News from Sierra College

Youth prepare for Green Jobs at Auburn’s California Conservation Corps

Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies Grant used to Develop New Training

Young men and women at the California Conservation Corps (CCC -- www.ccc.ca.gov) Placer Energy Center in Auburn, CA are receiving Technical Education in Energy Efficiency and Construction (TE³C) that will prepare them for sustainable careers as a result of a grant secured by the Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) (sierracollegetraining.com) at Sierra College in Rocklin, CA.

CCC members considering green careers participated in an Orientation to Green Construction, Weatherization and Building Science Basics in July. The first CCC members start the TE³C training August 16 and four crews are expected to participate in the pilot program.

Sierra College CACT developed the 128 hour TE³C course to prepare Corps members for entry-level employment in the Energy Efficiency Construction Industry. CCC members will benefit from a combination of lecture and hands-on training in weatherization, building science basics, worker safety, weatherization measures, energy efficiency and alternative energy fundamentals.  As part of the course, crews will build, retrofit and weatherize CCC base camp structures. In addition, the CCC plans to support state agencies in retrofitting facilities to reduce their energy consumption.

Rod Thornhill, Conservation Administrator II, CCC, expects TE³C to become a state-wide model. “Our goal is to prepare CCC members for highly-paid, in-demand local jobs,” said Thornhill. “Sierra College CACT has given us a wonderful opportunity to teach practical safety, construction, weatherization and energy retrofit skills that complement work assignments with state agencies. As the TE³C program tagline says, ‘Sustainability Starts Here.’ Not only will Corps members have marketable skills, they’ll have an excellent foundation to build rewarding careers. The CCC will become the training ground for technicians to fill growing demand statewide.”

Sierra College CACT developed the coursework based on US Department of Energy's Weatherization guidelines, the California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) weatherization program, core competencies of the Weatherization Assistance Program, and to comply with the PG&E Energy Partners program (http://www.pge.com/energypartners/).
 
TE³C will open ‘green collar’ career paths to local youth and supply qualified workers to local businesses explained Carol Pepper-Kittredge, CACT Director for Sierra College, and grant project manager. “The Sacramento Region is expected to have the highest rate of green job growth (87%) in the state according to Clean Tech Job Trends 2009 prepared by Clean Edge, Inc," said Pepper-Kittredge. "In addition, as many as 3,530 new green jobs will be created in the Sacramento region through 2012 according to Centers of Excellence, Environmental Scan: Energy Efficient Occupations. TE³C graduates will have the skills and experience to qualify for many of the expected entry level positions.”  Those who complete the TE³C training may also choose to continue their studies through the Sierra College Energy Technology photovoltaic program (sierraenergytech.com).

The California Community College Chancellor’s Office, Economic and Workforce Development Program provided the $205,000 grant to develop workers’ skills to meet a growing demand for energy efficiency technicians. In addition to the CCC workforce development project, CACT is offering manufacturers energy efficiency training that aligns with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles to make local companies more competitive globally by reducing energy costs. Since 1992, Sierra College CACT has worked with businesses, manufacturers and technology companies in Northern California. For more information, go to www.sierracollegetraining.com or contact Carol Pepper-Kittredge at 916-660-7801 or cpepper-kittredge@sierracollege.edu.

Rocklin High Students Design Trophy for NASA Competition

Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies Rapid Prototypes Award

Under the shadow of the Saturn 5 rocket at the NASA Space Center in Orlando Florida, Rocklin High School student Patrick Kelly watched as the trophy, he and three other students designed and Sierra College produced using a 3D printer, was presented May 28 at NASA’s first annual Lunabotics Mining Competition

The trophy, developed by high school students and made in Rocklin, CA using the Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (www.sierracollegetraining.com) rapid prototyping equipment, was presented to Montana State University’s team. The two-day competition attracted 22 university teams that designed and built remote controlled or autonomous excavators (lunabots) to collect and deposit a minimum of 10 kg of simulated moon dirt within 15 minutes. The event was hosted by the NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) in collaboration with NASA Lunar Surface Systems to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) as well as encourage innovation in lunar excavation.

