Category: News

Sutter Health Investment Helps Sierra College Expand Healthcare Workforce

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Sutter Health Sign Leaders
Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan and Tammy Powers, CEO of Sutter Roseville Medical Center proudly stand next to new partnership signage.
Sutter Health Sign
The new signage in the Nursing Village on the Rocklin Campus highlights the importance of the partnership between Sierra College and Sutter Health.

$2 Million Investment Will Strengthen Allied Health Degree and Certificate Programs to Help Address Critical Shortages of Nurses, Surgical Technicians and Other Healthcare Workers

Sierra College and Sutter Health today announced the health system’s investment of $2 million to expand Sierra’s award-winning Allied Health programs, increasing capacity to train the next generation of nurses, surgical technicians and other in-demand healthcare professionals across the region.  

“Healthcare is vital to our regional economy and quality of life, and we are thrilled to continue our partnership with Sutter Health to meet this workforce challenge head-on with expanded access to rewarding, good-paying careers,” said Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan. “Sutter Health is not only investing in the future of healthcare in our region, it’s investing in the health of our community.”    

Healthcare is California’s top job growth sector, with more than 60,000 nurses projected to be needed by 2033 to meet state demand. As of fall 2025, Sierra College enrolled 1,800 pre-nursing students.    

“To maximize our impact as a not-for-profit health system, we focus on pressing community needs that emerge across every region we serve. Workforce development is one of those key areas, and investments like this help address California’s healthcare workforce shortage and support regional economic opportunity,” said Tammy Powers, CEO of Sutter Roseville Medical Center. “With this investment, Sierra College will continue to be an essential partner in expanding access to training and increasing the number of students pursuing healthcare careers to help meet the needs of our communities.”  

To date, the Sutter Health investment has supported an initial phase of upgrades to Sierra College’s Nursing Village. Improvements include expanded lecture and lab space for the Nursing, Medical Assistant, and Surgical Tech programs, restored space for the Phlebotomy program, and a larger simulated Operating Room. By fall, Sierra College will expand capacity and student enrollments in its EMT, A-EMT and Paramedic programs.   

Future phases will further expand capacity for Sierra College’s Allied Health programs and align with the Rocklin campus modernization currently underway. At full build-out, anticipated in spring 2028, Sierra’s Allied Health Training Center will serve as a modern hub for meeting evolving healthcare workforce needs in the region. 

Sierra College launched its Surgical Tech program in 2025 to address a significant shortage of surgical techs in the region. The one-year program costs under $5,000, with graduates earning an estimated $90,000 annually. The gift will allow Sierra to create dedicated lab space for this new program.  

“Our partnership with Sutter continues to play a vital role in supporting our nursing and allied health students,” said Nancy James, Dean for Allied Health at Sierra College. “Our programs are consistently enriched by the exceptional learning experiences provided through clinical rotations and externships across our clinical partners. We are deeply grateful for these grant funds, which have been instrumental in advancing our efforts to expand allied health education within our community. 

According to Sierra College medical assisting student Heather Johnson, “Sutter Health’s investment in Sierra College’s Allied Health facilities is a direct investment in the future of healthcare in the greater Sacramento area. By upgrading and modernizing our clinical spaces, they have provided us with a vocational-ready environment to lay the professional foundation required for success in modern patient care.” 

According to the Greater Sacramento Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research, healthcare is the second largest employment sector in the Sacramento region (182,000 jobs) and has the highest growth projection at 17%, more than twice the rate of overall job growth. There are 16 high-priority occupations in the health sector that pay above a single adult living wage – the most of any sector. These include registered nurses, medical assistants, health technologists, community health workers and others.  

Sierra College’s Allied Health programs offer associate degrees, certificates of achievement or skills certificates in Registered Nursing, Surgical Technology, Behavioral Technician, Phlebotomy, EMT, Paramedic, Medical Assisting, and offer cross-enrollment with Sacramento State for a bachelor’s degree in nursing.   

View or download photos from the Flickr album.

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 Breaks Ground on New Science Building

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Science Building Groundbreaking Ceremony S26
Sierra College leadership officially broke ground at the new science building groundbreaking ceremony.

