News from Sierra College

Sierra College Receives Funding For Emancipated Foster Youth

The Sierra College Foundation is excited to announce that the City of Roseville has granted funds to purchase basic-needs care packs for young people who have come out of the state foster care system and are attending Sierra.

These packs will include basic personal care products and school supplies to help students get started at College. The generous gift is funded by the City of Roseville’s R.E.A.C.H. and Citizen’s Benefit Fund grants.

Each year 50-100 former foster youth enroll at Sierra College. These youth face an extraordinary challenge to not only pay for their basic needs, but to also pay for college, registration, books, parking permit, and school supplies.

“We are very grateful for the support provided.” said Sonbol Aliabadi, Executive Director of the Sierra College Foundation. “These young people are facing significant challenges as they move on to college and this funding will provide some important support to them.”

In November 2007, a group of staff and faculty at Sierra College decided to take action on the growing lack of resources for former foster youth. They came together and formed the College Transition Support Team (CTST). This volunteer group is a partnership between community foster youth services professionals and Sierra College Faculty and Staff addressing the needs, Concerns and issues that affect the success and retention of former foster youth students attending Sierra College.

In the midst of compiling educational resources for foster youth, the CTST found a major gap in the services provided to these students. That missing piece was how to address the financial need that exists to purchase basic hygiene products and food.

Grant funding from the City of Roseville will purchase nearly 50 care packs for emancipated foster youth attending Sierra College during the Fall and Spring semesters. These packs will include the basic items needed to help these students get on their feet and give them a good start to a successful educational career as well as help reduce the anxiety and stress they experience.

If you would like to offer your support to this program or to learn more about the Sierra College Foundation visit www.sierracollege.edu/foundation. Contact the Sierra College Foundation at: (916) 660-7020 or foundation@sierracollege.edu

Sierra College wins employee training grant to improve businesses’ competitiveness

Matching funds provide short-term intensive seminars to high-growth industries

Sierra College Training & Development secured a $216,000 grant from the California Community Colleges Economic and Workforce Development Program to provide customized training in process improvement, quality management and mechatronics technical skills to high growth businesses.

Farsighted businesses see this as a great time to train staff, according to Sandra Scott, Director, Grant Development and Career Technical Education for Sierra College. “By developing employees’ skills during the downturn, these businesses will be well positioned to take advantage of opportunities when the economy improves,” said Scott.

Through the grant, over 250 employees will be trained in leading edge technical skills and learn to use continuous improvement tools to increase businesses’ competiveness. The Responsive Training Fund (RTF) for Incumbent Workers will match companies’ commitment to training. Participating organizations include Comtek Computer Systems Inc., the North Valley Lean Training Group in partnership with Butte College, and Northstar-at-Tahoe with other ski industry employers and the California Ski Industry Association.

According to Kathy Hubbard, Deputy Director, California Ski Industry Association, Sierra College has worked with the ski industry to develop a very successful Ropeway Mechatronics training program for ski lift technicians over the last several years. “The ski industry has found an incredible educational partner in Sierra College,” said Hubbard. “From the administration to the trainers who teach our courses, the college has been nothing but first-rate.”

The grant will enable resorts to provide training more cost effectively. “I’m thrilled that the state has seen the value in our training program,” said Hubbard. “As our older chairlifts are replaced by more sophisticated models, training in the principles of mechatronics is critical to keep chairlifts running smoothly. Employees are happy when they have the skills and tools to do their jobs well.”

To be globally competitive, businesses are using process improvement techniques and applying lean manufacturing strategies to cut waste and increase efficiency. Through a consulting process, Sierra College helps businesses identify performance gaps and develops customized training programs in areas such as Process Mapping, Set-up Reduction, Six Sigma, Supply Chain Management, Total Quality Management and Visual Controls (5S).

In addition to Process Improvement and Mechatronics training for employers, Sierra College Training & Development offers on-site employee training in high-tech soldering, supervision, communication and other business topics. Since 1997, Sierra College Training & Development has worked with businesses, manufacturers and technology companies in Northern California. For more information, go to www.sierracollegetraining.com or contact Sandra Scott, at sscott@sierracollege.edu or (916) 781-6245.

