Category: News

Educators, Employers Stress “One Team” Collaboration at Workforce Summit

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Nearly 300 regional educators, employers, business and workforce training leaders convened for the second “Sierra Workforce Summit” on June 3 to align workforce development efforts for Placer County and the broader Sacramento Region.

Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan reported how the region is progressing toward the goals established at the 2024 Summit, including:

  • Employer Engagement: More than 350 employers are working directly with educators through Sierra College’s Employer Advisory Boards, with additional employer engagement happening with workforce development agencies, area chambers of commerce and local high schools.
  • Career Connections for Students: More than 5,000 high school students are taking college-level courses through Sierra College dual enrollment, with more than 1,100 enrolled in Career Technical Education courses directly connected to potential careers. 
  • Clear Educational Pathways: Thirty-nine (39) area high schools are offering Sierra College courses through dual enrollment, which are accelerating student progress toward degrees at Sierra, transfer to four-year universities, and job skills training through Career Technical Education.
  • Adult Upskilling: Sierra enrolled 5,800 students above the age of 24, many of which are receiving education for career upskilling or job transitions. 
Sierra Workforce Summit at Sierra College

“Our goal for the Summit is to encourage educators, employers, and community partners to think and act as one team to meet our regional workforce needs,” said Duncan. “These results highlight how our strong partnerships are preparing students with the practical, relevant skills needed to fill good-paying jobs at our regional employers. But we can’t stop here—there is more work to be done.”

Sector-Based Strategies Solving Specific Challenges

Summit speakers discussed high-impact strategies to meet workforce needs in specific sectors like precision manufacturing, utilities, food production and health care. These include Sierra College’s Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Machinist Apprenticeship program and its new surgical tech program, which was born out of the Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Talent Pipeline Management program with area health systems. Surgical techs are in high-demand and can expect starting salaries of $90,000 after a one-year program.

Sector-based workforce strategies funded through Valley Vision’s We Prosper Together initiative were also discussed. These include SMUD’s Lineworker Scholarship Program, Sierra Commons’ resilient rural food systems and food entrepreneurship accelerator, and the Roseville Chamber’s Talent Pipeline Management program for Precision Manufacturing.    

Dual Enrollment Broadening Opportunities for All

The Summit also spotlighted the opportunities created by the increase in Dual Enrollment (DE) courses, where high school students take a Sierra College course at their own high school for free. More than 5,000 high school students at 39 area high schools were enrolled in 80 Sierra College DE course in 2024-25. Roseville Joint Union High School District is currently deploying more than $2 million in grant funding to build Mechatronics DE programs at Antelope and Oakmont High Schools, complete with labs that replicate the lab at Sierra College. More than 200 students have expressed interest for Fall 2025. Sierra College and Roseville Chamber are also collaborating on building the workforce pipeline for cybersecurity careers through dual enrollment at local high schools. 

New Report Highlights Impact of Career Technical Education Programs

Sierra College presented its first-ever report on its Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, which blend academic learning with technical and career-specific skills training. The goal of CTE programs is to better and more quickly prepare students for career fields by mixing classroom instruction with hands-on learning, improving academic results.  

The new report finds that nearly half (47%) of Sierra College students are enrolled in one of its 21 CTE programs of study, which offer 140 different degree and certificate options. Sierra’s CTE programs include nursing and allied health, precision manufacturing, public safety, building industries, applied arts, business and information technology.

In February, Sierra College celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of students who will be working at Bosch’s new semiconductor facility in Roseville.

Recent Graduates Share Their Career Success

The Summit culminated in a panel discussion of recent Sierra College students who shared their journeys from education into the workforce, which Summit attendees said left them feeling hopeful and inspired. 

Mathew Gray, a graduate of Sierra’s Fire Academy at its Nevada County Campus, is now working for Sacramento County Airport Fire. Angel Ruano, who secured an internship at Swinerton while studying at Sierra College, is now a full-time Swinerton information technology (IT) employee. Noelle Witcher, a local  small business owner who participated in Sierra’s entrepreneurship programs and is preparing to launch her own line of cosmetics. Nursing program graduate Sierra Gartrell announced during the panel that she had just accepted a job offer from Sutter Health.

