years in the U.S. Navy, I returned to school to complete my Bachelor of Science in Communication at the University of Southern California (USC). It was during my time at USC that I discovered my passion for education and supporting students in reaching their goals.
After graduating, I began my career in education as a Center Director at a tutoring center and have continued working in education ever since, taking on a variety of roles that have allowed me to support students at different stages of their educational journeys. Along the way, I continued my own education, earning an MBA and a Master’s degree in Higher Education.
Today, I am a proud mom of two and remain passionate about education, student success, and helping students discover a path that is right for them. I am grateful for the opportunity to play even a small part in their educational journey and to help them recognize their potential and achieve their goals.
Schools that I Support:
- Alexander Hamilton High School
- Animo Jackie Robinson Charter
- Beverly Hills High School
- Crenshaw High School
- Augustus F Hawkins High School
- Fairfax High School
- Foshay Learning Center
- John Marshall High School
- Los Angeles Center For Enriched Studies
- Susan Miller Dorsey High School
- Universitv High School
- View Park Preparatory
- Walt Whitman High School
- Westchester Enriched Sciences
- Wish Academy High School
Giselle Gradilla
Hi, I'm Giselle Gradilla, an Outreach and Recruitment Specialist at SMC who primarily
focuses on supporting our out-of-state student population. I have worked here in different
roles since 2022 and am also an alum of the college! I earned my bachelor’s and master’s
degrees in English from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Moving to
California and applying to college can be scary, so my goal is to make sure all students
feel welcome, understand everything SMC has to offer, and experience an application
process that is as easy as can be.
Schools that I Support:
I support out-of-state students!
Laura Nario
Hi there! My name is Laura, and I’m an Outreach & Recruitment Specialist at SMC. I
recently earned my Master’s in Counseling, Student Development and Higher Education
from California State University, Long Beach, and I hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology
from Mount Saint Mary’s University. As a first-generation college student, I know
firsthand how overwhelming navigating college can feel. Finding a supportive community
made all the difference in my own journey and inspired me to pursue a career in higher
education. Through my work in outreach, I have the opportunity to be the person I
wish I had when I was preparing for college and someone who can make the process feel
a little less intimidating and remind students that they have someone in their corner
rooting for them every step of the way.
Schools that I Support:
- Birmingham Community High School
- Calabasas Hon sch00
- Camino Nuevo High School
- Culver City High School
- El Camino Real Charter High School
- Granada Hills Charter High School
- Helen Bernstein High School
- Hollwood High School
- Manual Arts Senior High School
- New West Charter School
- Palisades Charter High School
- Saint Monica Catholic High School
- STEM Academy of Hollywood
- West Adams Preparatory High School
Estela Ruezga
Hi there! My name is Estela Ruezga, and I’m an Outreach & Recruitment Specialist at
Santa Monica College. I’m a proud SMC graduate and first-generation college student.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Northridge
and my Master’s in Guidance and Counseling from Loyola Marymount University. With
more than 20 years of experience in the California community college system, I’m passionate
about helping students navigate the college process and connect with the support and
resources they need. Having experienced the journey myself, I enjoy helping students
feel welcomed, supported, and confident as they take their next steps.
Schools that I Support:
- Alliance Dr Olga Mohan High School
- Alliance Patti & Peter Neuwirt
- Animo lnglewood Charter High School
- Da Vinci Communications High School
- Da Vinci Design High School
- Da Vinci Science High School
- El Segundo High School
- Inglewood High School
- Los Angeles Senior High School
- Malibu High School
- Phoenix Continuation High School
- Santa Monica High School
- Stella High Charter Academy
- Venice High School
Upcoming Events
See All Events