65,000 Square Foot Facility to Include Classrooms, Labs and 120-Seat Planetarium

Sierra College leaders, faculty and students gathered to break ground on construction of a new science building, a major milestone in the college’s multiyear transformation of its Rocklin campus with the support of voter-approved Measure E bond funding. Building construction is anticipated to be complete and the building ready for use by Spring 2028.  

With a total space of 65,000 square feet, the building will house the college’s biology, chemistry, physics and astronomy departments, offering updated, ‘right-sized’ science labs designed to support modern instruction and collaborative learning. The new building will also include a new, 120-seat planetarium. The facility’s lobby will feature both static and dynamic museum exhibits. 

“A modern science building is critical for our students and faculty, as Sierra College works to meet the growing workforce needs in STEM fields like life sciences, manufacturing, cybersecurity, and healthcare,” said Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan. “STEM employment nationwide is expected to grow more than 8% in the next 10 years. A steady pipeline of STEM talent is needed to enter the workforce and transfer to our universities to pursue advanced degrees to drive innovation in our community in the future.”

The new building is part of a larger initiative to modernize the Sierra College Rocklin campus, replacing older, 1960s-era facilities that no longer meet the college’s instructional and safety standards. Projects include a new instructional building, parking garage, gym modernization, applied technology center modernization, new student housing, and other campus-wide projects. Learn more about our Facilities Master Plan Implementation.   

“This project represents more than just a construction milestone – it is a promise kept to our community through Measure E,” said Sierra College Trustee Bob Romness. “The taxpayers of this region invested in the future of Sierra College and Placer County, and this science building will be a showpiece of that investment.”

The $84 million science building is funded through a combination of Sierra College Measure E bond money, state funding, and additional district resources. During construction, the majority of science courses will continue in Sewell Hall, ensuring students’ schedules remain largely uninterrupted. Once the new building is complete, many spaces in Sewell Hall will be repurposed for other academic and campus needs. View the groundbreaking event photo gallery.

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.

Watch a Highlight Video of the Groundbreaking Event

Sierra College Foundation Names New Executive Director

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Admired Local Non-Profit, Corporate Executive Lori Rianda to Take the Helm in May

Sierra College Foundation (SCF) is excited to announce that renowned regional corporate and nonprofit leader Lori Rianda has been named its new executive director. She will succeed long-time executive director Sonbol Aliabadi, who announced her retirement earlier this year. 

Rianda is a former local executive with Bank of America, where she oversaw community partnerships for 16 years, during which time she also served on the Sierra College Foundation Board of Directors. Rianda also served as the executive director of the Folsom Lake College Foundation for nearly five years, where she was widely recognized for managing an extraordinary capital campaign effort that raised more than $4.5 million in 18 months for a new performing arts center. 

Currently serving on the boards of The Marguerite Home and WEAVE, Inc., with recent service on the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, Competitive Council and Valley Vision boards, Rianda brings a breadth of regional experience to the position. She is a highly-skilled executive with strong experience in branding, communications, community partnerships, impact investing and operations. 

“Lori is an incredible blend of experience, connectedness and passion,” said Ed Bonner, President of the Sierra College Foundation Board of Directors. “A true visionary, Lori has a proven track record of success driving organizational growth to achieve strategic outcomes in corporate, foundation and non-profit sectors. We knew Sonbol’s successor needed to be pretty special, and Lori is the perfect person to lead SCF into its next chapter.” 

“I have long known Lori as a dynamic, well-respected leader throughout the region, said Willy Duncan, Sierra College Superintendent/President. “As Sierra College and our Foundation continue to embrace new initiatives around workforce development, innovation, inclusive educational pathways, and holistic student support services, Lori’s expertise and keen understanding of the landscape will prove incredibly beneficial for our students and programs.” 

Rianda earned a B.A. in marketing communications and liberal studies from DePaul University, as well as a certificate in the science of well-being from Yale University. She has been honored by the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Sacramento and Stockton, the Sacramento Business Journal and Sacramento Venture Philanthropy for her contributions to the arts, youth empowerment, mentorship and more. 