“A traditional four-year degree program and job hunting on my own were not working for me. Thanks to flexible programs and an internship placement, I have the skills I need and am succeeding at a job with room to move up,” said Angel Ruano.

Visit the Sierra Workforce Summit webpage to see the full agenda, speakers, supporting partners and highlight video of the 2025 event.

Sierra College Receives CAL FIRE Partnership Award

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Recognized for Commitment to Safety, Community Service

Sierra College and Superintendent/President Willy Duncan were honored by the CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit with its 2024 “Partnership Award” for the college’s commitment to public safety and community service, its longstanding Fire Academy program, and recent efforts to bring a Regional Public Safety Training Center to Placer County.

“Throughout his tenure, President Duncan has championed initiatives that strengthen emergency response training and preparedness, playing a pivotal role in elevating Sierra College’s reputation as a leader in public safety education,” said Brian Estes, Fire Chief for CAL FIRE’s Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit and the Placer County Fire Department. “Sierra College’s Fire Academy has trained generations of first responders and remains a cornerstone of regional emergency services training.”

Chief Estes added, “Under President Duncan’s visionary leadership, Sierra College will partner with Sacramento State University, Placer County Sheriff’s Office and the Placer County Fire Department, as well as regional public safety agencies to bring the historic Regional Public Safety Training Center to Placer County. His strategic guidance has secured vital resources and partnerships, laying the groundwork for the future of training the next generation of first responders. Willys unwavering leadership and energy is inspiring and it is a pleasure to have him as a strong professional partner with CAL FIRE and the Placer County Fire Department.”

Presented annually, CAL FIRE’s Partnership Award recognizes leadership and dedication in working towards building a cooperative emergency response as defined in the mission, vision and values of CAL FIRE. This year’s award was presented at the CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit’s all-hands meeting on May 14.  

“Sierra College deeply values our partnership with our regional public safety partners and is honored to receive this award from Chief Estes and CAL FIRE,” said Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan. “Together we are working to train the firefighters and law enforcement professionals needed to keep our community safe and provide meaningful careers pathways for those who want to serve. The Regional Public Safety Training Center is a testament to how education and public safety can work together to promote the latest in skills training for our current and future workers.”

Sierra College currently offers degrees, certificates and skills certificates in Fire Technology, including a Firefighter 1 and 2 Academy, an Administration of Justice program that includes two levels of police academy training, and a Emergency Medical Technician program.

In February, Sierra College announced that it had entered into a land purchase agreement for 50 acres in western Placer County to construct a Regional Public Safety Training Center in partnership with regional safety agencies and local governments.  

About Sierra College

Sierra College is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3,200 square miles of Northern California with campuses in Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four-year universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. More information at www.sierracollege.edu.  

Sierra College Men’s Swim Team Scores Fifth Straight State Championship

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Hard Fight to the Finish Leads to Team Victory

The Sierra College Men’s Swim and Dive Team won its fifth consecutive state title on May 3, taking first at the California Community College Athletic Association’s (3C2A) 2025 State Swimming and Diving Championship at Santa Rosa Junior College.

“Five consecutive championships is a source of tremendous pride for Sierra College,” said coach Chris Breitbart. “Against very good competition and a close finish, our athletes continued to fight hard at every event over three days and delivered a true team victory.”

In addition to securing the top overall team score for the championship, Wolverines also won the 800-yard freestyle relay, swam by Brock Sippola, Rhett Wildenradt, Tyler Nattrass, and Troy Quintana. The team also had top three finishes in four other events: 

  • 200-yard freestyle: Troy Quintana, 2nd place
  • 500-yard freestyle: Troy Quintana, 3rd place
  • 200-yard breastroke: Michael Hansen, 2nd place
  • 200-yard butterfly: Genoa Nixon, 2nd place

At the 3C2A 2025, points are awarded on a sliding scale for each event, with 20 points awarded for first place in individual events (40 points for team relays) and one point awarded for 16th place. In total, the Sierra College Men’s team finished the championship with 443 points. 

View the full list of 3C2A 2025 men’s and women’s swim and dive championships results.