Rocklin High School instructor Dan Frank teaches Engineering Support Technologies (EST) and made the initial connection with NASA. “The EST program of study at Rocklin High School engages students in the product development cycle,” said Frank. “When I contacted NASA to explore opportunities, I discovered that they needed a Lunabotics trophy. Making the award offered a creative, real world product design challenge that would entice my students.”

Patrick Kelly, John Gildea. Michael Porter and Bryce Adams designed a six wheel, 8 x 12 x 2 inch model of a lunabot. They developed the trophy concept from a picture on the competition announcement and began sketching ideas. They designed each component – wheels, hubs, bracing and frame – using Inventor software. Then they produced, tested and refined their model.

According to Frank, students learned the subtractive production process where material is milled and machined off solid material to make the parts as well as the additive process where material is added in to build up the parts through rapid prototyping. “Producing the trophy on Sierra College’s three dimensional printer cut the development time in half and reduced the cost by more than 80% when compared to machining,” said Frank. “The students also learned functional analysis and changed the design after they evaluated the model.” Students can use these skills to study Engineering Support Technology, Engineering, Mechatronics and Energy Technology at Sierra College, and pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Math careers.

Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) provides technical expertise and rapid prototyping services to Northern California Manufacturers reducing the cost and time it takes to develop new products and get them to market. Sierra College CACT and Training & Development also offer on-site customized employee training. For more information, go to www.sierracollegetraining.com or contact Carol Pepper-Kittredge at cpepper-kittredge@sierracollege.edu or (916) 781-6288.

Sierra College Athletics Ranks Third in the Nation … Again!

The California Community College Commission on Athletics and National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) has today released the final standings of the 2009-10 NATYCAA Cup. Sierra College has finished third in the nation, tying with Riverside, for overall athletic excellence.

“Our coaches and great student athletes are to be congratulated for another incredible year of sports excellence. I am so proud. We will receive our fifth trophy from the NATYCAA at our awards luncheon, on June 22nd.” 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 Orange Coast College (Costa Mesa, CA) topped the final standings with a score of 167 points, winning the prestigious award for the second time in its seven year history, with the other NATYCAA Cup being awarded for the 2006-07 season. Finishing second was Mt. San Antonio College (Walnut, CA) who was just 1.5 points behind with 165.5, followed by Riverside City College (Riverside, CA) and Sierra College (Rocklin, CA) with 141 points each. Orange Coast’s spring sports were very successful, gaining them the award after being in seventh place after the fall. Rounding out the top ten were Santa Rosa Junior College (Santa Rosa, CA), Fresno City College (Fresno, CA), American River College (Sacramento, CA), Sacramento City College (Sacramento, CA), Ventura College (Ventura, CA) and Cerritos College (Norwalk, CA).

The 2009-10 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 go to www.sierracollege.edu and click on the Events & Athletics tab on the home page.

Sierra College publishes The Illuminated Landscape: A Sierra Nevada Anthology

Sierra College has published an anthology on the Sierra Nevada entitled The Illuminated Landscape: A Sierra Nevada Anthology.  It is available in bookstores and online. It is the first trade publication of the Sierra College Press, which was founded in 2002 to publish Standing Guard: Telling Our Stories, the award-winning examination of Japanese American internment during World War II.

The essays, poetry, and stories presented in The Illuminated Landscape encompass the entire Sierra Nevada experience: an ancient creation myth involving an unlikely contest between Hawk and Crow, vignettes of life in mining camps, a curious deer taking a stroll through Beetle Rock, the impact a simple camping trip can make, the solace felt by a family held in an internment camp, an enlightening attempt to climb Matterhorn Peak; and many more.  Excerpts from well-known writers such as Henry David Thoreau, Mark Twain, Mary Austin, Wallace Stegner, Gary Snyder, T. Coraghessan Boyle, and Ishmael Reed as well as original works from local authors reveal how important the Sierra has become to our cultural psyche as an irreplaceable refuge for our spirits.

The Illuminated Landscape comes at a critical point. With the power of the written word to inspire, energize, and challenge, this anthology shines a light on what is at risk for the Sierra Nevada today and reinforces the importance of sustaining its beauty and ecological diversity.

The anthology is co-published by Heyday Books of Berkeley and Santa Clara University. The anthology is part of Santa Clara’s prestigious California Legacy series.