Sierra College Athletics Ranks Third in the Nation … Again!

Only 2 points behind the #1 college

The California Community College Commission on Athletics and National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) has named Sierra College third in the nation for overall athletic excellence.

“This will be Sierra Colleges 4th Trophy in the last 6 years since the NATYCAA CUP has been in existence. One 1st ; one 2nd; and two 3rd place finishes. Our coaches and athletes have done a great job. I couldn’t be prouder. We’re going to need a bigger office soon to display all the trophies…not that I’m complaining!” commented John Volek, Dean of Athletics. Since the establishment of the NATYCAA cup in 2003-04, Sierra College Athletics has ranked in the top four positions.

This year the first place cup went to Mt. San Antonio College with a score of 168.5 points. Finishing second was Cerritos College with 168 points, followed by Sierra with 166.5 points. A college is awarded points based on its teams’ final positions in post-conference competition. Each college’s top-five men’s and top-five women’s team results count toward the school’s overall point total. Complete standings, scoring criteria, and a history of the NATYCAA Cup are available on the CCCAA Web site, www.coasports.org.

The 2008-09 winners will be recognized at the NATYCAA Awards Luncheon, held during the 2009 NATYCAA Convention, June 18-21 at the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando, Florida. Awards will be presented to the top three colleges, and the top twenty schools in the division will receive recognition.

NATYCAA is the professional organization of two-year college athletic administrators and membership is open to all two-year institutions from throughout the country. The awards were designed to recognize and reward overall program excellence at the two-year college level. The criteria for the State Associations division were developed by the COA in conjunction with the California Community College Sports Information Association (CCCSIA).

To view the latest news, information and updates of all 23 COA sanctioned sports, visit www.coasports.org. For more information about the Sierra College Wolverine Athletic Sports Programs click on the Events & Athletics tab above.

Sierra College publishes Electronic Journal on the California Gold Rush and Gold Mining

The Sierra College Press has published an electronic journal on the California Gold Rush and Gold Mining. This eJournal is the latest edition of Snowy Range Reflections: A Journal of Sierra Nevada History and Biography.

The newest edition of the eJournal considers the California Gold Rush and gold mining from a variety of perspectives.  Examined are the sad fate of James Marshall, who discovered gold at Coloma in 1848 and triggered the California Gold Rush; audio “word pictures” of the experiences of the Gold Rushers; gold mining techniques; mines in Grass Valley and Jackson; the origin of the name “Mother Lode;” the impact of the Cornish in California gold mining; the story of Christmas celebrations during the Gold Rush; and much more. This eJournal edition also features a photo gallery chronicling the history of Coloma.

Snowy Range Reflections: A Journal of Sierra Nevada History and Biography is published twice annually and focuses on regional history and biography, particularly within the 3200 square mile Sierra Community College District, which stretches from the Sacramento Valley to Lake Tahoe. The journal can be found online at www.jsnhb.org or through the college website at www.sierracollege.edu

Previous editions of the journal may be accessed as well as other electronic journals published by the Sierra College Press.  These include The Journal of the Sierra College Natural History Museum (www.jscnhm.org) and the online edition of the Sierra Journal, the college literary magazine that has been published since 1959.

Additional information about these journals and the Sierra College Press can be obtained at www.sierracollege.edu/press

Sierra College Natural History Museum publishes Electronic Journal on Interstate 80 Corridor

The Sierra College Natural History Museum, in association with the Sierra College Press, has published an electronic journal on the natural history of the Interstate 80 corridor from Rocklin to Truckee. This eJournal is the latest edition of The Journal of the Sierra College Natural History Museum.

The newest edition of the eJournal considers the natural history of the Interstate 80 region from a variety of perspectives. Examined are the geology, flora and fauna of the route as well as the remarkable weather history of the Donner Pass area. The issue also provides an article on the history and educational value of the Sierra College Arboretum. The eJournal also features photo galleries of the Arboretum, plants and other natural features of the Sierra Nevada, and historic photos of Interstate 80 construction.