Sierra College Foundation Receives $400,000 Gift Commemorating Former Student

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Fund Will Support Sierra College Students Pursuing Degrees in Computer Science, Related Fields

Sierra College Foundation (SCF) is humbled to announce it has received a $400,000 gift to establish the Joshua Cohen Memorial Endowment Fund to support Sierra College students pursuing degrees in computer science and related fields, as well as faculty in the specified areas of study. Cohen, a former Sierra College student, passed away in a plane crash 20 years ago, Feb. 22, 2005, at the age of 27. The gift was received from Cohen’s cousin, Noah Youngs.

“Josh was the closest thing I had to an older brother,” said Noah Youngs. “I was always astounded by his intelligence, in particular, his intuitive understanding of computer systems, programming, and what we now know today as cybersecurity. He influenced me in so many ways, including the field I ended up in for my career. Josh’s time at Sierra College was meaningful to him, and I hope this gift will help students pursue their educational dreams in the field of computer science, and help teachers stay current on the latest trends and breakthroughs.”

Student recipients must have a strong academic record in computer science or related fields, be involved in relevant clubs such as the Computer Science Club, the Sierra College Artificial Intelligence Club, or the Robotics Club, participate in relevant competitions, such as hack-a-thons and programming contests, and demonstrate leadership within the community.

Faculty in the areas of computer science and related fields are encouraged to apply for financial assistance to help alleviate costs for attending conferences, trainings, and seminars that will positively impact their teaching.

“I’m overwhelmed with my nephew’s remembrance of his cousin, and knowing Joshua will continue to inspire and help students and faculty 20 years later,” said Joshua’s father, Ned Cohen, a long-time member of the SCF Board. 

About Sierra College Foundation

Sierra College Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Sierra College. More than 60 percent of Sierra College students are eligible for financial assistance. In academic year 2023-24, SCF raised nearly $3 million for students through individual donations, corporate funding, grants and events such as the Taste of Excellence. SCF was founded in 1973 and raises money to support students, college programs, and facilities. SCF is independently audited and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, most of whom live and work in the communities served by the Sierra Joint Community College District of Placer, Nevada, and parts of Sacramento and El Dorado Counties. For more information about Sierra College Foundation and how to give or volunteer, visit: www.sierracollege.edu/give

Dr. Denise Bushnell Honored with 2024-25 Hayward Award for Excellence

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Recognized as Champion for Removing Barriers for Student Success

Sierra College business professor Dr. Denise Bushnell has been honored with the 2024-25 Hayward Award for Excellence in Education. Sponsored annually by the Foundation for California Community Colleges, this award honors community college full-time and part-time faculty who demonstrate the highest level of commitment to their students, college and profession.

Hayward Award honorees must be nominated by their college academic senate, and nominees are selected by representatives of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges.

In nominating Dr. Bushnell for the award, Sierra College colleagues recognized her decades of work in removing barriers to student success and championing numerous initiatives to help historically underrepresented students reach their educational and career goals. These initiatives include:

  • The Invention and Inclusive Innovation (i3) program to integrate social entrepreneurship, equitable access and 21st century skills
  • Aligning CTE curriculum to be more inclusive and meet local workforce needs
  • Growing Sierra College’s Dual Enrollment programs to bring more Career Technical Education (CTE) courses to local high schools – particularly under-resourced high schools
  • Working with other programs to help remove educational and cultural barriers to empower underrepresented student populations   

“Dr. Bushnell’s commitment to increasing opportunities has left a lasting impact on all our students by forging equitable pathways that connect them to meaningful and successful careers,” said Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan. “Sierra College is grateful for her many years of outstanding service and thrilled for her to receive this statewide honor.”

In supporting the award nomination, Sierra College colleagues recognized Dr. Bushnell’s “unwavering dedication to student equity,” and “broadening access to diverse learners to accelerate their connection to the workforce.” Colleagues also credited Dr. Bushnell for “courageous leadership and commitment to equity that have expanded opportunities for CTE students, strengthened employer connections, and fostered enduring cultural change.”

Dr. Bushnell has been a faculty member at Sierra College since 1999. She provides leadership in the Business Department in the areas of entrepreneurship and CTE. She serves as an Academic Senator for the Business and Technology Division, chair of the CTE Committee, numerous Sierra College committees, task forces, and regional efforts with other community colleges.  