To celebrate the launch of the book, a number of presentations and book signings are scheduled.

For more details about these events and others, log on to “Upcoming Events” on the Heyday Books website at www.heydaybooks.com or to the Sierra College Press webpage at www.sierracollege.edu/press

For more information about the anthology, log on to http://www.heydaybooks.com/anthologies/the-illuminated-landscape-a-si.html

Sierra College wins National Science Foundation grant

Hands-on catapult project will be used to teach applied math

Sierra College has been awarded a $150,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF - nsf.gov) to expand its Tech-Explorer program, which enhances learning through hands-on project-based laboratory experiences. The grant funds will be used to develop and test the impact of integrating mathematics curriculum into the building of a catapult.

The Sierra Tech-Explorer program began in 2007 and was developed by the Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) and Sierra STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Collaborative to bring applied academics to middle and high school classes. In three hours of class time, students use hand and power tools such as mills, lathes and drills to produce parts and assemble catapults. Students are motivated to learn mathematics related to the catapult because they made the parts, and assembled them into a functioning catapult. Also, by incorporating “just in time” mathematics coupled with a hands-on experience, students’ become familiar with what a manufacturing or repair technician might do on the job.

The program came to the attention of the National Science Foundation through their highly competitive grant application process. The NSF supports excellence in science and engineering education and has a goal to advance the frontiers of knowledge and cultivate a world-class science and engineering workforce. The grant will enable Sierra College to enhance its efforts in two significant ways:

• Further development, integration, and testing of mathematics lessons into the Tech-Explorer (Tech-Explorer.com) catapult building project. Two instructional modules will be created that are connected to California education content standards. Student learning and retention will then be evaluated.
• Sierra will host an in-service summer institute for teachers to gain knowledge of how to teach project-based learning. This institute will be open to all instructors throughout the region from middle school, high school and community college.

According to Sandra Scott, Director of Grant Development and Career Technical Education at Sierra College, “Traditionally, teachers deliver academic concepts with little or no hands-on application. Our training will focus on how to integrate project-based learning with academic lessons that captures students’ attention and interest.”

Through this project, Sierra College will attract students to STEM education and prepare them to pursue technical careers. Sierra College offers Engineering, Mechatronics, Energy Technology, Engineering Support Technology and other similar programs to prepare students for highly-paid, in-demand, local careers.

For more information about the Sierra College NSF grant and STEM Collaborative, go to www.sierraschoolworks.com or contact Sandra Scott, Sierra College at (916) 781-6244.

Sutter Health Partners with Sierra College Art for Outreach Project

The School Hospital Outreach Project (SHOP), a Community Benefits program of Sutter Health, provides health and safety education to second graders in several Placer County schools. Recently, SHOP wanted to enhance their presentation on safety with a visual aid, but couldn’t find the just the right thing among the materials available to them. In an ‘aha’ moment, they realized that right here in their back yard with illustration expertise, was Sierra College's Art Department. "I was looking for a cartoon-like picture to use when teaching second graders about safety when I got the idea of partnering with Sierra College", said Liz Honeycutt, SHOP Coordinator at Sutter Roseville Medical Center and Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital.

Liz was put in contact with Richards Downs, the Illustration teacher at Sierra, who connected her with Chris Liaghat, a student in his class. The two of them worked together on this project, meeting weekly during class to fine-tune the characters and safety messages. The final illustration called "Make it Safe!" a lesson designed to have students identify what is unsafe and then "make it safe" is being used to teach second graders in Sutter Health's SHOP program. "Chris was great to work with; he was very open to feedback and eager to make the project meet the needs of the program."

A graduate of San Francisco State University as well as current Sierra student, Chris has also illustrated for local businesses and newspapers. His artwork can be seen in the weekly storefront comics at Orangevale's Pick-A-Deli Market.

“Working on ‘real world’ projects provides our students with not only additional experience for their portfolio and resume,” commented Professor Downs, “But also helps them learn how to work with a client’s input and needs.”

SHOP is a Community Benefits program of Sutter Roseville Medical Center and Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital. Currently over 1100 second graders participate in this health and safety program.