The Journal of the Sierra College Natural History Museum is published twice annually and focuses on natural history and museum activities, particularly within the 3200 square mile Sierra Community College District, which stretches from the Sacramento Valley to Lake Tahoe. The journal can be found online at www.jscnhm.org or through the college website at www.sierracollege.edu

Previous editions of the journal may be accessed as well as other electronic journals published by the Sierra College Press. These include Snowy Range Reflections: A Journal of Sierra Nevada History and Biography (www.jsnhb.org) and the online edition of the Sierra Journal, the college literary magazine that has been published since 1959.

Additional information about these journals and the Sierra College Press can be obtained at www.sierracollege.edu/press

Sierra College welcomes new Head Soccer Coach Jason Gantt to the Wolverine family

Jason Gantt has accepted an offer to become a member of the Sierra College Wolverine Athletics faculty and take on the position as Head Coach of the Women’s Soccer team. Jason comes to the team with tremendous skills as a soccer player, coach, and teacher. He has held the position as Assistant Coach of the Men’s Soccer team at Sacramento State University since 2003. A native of Roseville, CA and graduate of Oakmont high school, Gantt earned all-conference honors in 2000 and 2001 as one of the top defenders in the MPSF (Mountain Pacific Sports Federation). In four years with the program (1998-2001), Gantt appeared in 58 contests, including 47 starts.

A holder of a NSCAA National Diploma and a USSF A license of coaching, Gantt has been coaching the Placer United Soccer Club since 2000. He is currently coaching the under-10 boys, under-11 boys and under-18 boys of the Placer United in Roseville, CA. Gantt was a member of the Pro Select League (3rd Division) and played two years for the California Gold (2002, 2004) in the Western Conference. After earning his bachelor’s degree in business finance and risk management insurance, Gantt completed his master’s degree in kinesiology at Sacramento State in the summer of 2007.

“I’m eager to begin working with the Women's Soccer program at Sierra. With the talent that I’ve seen, I believe we will instantly be in line for a Big 8 championship and State title. Being from Roseville, I am excited to promote and develop our local women soccer players by providing them with a competitive environment and quality education. I will also be making a big push to get the local soccer community involved with the Sierra college soccer program through camps, ball kid opportunities, and youth soccer tournaments.”

Sierra College wins $500,000 grant to attract students to technical careers

Students headed toward Science, Technology, Engineering & Math will fuel future economy

In today’s economic downturn, skilled workers are fundamental to economic recovery. Sierra College received a $500,000 grant from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office that will support the region’s long-term economic viability through career technical education (CTE). From middle school to college, students must be equipped with technical skills to meet the future needs of emerging industries. The grant aligns education with business to develop relevant hands-on learning models, merge academics with technical education and fill the pipeline of future workers with those who are qualified to fill highly-paid, in-demand technical positions.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)

According the Sandra Scott, Director, Grant Development and Career Technical Education at Sierra College, this grant will promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. “Through partnerships with industry as well as middle and high schools, Sierra College’s STEM Community Collaborative is implementing innovative CTE models, strengthening existing programs, and attracting middle and high school students to STEM education,” said Scott.

“This new grant will expand STEM projects in product design and manufacturing. In the digital age, the boundaries between art, design and manufacturing blur,” said Scott. “Our goal is to equip students to use 3D solid modeling, apply aesthetic skills and use an understanding of ergonomics to design, develop and manufacture attractive, functional products. These classroom experiences will encourage students to pursue careers in engineering and product design.”

Hands -On Projects

According to Scott, the key is engaging students in applied learning through hands-on projects so they’ll continue their technical education at Sierra College in Mechatronics, Engineering and Engineering Support Technology, and go on to fill high-paying, in-demand positions that strengthen our local economy. “We are preparing students to fill the anticipated need for engineers, CAD drafters, engineering technicians, product designers, surveyors, mechatronics technicians, solar installers, scientists, machinists and other technical careers,” said Scott.