The Hayward Award for Excellence in Education program was established in 1989 in honor of Gerald C. Hayward, who served as chancellor of the California Community Colleges from 1980 to 1985. This year, the Academic Senate selected three winners. Award recipients must have a record of outstanding performance of professional activities, as well as active participation on campus. The Hayward Awards are supported through a grant from the Foundation for California Community Colleges. Each recipient receives a $1,250 cash award and a commemorative plaque. Dr. Bushnell plans to donate the cash award to Sierra College’s Basic Needs Center.  

This is the fourth year in a row in which an instructor from Sierra College has been honored with this award. Dr. Bushnell’s recognition follows Dr. Melissa Leal in 2023-24, Dr. Jane Le Skaife in 2022-23, and Dr. Winsome Jackson in 2021-22. 

Dr. Bushnell was honored at a California Community Colleges Board of Governors meeting on March 25, 2025, in Sacramento.

About Sierra College

Sierra College is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3,200 square miles of Northern California with campuses in Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four-year universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. More information at www.sierracollege.edu. 

Sierra College Elevates Amy Schulz to Executive Dean, Workforce and Strategic Initiatives

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Schulz Will Focus on Building Connections With Local Employers, Implementing New Workforce Development Programs

Sierra College has promoted Amy Schulz to a newly created position of Executive Dean for Workforce and Strategic Initiatives. In this role, Schulz will focus on regional workforce strategic planning, building connections with local employers, and the implementation of new workforce development programs.

“Workforce development is critical for regional economic growth, and Amy is uniquely qualified to cultivate the necessary partnerships with employers, economic development groups and educators at every level from high school through university to make it happen,” said Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan. “Through this role, Amy will expand Sierra College’s leadership in workforce development which will increase equitable access to high paying, rewarding jobs for our students.”

Previously, Schulz served as Dean for the Business and Technology Academic Division, where she oversaw 13 academic programs, including business, computer science, IT, human development, public safety, advanced manufacturing, welding, building industries and mechatronics. Schulz also oversaw Career, Continuing and Technical education programs, including managing CTE funding for Sierra College’s 21 Career Technical Education (CTE) programs.

As Executive Dean for Workforce and Strategic Initiatives, Schulz will take on an expanded strategic and relationship role for the college, while continuing to oversee CTE programming and funding as a critical element of regional workforce development. She also will continue to oversee Sierra College’s Learning Independence for Future Employment (LIFE) program, which provides training, support and community integration programming to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition, Schulz will coordinate sector and employer engagement to identify skilled workforce needs and implementation of guided academic pathways for students, including dual enrollment with local high schools, transfer and degree completion efforts, as well as related grant-funded workforce programs.

“Sierra College is in a special position to provide individuals at all stages of life and career with the training and skills needed to secure good-paying jobs, matched to the evolving needs of our local employers,” said Schulz. “Partnerships are the ‘secret sauce’ to making sure we are providing practical, relevant education and building the workforce pipeline that will keep our regional economy thriving. I’m thankful for the tremendous advantages in this region, where education, industry and community are willing to work together to create many different, equitable pathways to quality jobs.”

About Sierra College

Sierra College is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3,200 square miles of Northern California with campuses in Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four-year universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. More information at www.sierracollege.edu.

Sierra College President Receives Statewide Award for Distinguished Community College Leadership

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The Award Honors Leadership and Significant Contributions to the Local Community, Economy, Workforce and Equitable Access to Higher Education

Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan has been honored with the Harry Buttimer Distinguished Administrator Award by the Association of California Community College Administrators (ACCCA) for transformational community college leadership and significant contributions to the local community, economy, workforce, and equitable access to higher education.

“I am deeply humbled to receive this honor from California’s community college leaders,” said Duncan. “I have been fortunate to work with – and learn from – talented, innovative and visionary professionals at Sierra College, within Placer County and the greater Sacramento region, and alongside fellow community college leaders across California through ACCCA. What we accomplish, we accomplish together, and I appreciate the opportunities I have been given to make a positive impact for students, our region, and the community college system.”   