Placer Union High School District commends Sierra College STEM Collaborative

Applied Academic Programs Prepare Students for Future

Sierra College’s Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Collaborative (www.sierraschoolworks.com) received recognition from the Placer Union High School District Board of Trustees at the board meeting on Tuesday, May 4 in Auburn, CA. Sandra Scott, director of grant development and career technical education (CTE) and Carol Pepper-Kittredge, director, Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) for Sierra College, were acknowledged for their many contributions to enhancing the Career Technical Education programs at Colfax and Placer high schools. They received beautiful wooden plaques customized by the teachers, unique wooden purses designed and created in the tech lab, and flowers.

The district expressed gratitude for: “their energy, contribution and commitment” and support of STEM “which has transformed teaching and learning, reinforced academics, integrated CTE disciplines, made learning relevant, engaged more students and united staff in the vision of preparing students for a challenging and dynamic 21st century workplace.”

Gregg Ramseth, Director of Technology, Placer Union High School District, described the STEM impact as far reaching. “Great things are happening in our schools. Ask anyone who has strolled through Mechatronics, Design Tech, Ag Welding or Wood. Our students are the real beneficiaries as they are guided through these challenging learning environments with a fired up faculty,” said Ramseth.

The objective of the Sierra STEM Collaborative is to help teachers attract students to technical careers by exposing them to real world design, product development and production tools and techniques. Through engaging projects, STEM instructors prepare students with relevant hands-on applied academic curriculum and encourage them further their education in engineering, mechatronics, energy technology and engineering support technology at Sierra College.

Sierra STEM Collaborative teachers integrate math and science into product development project curriculum grooming students to succeed in further education and careers. At Colfax High School, the STEM Collaborative teachers developed the new Design Tech (www.colfaxdesign.com) program with planning, professional development and other support from Sierra College. Design Tech students explore design principles while rotating through four sections of design and construction, metal, integrated computers and electronics to build components and assemble a model car.

Wade Wolff, Colfax instructor, said the Sierra STEM Collaborative was instrumental in developing the Design Tech program. “Sandra, Carol and the rest of the Sierra College team inspired us to consider new ways of teaching,” said Wolff. Jonathan Schwartz, Colfax instructor says affiliation with the STEM Collaborative has been motivating. “These last couple years have been my most fun yet. I love teaching now even more than before,” said Schwartz. “I thank Sierra College and STEM project for all that they have done to make that happen.”

At Placer High School, Mechatronics (www.placermechatronics.com) students learn a blend of mechanics, electronics, pneumatics and computer science as they build robots, cranes and solar trackers. The STEM collaborative supplied instructors with professional development opportunities and helped modernize the shop facilities according to Tom Stargaard, Mechatronics teacher. Placer students also learn to design parts using 3D computer software and fabricate them using laser cutters and production equipment. "Our partnership with the Sierra STEM collaborative has enabled us to offer our students a cutting edge advanced mechatronics program,” said Stargaard. “These students will have a real advantage when they further their studies in this field."

The Sierra STEM Collaborative received a grant from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office to support the region’s long-term economic viability through career technical education (CTE). The project aligns education with business to develop relevant hands-on learning models, merge academics with technical education and fill the pipeline of future workers who are qualified for highly-paid, in-demand technical positions. For more information about the Sierra STEM Collaborative, go to www.sierraschoolworks.com or contact Sandra Scott, Sierra College at (916) 781-6244.

Natural History Museum publishes Electronic Journal on Flying Creatures

The Sierra College Natural History Museum, in association with the Sierra College Press, has published an electronic journal on Flying Creatures. This eJournal is the latest edition of The Journal of the Sierra College Natural History Museum.

The Spring 2010 edition of the eJournal features articles that highlight the ways in which different groups of organisms fly. Sierra College Earth Science Professor Richard Hilton offers an article on flight in extinct reptiles. California State University, Sacramento anatomist Dr. Winston Lancaster provides an explanation of not only flight in bats, but also the two main theories as to how flight evolved. Award-winning United Kingdom nature journalist Gareth Huw Davies, considers the ancestry of birds and the adaptations and diversity that can be found within this group. Finally, this edition examines one of the courses taught at Sierra College – Biology 14: Natural History, Ecology and Conservation.