The new grant will continue to support existing Sierra College Collaborative STEM projects:

Scott Seacrist, Lincoln High School iDesign (www.LHSiDesign.com) instructor teaches Computer Aided Design, and manual and Computer Numatic Controlled (CNC) machining. Seacrist says that he benefited from Sierra College’s partnership in establishing the program and arranging for externships with local employers during the summer. “I job shadowed at Harris & Bruno, Robb Jack, Morgan Ceramics, Selway Machine Tool Company, EME Technologies and AB Tools,” said Seacrist. “Working at local companies helped me refine the curriculum to incorporate skills that are required by employers.”

At Colfax High School, teachers Jonathan Schwartz (Math/ROP Wood), Christian Kinsey (Metal), Tony Martello (Electronics), and Wade Wolff (Computer Applications) have worked collaboratively to modernize equipment and curriculum as a result of STEM grant funds and working with Sierra College. According to Schwartz, the partnership has resulted in a new vision for Career Technical Education, updated equipment, allowed instructors to access industry training and supported the development of a new multi-disciplinary introductory course called Design Tech (www.colfaxdesign.com ).

“Our vision is that through the process of turning ideas into final products, Colfax students will apply academics, develop flexible thinking and acquire marketable skills,” said Schwartz. “The STEM grant has made it possible to modernize our classrooms so students are learning to use the same software, power tools and CNC equipment that are being used by local industry. Through professional development, such as MasterCAM training, instructors have been able to fine tune their skills.”
 
North Tahoe High School in partnership with the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District is adding an engineering and architectural component that teaches computer assisted drafting, solid modeling and rapid prototyping technologies that complement the school’s existing construction program. Oakmont High School in Roseville, Nevada Union High School in Grass Valley, Placer High School in Auburn, Lincoln High School in Lincoln and other schools are working with Sierra College to implement more STEM hands-on applied academic curriculum that introduces career-based technical concepts and inspires students to consider technical careers.

For more information, go to www.sierracollegetraining.com or contact Sandra Scott, Sierra College at (916) 781-6244.

Sierra College Mourns Loss of Professor Dr. Harry L. F. Houpis

Sierra College Astronomy professor Dr. Harry L. F. Houpis died unexpectedly on August 20, 2008, at his home. He was 54.

Dr. Houpis joined the Astronomy faculty in July, 1997, and was the Chair of the Astronomy Department. A graduate of MIT (B.S. in Mathematics and B.S. in Physics) and the University of California, San Diego (M.S. and Ph.D. in Physics), he taught part-time at a variety of levels from grade school to 4-year universities since 1978 and was a strong advocate of multimedia lecturing and hands-on peer-based learning. Professor Houpis published several technical papers in a variety of professional journals, delivered numerous presentations at professional meetings, and was researching problems associated with cosmology, philosophy, and the foundations of mathematics. He was also the Chair and Advisor of the Sierra College, Beta Mu Zeta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Committee.

There was much more to Dr. Houpis than can be gleaned by his impressive academic accomplishments. Harry was known for his optimism, kindness and boundless energy.

“Harry was very passionate about everything he did and he really knew how keep his priorites straight,” commented Carole Houpis, his wife, “He always said my family comes first, then science, followed by bicycling and model railroading.”  His death caught everyone by surprise. Dean Mike Sequeira from the Math and Science division shared his thoughts. "It was tragic and sudden," he said. "We are deeply saddened at the unexpected loss of our dear friend and colleague. He will be greatly missed."

Professor Houpis was scheduled to co-host the college’s fall Convocation, a gathering of the faculty and staff to celebrate the beginning of the semester. On that morning instead, Dr. Leo E. Chavez, Superintendent/President, broke the sad news to a full auditorium and announced that the day’s event would be rescheduled to allow the community time to reflect and gather with their peers.

The family of professor Houpis has requested that instead of sending flowers, people can donate to the Sierra College Foundation. Indicate on the check in the memo area "Harry Houpis scholarship fund." For more information on the memorial fund contact the Sierra College Foundation at 916.660.7020.