Susan Bray, Executive Director of ACCCA commented, “Willy Duncan is much loved by ACCCA and throughout our system, and it was a joy to see him get this recognition from ACCCA. We were fortunate to hear from his family and 2024 recipient, Ron Gerhardt, Chancellor of the Chabot Las Positas CCD, who all spoke in detail of his impact on the Sierra district, but also the community and especially his family and friends. As he leaves the ACCCA Board, but never our ACCCA family, he has set a standard for our organization and our Commission for Finance Legislation and Advocacy that he has chaired for over a decade.”

ACCCA established the Buttimer Award to honor the late Harry Buttimer, former Chancellor of the Contra Costa Community College District, and a leading advocate for the modernization of operating principles and practices, and the fair funding of California’s community colleges. The Buttimer Award is a prestigious, statewide honor that recognizes outstanding achievement by a California community college leader. As this year’s recipient, Duncan was recognized for his 15 years of leadership positions within the ACCCA organization, through which he has helped to provide leadership to other community college leaders and the system as a whole.

Specific to his tenure as the Superintendent/President of the Sierra Joint Community College District since 2011, Duncan was recognized for several achievements, including:

  • Achieving historic student enrollment numbers
  • Major reinvestment to modernize and expand its Rocklin campus, with new educational buildings, affordable student housing and gym facilities
  • An innovative partnership with Sacramento State to plan and build a comprehensive joint campus in growing western Placer County
  • Collaboration with law enforcement and fire agencies to develop a regional safety training center for public safety professions
  • Workforce training programs, such as the collaboration with Bosch to help upskill associates who will work in the company’s silicon carbide wafer fab in Roseville
  • Launch of LIFE, a new support program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Duncan was also recognized for his work with regional business, economic development and community-based organizations and leadership roles in statewide higher education organizations. In supporting ACCCA’s recognition, Sierra College community members submitted letters praising Duncan’s vision, integrity, innovation and empathy.

According to Sierra College Board of Trustees President Bob Sinclair, “President Duncan is deeply compassionate, consistently demonstrating a genuine commitment to the well-being and success of all members of the college community. He has made an indelible mark on our institution and our community, and his leadership continues to inspire and uplift everyone.”

About Sierra College

Sierra College is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3,200 square miles of Northern California with campuses in Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four-year universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. More information at www.sierracollege.edu.  

Sierra Writers Conference Celebrates 10 Years in 2025

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This Year’s Conference Offers a Powerful Exploration of Writing Ecosystems

The Sierra Writers Conference proudly marks its 10th anniversary in 2025, continuing its tradition of fostering creativity, inspiration, and community among writers. This year’s theme, Ecosystems, highlights the interconnectedness of writers, their craft, and the environments—both natural and social—that shape their work.

The Sierra Writers Conference proudly marks its 10th anniversary in 2025, continuing its tradition of fostering creativity, inspiration, and community among writers. This year’s theme, Ecosystems, highlights the interconnectedness of writers, their craft, and the environments—both natural and social—that shape their work.

“Writers and creators require space, intellectual context, and community to thrive,” said the conference organizers. “Whether you are an aspiring writer, an expert, or simply an admirer of the craft, you likely seek environments that connect you to your interests, provide encouragement, and help you develop meaningful relationships. This year’s theme recognizes the importance of those ecosystems and serves as a call to action to care for them with kindness.”

The conference kicks off with Tahoe Truckee online and in person on Thursday, Feb. 27. A special free event, Celebrating Women Writers, will take place on Friday, Feb. 28 at the Grass Valley Museum, featuring local authors reading their works.

In celebration of this milestone year, the Sierra Writers Conference is honored to welcome acclaimed author Amy Tan as a featured speaker. Additionally, the conference will host Sands Hall, John Muir Laws, and many other remarkable writers in a hybrid format, offering both online and in-person sessions. John Muir Laws will lead a journaling workshop from 2 – 4:30pm on Tuesday, March 4, followed by a speaking engagement from 6 – 7:30pm that evening.

The conference concludes with Sands Hall, Amy Tan, and a variety of workshops at the Nevada County Campus on Saturday, March 8. Attendees can look forward to engaging workshops, thought-provoking discussions, and networking opportunities with fellow writers and literary professionals.