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 the other electronic journal published by the Sierra College Press. This eJournal is Snowy Range Reflections: A Journal of Sierra Nevada History and Biography (www.jsnhb.org)

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

Businesses Make Products Faster with Rapid Prototyping

Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies Provides Technical Assistance

Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) provides technical expertise and rapid prototyping services to Northern California Manufacturers reducing the cost and time it takes to develop new products and get them to market. The goal is to give California businesses a competitive advantage explained Carol Pepper-Kittredge, director of the Sierra College CACT (www.sierracollegetraining.com).

“Rapid Prototyping is a quick and relatively inexpensive way for designers and manufacturers to see and feel an accurate model of a part or product before approving it for production,” said Pepper-Kittredge. “Using a 3D computer design file, the rapid prototype equipment ‘prints’ out a product by following computer code to place layer after layer of durable acrylnitrile butadene styrene (ABS) plastic until the desire shape is achieved.”

Poolmaster (www.poolmaster.com) of Sacramento has used the CACT’s rapid prototyping services to design new handles for pool brushes and skimmers, a cover for a pool vacuum and a cartridge core for a filter. For more than 43 years, Poolmaster has developed original swimming pool products including maintenance equipment, inflatables, pool games and lounges. Michael Bell, product engineer for Poolmaster explained that Sierra College’s Rapid Prototyping services speed production. “Using rapid prototyping has cut production processing time by a factor of 10,” said Bell. “We can change the design and make a prototype to see how it works before finalizing the design. Because we can hold the product in our hands and test it we are 100% comfortable with the design before sending it to the factory.”

The rapid prototype can also help with market research. “We produced a handle for the skimmer pole and were able to fit it right on the pole because the prototype has the exact tolerances of the finished part,” said Bell. “If there were any problems with dimensions, we’d be able to see it immediately. We also asked customers to try the handle and give us feedback so we could refine the design.”

The Sierra College CACT provides technical advice to clients and Bell said that this helped Poolmaster resolve some design issues. “We appreciated being able to send a scaled version of a part that was too big for the rapid prototype equipment so we could still inspect it in a reduced size,” said Bell. “Poolmaster benefits from the convenience of working with a local supplier and Sierra College CACT has been very responsive. In addition, multiple small parts can often fit on the same build plate saving the cost of additional set ups.”

Sierra College CACT and Training & Development also offer on-site customized employee training in process improvement, lean manufacturing, high-tech soldering, supervision, communication and other business topics. Since 1992, Sierra College CACT has worked with businesses, manufacturers and technology companies in Northern California. For more information, go to www.sierracollegetraining.com or contact Carol Pepper-Kittredge at cpepper-kittredge@sierracollege.edu or (916) 781-6288.

Sierra College Professor, Jennifer Kattman, Wins Award at the Phi Theta Kappa Annual Convention

Sierra College congratulates Professor of Sociology, Jennifer Kattman, who  received the Paragon Award For New Advisors for The Beta Mu Zeta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Sierra College, at the 2010 Phi Theta Kappa Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida, held on April 8 -10.

This year, over 400 chapters competed for the Society's most coveted awards.  The Hallmark Awards Program is the Society's capstone awards competition annually recognizing excellence in programs that promote the Phi Theta Kappa Hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship.  Exceptional members, officers, advisors, college administrators and chapters are recognized annually at the Phi Theta Kappa Annual Convention for their achievements.

The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, is the largest honor society in American higher education with 1,250 chapters on college campuses in all 50 of the United States, Canada, Germany, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the British Virgin Islands, the United Arab Emirates and U.S. territorial possessions. More than two million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 100,000 students inducted annually. Membership is based primarily upon academic achievement. The organization offers a myriad of opportunities for scholarships, intellectual enrichment and personal development through programs based on the Society's Hallmarks.

Sierra College students who have completed 12 units of transferable course credit at Sierra College with a minimum 3.5 GPA are eligible to join the college’s Beta Mu Zeta chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society for two-year colleges. A record number of 73 students were inducted into the Honor Society at the annual ceremony held on April 22, 2010, up from the 19 students inducted in 2009.

The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. Phi Theta Kappa provides opportunities for the development of leadership and service, for lively fellowship for scholars and eligibility to apply for $37 million in Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships.

Jennifer received her Master of Arts degree in Sociology in 2002 and began teaching Sociology at Sierra College in 2005. Prior to teaching at Sierra, Jennifer conducted research in the fields of Sport Sociology and Race and Ethnic Relations, including a study for the NCAA regarding factors affecting minority student-athlete graduation rates. She teaches several different courses at Sierra College including Introduction to Sociology, Race, Ethnicity, and Inequality, Introduction to Sociology of Sport, as well as a few Social Science/Ethnic Studies courses. Jennifer was named the 2008-2009 Full-Time Faculty Member of the Year by the Sierra College Student Senate.

For more information about the Sierra College Honors Program go to: http://www.sierracollege.edu/Programs/honors.htm or call Jennifer Kattman at 916-660-8067 or jkattman@sierracollege.edu.

Sierra College Receives Awards at the Placer County Economic Development Summit

Sierra College received two awards during the nineteenth annual Placer County Economic Development Summit held last Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 at the Orchard Creek Ballroom at Sun City Lincoln Hills. About 215 people attended the summit which honors outstanding public-sector and private-sector contributions to the county’s economic well-being.

Sierra College president, Dr. Leo E. Chavez, accepted an award on behalf of the College for its Solar Energy Technician Program which began offering classes during the fall of 2009. Steve Nichols, the economic development board chairman for Placer County, presented the award to Sierra for helping fill the need to have a skilled workforce in the rapidly growing photovoltaic energy field.  “This course curriculum was developed in response to hundreds of projected new, well-paid local jobs for photovoltaic solar panel installers, inspectors, technicians and business-development specialists,” Nichols said. “This course will enhance Placer County’s long-term development and competitiveness by having a skilled workforce and local training opportunities in the renewable energy field.” Sierra received grant funding through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office for the program.

Sandra Scott, director of grant development and career technical education, received an award for her effectiveness serving as a liaison between the college and both the business community and local government agencies. and developing innovative new training and education programs to meet local employers demand for qualified staff. Councilman John Allard gave Scott her award, telling the audience “Sandra supports the college’s effort to make education relevant for students, increasing the number of local residents who find meaningful employment and advising local economic developers on the value of Sierra College to our community,” Sandra manages customized employee training that helps local businesses increase productivity and secured grant funding to support local employers training programs. Her accomplishments include:

• Impacting businesses’ bottom line through lean manufacturing and process improvement training as well as technical skills such as IPC soldering and rapid prototyping.
• Securing the grant to develop the Mechatronics program at Sierra that has a track record of supplying highly qualified technicians to meet manufacturing and technology companies’ needs. Plus, Mountain Mechatronics in conjunction with the California Ski Industry Association.
• Sierra STEM Collaborative working with Sierra College and feeder schools to attract students to technical careers. Programs established at High Schools: Lincoln, Placer, Colfax, Nevada Union, Oakmont, Truckee, North Tahoe.
• Serves on the Golden Sierra Workforce Investment Board.
• Serves as the education representative on the Placer County Economic Development Board.

For more information on these programs; visit www. sierracollegetraining.com; www.sierraschoolworks.com , or www.sierraenergytech.com.

Sierra College publishes Electronic Journal on Alonzo Delano, California Gold Rush writer and civic leader

The Sierra College Press has published an electronic journal on “Alonzo Delano: Nomad Denizen of the World.” This eJournal is the latest edition of Snowy Range Reflections: A Journal of Sierra Nevada History and Biography, which has been published since 2008.

The newest edition of the eJournal is unique in that it considers only one topic. It presents the story of Alonzo Delano, who traveled to California during the Gold Rush and became a prominent author and a civic leader in Grass Valley. The eJournal recounts his adventures traveling from Illinois as a 49er and his fascinating life upon arrival in the goldfields. It also tells the tale of the devastating Grass Valley Fire of 1855, an event in which Delano played a key role in saving the town from total physical and emotional destruction.

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 Executive Editor of the eJournal is Dan DeFoe, Professor of History at Sierra College. 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 the other electronic journal published by the Sierra College Press. The other eJournal is The Journal of the Sierra College Natural History Museum (www.jscnhm.org).