The 2025 Sierra Writers Conference invites all writers, creators, and literature enthusiasts to join this dynamic gathering and explore the rich ecosystems that nurture the creative spirit.

For more information and registration details, visit https://sierrawritersconference.wordpress.com.

Sierra College President Receives ‘Community Partner’ Honor from International Economic Development Council

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Award Recognizes Collaboration and Leadership

Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan has been honored with the “Community Partner Award” by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for collaboration and leadership in the areas of economic growth, workforce development and education to help build lasting prosperity in Placer County and the greater Sacramento region. 

“Economic development thrives on bold leadership, and Willy Duncan exemplifies this through his ability to inspire progress and push for meaningful change,” said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle. “His unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration, and community impact has set a high standard for the profession. Willy doesn’t just respond to challenges—he anticipates them, forging solutions that strengthen economies and improve lives. This award reflects his profound influence on both the industry and the people he serves.”

“This award is a true honor that reflects the tremendous efforts of our Sierra College community and our regional partners,” said Duncan. “I believe that a primary role of our community colleges is to serve as economic engines for their communities. Collaborating with economic development leaders in Placer County and the Greater Sacramento Economic Council (GSEC) has allowed us to align our region around key principles for building an inclusive economy. This award symbolizes what can be achieved when stakeholders unite with a shared vision.”

IEDC is the largest membership organization of its kind serving economic developers. Its annual Industry Leaders awards recognize individuals for their dedication, innovation and significant contributions to the field. IEDC’s “Community Partner Award” annually honors one individual whose efforts—through leadership, financial support, local investments, or workforce development—have significantly advanced regional economic development, contributing to long-term growth and prosperity.

President Duncan was nominated for the Community Partner Award by Placer County and the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, citing his work in regional economic development and workforce training, including his role in helping to attract Bosch’s $1.9 billion investment to transform an existing fab in Roseville to begin produce silicon carbide wafers in 2026. Sierra College has collaborated with Bosch to provide skills training for its associates through a fast-track Mechatronics program. 

Placer County CEO Daniel Chatigny stated, “Throughout his distinguished career, Willy has demonstrated steadfast dedication to economic growth, workforce development, and educational excellence. His visionary leadership has driven impactful initiatives that have strengthened regional economic development and laid the foundation long-term prosperity.”     

GSEC President and CEO Barry Broome stated, “President Duncan’s ability to unite regional business and political leaders has advanced inclusive economic growth, making him a driving force behind the region’s prosperity. His dedication to collaboration, innovation and community betterment has had a profound and lasting impact on our region’s economic development. He is truly deserving of IEDC’s Community Partner Award.”

 About Sierra College

Sierra College District is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3,200 square miles of Northern California with campuses in Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four-year universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. More information at www.sierracollege.edu.  

Sierra College Enters Land Purchase Agreement to Construct New Regional Public Safety Training Center

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New 50-acre Facility in Western Placer County Will Feature Training Grounds, Props and Simulated Spaces to Support Real-world Training by Students, Regional Police and Fire Agencies

Sierra College today announced an agreement to acquire a 50-acre site from the Western Placer Waste Management Authority (WPWMA) for the design and construction of a new Regional Public Safety Training Center to meet the growing demand for highly skilled first responders and public safety professionals.

“Skills training in public safety is crucial, not just for students preparing to enter the profession but also among our professional police and fire agencies that must meet ongoing training requirements,” said Sierra College President/Superintendent Willy Duncan on behalf of the college and more than a dozen regional public safety partners pushing for the new center. “The lack of a local, fully equipped regional training center has been a stumbling block to training future public safety professionals in our region in the sort of simulated environments they work in daily. Sierra College is proud to partner with the public safety community to advance this locally owned and operated training facility to make our communities that much safer.”

Under the land purchase agreement between Sierra College and WPWMA, the college will purchase 50 acres of land northwest of Fiddyment Road and West Sunset Boulevard in the Sunset Area of unincorporated Placer County. The 50 acres would be subdivided from a larger, 154-acre WPWMA-owned parcel that is currently undeveloped and planned for future complementary and programmatic elements. Under the agreement, Sierra College will have two years to conduct environmental review and identify the precise location for siting the Training Center. The purchase price is $1.1 million.