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

Sierra College wins Energy Saving Demonstration Center & Training Grant

Center for Applied Competitive Technologies focuses on manufacturers’ energy reduction

The Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) (sierracollegetraining.com) at Sierra College was selected through a competitive process to receive a $205,000 grant from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, Economic and Workforce Development Program. The grant will focus on manufacturers and train energy technicians to identify and implement energy saving practices that provide competitive advantages to businesses, while supporting workers and the region economically.

The project includes a demonstration site to assist manufacturers in utilizing energy audits, weatherization and other methods to reduce energy consumption without outlay of capital investment. In partnership with the California Conservation Corps in Auburn, CA, CACT will develop curriculum to train Corps members to fill the need for energy efficiency technicians. This project will give local manufacturers cost-saving advantages, generate new businesses, open ‘green collar’ career paths to well-paid jobs and develop workers’ skills to meet a growing demand. Carol Pepper-Kittredge, CACT Director for Sierra College, will manage this grant project.

According to Sandra Scott, Director, Grant Development and Career Technical Education at Sierra College, CACT has been providing technical assistance to employers since 1992. “To mitigate the effects of the deep recession that began in 2008, manufacturers have retrenched and reduced costs by implementing ‘lean’ and process improvement practices to increase productivity,” said Scott. 

“One of the few remaining expenditures that businesses can control is energy use.  By implementing energy efficient practices that align with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles, California manufacturers can improve their financial performance in the globally competitive marketplace.” 

The California Conservation Corps (CCC) Placer Energy Center will play a key role explained Rod Thornhill, Center Director, CCC. “In addition to hosting training courses, the site will be used for business and industry workshops on improving energy efficiency as well as demonstrating new and renewable energy technologies,” said Thornhill.  “This program will serve as a state-wide model, ultimately training and placing hundreds of workers.” Those trained through the program may further develop their skills through the new Sierra College Energy Technology photovoltaic program (sierraenergytech.com).

Local manufacturers, public agencies and economic development organizations support this effort. According to Clay Schmidt, Executive Manager, Sacramento, PG&E, this partnership will positively benefit the region. “PG&E fully expects excellent results that will help Californian businesses be competitive globally and expand the region’s workforce,” said Schmidt.

To spread the impact through the CACT’s Northern California territory, Butte College and College of the Redwoods are grant partners. Annie Rafferty, Director of Contract Education for Butte College explained that the Sierra College CACT currently provides customized training to the North Valley Lean Group composed of 13 leading manufacturers. “The Lean Group and the Butte College Green Building Technology Advisory Group with CACT will provide businesses with critical skills to implement energy-smart procedures and find energy-saving opportunities,” said Rafferty.

Sierra College CACT and Training & Development also offer on-site customized employee training in process improvement, lean manufacturing, high-tech soldering, supervision, communication and other business topics. Since 1992, Sierra College CACT 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 offers a Career Spotlight Featuring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Careers

On Thursday, March 11, 2010 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Sierra College Rocklin Campus, the Sierra College Alumni Association and Career Connections will hosting a networking event that brings together industry professionals and Sierra students, alumni and community members to talk about possibilities within STEM-related careers. Students will have an opportunity to talk to professionals in the field about the variety of positions available in this growing and essential section of our economy.

More than two million new technology-related jobs are expected to be created by 2018. This information session will be invaluable to individuals seeking more information on sustainable careers and for industry leaders to make contact and share their knowledge and expertise. Networking is the number one internship and job search tool. Make contacts now that will pay off later!

There is no cost for attending this Career Spotlight, which will be held in the Fireside room in the Campus Center, building J, on the Sierra College Rocklin Campus, located at 5000 Rocklin Road in Rocklin, CA. There is a $2 parking fee on campus. Parking permits can be purchased at machines located within the campus parking lot.

For more information, contact Career Connections at 916-660-7481 or careerconnections@sierracollege.edu. Check out our website at www.sierracollege.edu/cte

Sierra College Coach Darci Brownell to Receive 4CA Coaching Achievement Award

Sierra College congratulates Softball Coach Darci Brownell for winning the Coaching Achievement Award from the California Community College Commission on Athletics Association. The award will be presented at the Honoring Our Own Awards Luncheon during CCCAA Convention at the Doubletree Inn, Airport in Ontario, CA on April 1, 2010 at 12:30.