The agreement was approved by the Sierra College Community College District Board of Trustees on Tuesday, Feb. 11 and by the WPWMA Board of Directors on Thursday, Feb. 13. 

The land purchase is the latest milestone in an effort launched by Sierra College in 2021 to partner with Placer County, Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Placer County Fire Department, the FBI, fire and police departments representing Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, and Auburn, and education partners such as Sacramento State to tackle the greatest public safety training needs experienced in Placer County and beyond. Based on these consultations, early designs for the Regional Public Safety Training Facility include an emergency driving course, training tower, simulated tactical village, training props, shooting ranges, indoor training spaces, and a large paved area for maneuvers (i.e., grind pad). The facility will also include classrooms and is envisioned to support both fire and police academies in the future.

Sierra College currently offers degrees, certificates and skills certificates in Fire Technology, including a Firefighter 1 and 2 Academy, an Administration of Justice program that includes two levels of police academy training, and a Emergency Medical Technician program.

Partial funding for the Regional Public Safety Training will come from Measure E, the $350 million Sierra College facilities bond approved by voters in 2018. The partners intend to work together to identify additional funding sources.  

What This Means to Our Partners in Their Own Words

Placer County

  • “We all recognize the need to scale to match future growth and maintain high-quality community service,” said Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo. “This facility will help us accelerate hiring of future workers and keep our workforce trained with the latest skills without the added cost and time of sending our personnel out of the area for training. Placer County is excited for this partnership with Sierra College and our public safety partners.” 
  • “Placer safety agencies work exceptionally well together and this regional training center is a tremendous opportunity to enhance our collective effectiveness for the community,” said Placer County Fire Department Chief Brian Estes. “Joint training among local agencies and among fire and police is the future of public safety response. This facility will give us the opportunity to be on the cutting edge by continually training together across agencies to maintain the best possible service to the community.”
  • “The vision for a Regional Public Safety Training Center has been the epitome of collaboration between Sierra College and all the public safety agencies, both law and fire, in western Placer County,” said Placer County Executive Officer Daniel Chatigny. “Placer County is proud to be a partner in this much needed and strategic vision.”

Roseville

  • “Our public safety workforce is a combination of hiring workers from out of the area agencies who want to move to Placer County combined with newly hired staff from the local area,” said Roseville Police Chief Troy Bergstrom. “The common need across our workforce is we struggle to find a place for them to receive training both as newly hired staffing needing academy training or for the large amount of in-service training required for our officers and professional staff. A modern training facility in our county will allow us to train our own workforce here to keep up with our training needs and be able to maintain the high level of expertise required of our regional public safety workers.”
  • “Demand for training is sky-high and beyond our current facilities,” said Roseville Fire Chief Ryan Harrigan. “We see intense demand to use Roseville’s fire training center for firefighter academies, continuing education, and in-service training for our personnel and public safety partners. We look forward to further collaboration to design a bigger, more comprehensive training site that can better meet our regional training needs.”

Lincoln

  • “For smaller agencies, it’s difficult to find the time and funding for training, even though our needs are the same as large agencies,” said Lincoln Public Safety Chief Matt Alves. “Having a facility in our backyard will save local taxpayers money because we can share resources with our partners, as well as save on travel and personnel costs because we won’t need to travel out of area.”

Rocklin

  • “Right now, agencies are stringing together their training programs on an ad hoc basis around the community wherever we can find space,” said Rocklin Police Chief Rustin Banks. “We are trying to train on emergency driving maneuvers in empty parking lots. This is an incredible opportunity to design a first-class, comprehensive training facility from the ground up so that we can continue to deliver first-class service to the community.”
  • “Public safety professions are evolving rapidly, with increasing demands for training to keep pace with changing laws, technology and community expectations,” said Rocklin Fire Chief Reginald Williams. “We are excited to be partnering on a regional-scale facility that keeps our personnel up-to-date on these changes for their safety and the safety of our community.”     

About Sierra College

Sierra College District is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3,200 square miles of Northern California with campuses in Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four-year universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. More information at www.sierracollege.edu.