The 4CA Coaching Achievement Award is an annual award which honors members of the California Community College Coaching profession who show exemplary participation, dedication and contributions to their chosen sport. The recipient coach exhibits leadership and high ethical values in addition to providing an outstanding role model for student-athletes and future professionals.

The Community College League of California's Commission on Athletics (COA) is an integral part of California's extensive community college system. As authorized by the State Legislature, the Education Code provides the COA the opportunity and authority to establish the rules and regulations to administer the athletic activities of the nearly 25,000 men and women student athletes in the state.

For more information, contact Sierra College Dean of Athletics, John Volek at 916.660.8102 or jvolek@sierracollege.edu

Placer High School’s Mechatronics Class benefits from Sierra College’s Support

Students prepare for Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM) careers

Auburn’s Placer High School students are getting a jump start on highly-paid, in-demand technical careers as a result of the school’s new Mechatronics courses. The Sierra Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Collaborative provided support for classroom tools and equipment, professional development for instructors and new program development. The goal of the STEM Collaborative and Sierra College partnership is to attract students to technical careers.

Placer Mechatronics students work on real world equipment as they learn a blend of mechanics, electronics, pneumatics and computer science. As they build robots, cranes and solar trackers, students learn how to program and interface microcontrollers (computer-on-a-chip) as well as interface sensors, speakers, lights, remote controls, and DC and stepper motors. These mechatronics skills are used in industry to design, build and repair robots, jets, ATM’s, ski lifts and medical equipment. The class is expected to encourage students to pursue technical careers in design, engineering, production and product development.

Instructor Tom Stargaard explained that the high school class was inspired by the success of the Sierra College Mechatronics program. “Sierra College developed its Mechatronics program based common skills sought by local industry and has an excellent reputation for graduates finding employment,” said Stargaard. “Michael Halbern, Mechatronics faculty member, has been very supportive of the Placer program and our advanced students can earn Sierra College credit.”

According to Sandra Scott, Director, Grant Development and Career Technical Education, Sierra College, the Sierra STEM Collaborative makes it possible for teachers like Stargaard to develop new applied academic curriculum. “Through job shadows, skills training and working with other like-minded instructors, Tom developed innovative coursework,” said Scott. “The Placer Mechatronics program integrates academics and hands-on technical education, and exposes students to education and career paths in growing technical fields.”

The Sierra STEM Collaborative gave Stargaard an opportunity to spend time last summer at Lifetouch seeing how mechatronics is used in large scale photography production as well as visit the CSU Chico Mechatronics program. “I saw how much the industry had changed and the importance of mechanical as well as electronics trouble shooting skills,” said Stargaard. “The experience generated ideas that enhanced student projects.” The STEM Collaborative also provided new classroom equipment such as solar panels, CNC plasma cutter, ultrasonic range finders and parts to build robotic arms such as stepper motors, gears, pulleys and pneumatic equipment. A $10,000 solar grant from PG&E provided the parts for the automated solar tracker project and LCD displays.

Gary Pantaleoni, Placer High School Assistant Principal says that Placer Industrial Arts instructors are offering relevant classroom experiences. “Thanks to the Sierra STEM and the dedication of Mike Pahl, Matt Conley and Tom Stargaard working together as a Professional Learning Community, Placer students will be better prepared for college and future careers in technology and engineering,” said Pantaleoni. “The importance of math and science becomes more apparent to students when they see how it applies to hands-on projects.”

The instructors would welcome community support such as the donation of scrap material and equipment, classroom mentors with engineering, electronics or computer expertise, speakers from industry, and opportunities for student and teacher tours and job shadows at local employers. Please contact Thomas Stargaard at 530-745-5732 or tstargaa@PUHSD.k12.ca.us.

The Sierra STEM Collaborative received a grant from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office to support the region’s long-term economic viability through career technical education (CTE). The project aligns education with business to develop relevant hands-on learning models, merge academics with technical education and fill the pipeline of future workers who are qualified for highly-paid, in-demand technical positions. For more information about the Sierra STEM Collaborative, go to www.sierracollegetraining.com or contact Sandra Scott, Sierra College at (916) 781-6244.