“Sierra College has made a tremendous impact on the region,” said Rianda. “It’s admirable to see how the college and the foundation adapt rapidly to meet workforce needs and meet the needs of students in this changing environment. I am grateful to join this wonderful team to continue the SCF mission of philanthropy and meaningful social impact.” 

Rianda starts with SCF on Monday, May 4, 2026, while Aliabadi’s last day with SCF will be Tuesday, May 26, 2026. 

About Sierra College Foundation 

SCF was founded in 1973 and serves as the advancement office for Sierra College. SCF is committed to aligning with the Sierra College mission of ensuring all students have access to an equitable, high-quality education where they are welcomed, supported, and empowered to achieve their goals. SCF supports students by raising money through private donations, corporate giving, grants and events. 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/foundation. 

Sierra College Foundation Reaches 10 Bed Milestone

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Raises $2.5 Million in Three Years for the Endow-a-Bed Program

Sierra College Foundation (SCF) is excited to announce it has reached a major milestone: Raising $2.5 million to endow 10 beds in perpetuity in Sierra Hall, Sierra College’s on-campus student housing complex. Endowing one bed in perpetuity in the on-campus housing complex costs $250,000.

“We achieved a goal that was set three years ago,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, Executive Director of the Sierra College Foundation. “Thanks to our amazing community, 10 beds will remain free – in perpetuity – for students experiencing hardships. Our generous supporters heard the call and made it a reality. Students in a position of housing insecurity should never have to choose between their education and a roof over their head. We hit 10 beds, now let’s get to 20!”

The 10th bed was endowed by the John G. & Lillian M. Walsh Scholarship Fund, established at Placer Community Foundation, through a gift of $700,000 from Marian Vade Walsh. Marian passed away in February, 2006. With no children of her own, Marian chose to honor her parents, John G. and Lillian M. Walsh, by creating a fund that would invest in the young people of her community in perpetuity. The Walsh Family was the first of the surname to settle in Auburn, with her father serving as mayor and postmaster.

Sierra Hall welcomed students in January 2026 making 354 beds available for full-time students with the greatest financial need – even offering beds for as low as $550 per month for income-eligible students. Though Sierra Hall is open, philanthropic support remains essential to help students succeed.

In addition to the Walsh gift, nine beds have been endowed for a total of 10 bed since 2023. Other donors who have generously endowed beds in Sierra Hall include:

  • Associated Students of Sierra College
  • Elizabeth Kinstler Trust
  • Frederick G.Sahlberg Living Trust
  • Mikuni Charitable Organization
  • 2024 Taste of Excellence Attendees
  • 2025 President Circle Gala Attendees
  • 2024 Sierra College Foundation Board
  • Sutter Health
  • Individual Community Donors

There are three ways interested donors can support students in Sierra Hall:

  1. Endowing a bed, or contributing to Endow-a-Bed, in perpetuity
  2. Providing a housing scholarship for room and board for one year
  3. Supporting the meal plan program

About Sierra College Foundation

Sierra College Foundation (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. View the Sierra College Foundation Annual Impact Report, or for more information about SCF, how to give or volunteer, visit: https://www.sierracollege.edu/foundation.

Sierra College Foundation Started New Semester with Impactful Gifts

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Sierra College Foundation (SCF) started a new semester after an impressive Year End Giving campaign, private gift and corporate grant program that closed out 2025. In addition to individual gifts, Placer companies and non-profits such as Bosch, Kaiser Permanente, U.S. Bank, AT&T, South Placer Rotary and more helped SCF raise nearly $800,000 to support Sierra College students. 

“Sierra College is training our region’s future police officers, firefighters, nurses and health care workers,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, Executive Director of the Sierra College Foundation. “By supporting Sierra College students, we’re investing in the future of our region by saying we believe in you. Our students go on to make significant contributions to our local economy, demonstrating the powerful impact of education.”

Gifts received for the 2025 fall semester include: 

  • $450,000 from the Butts Family Trust to benefit the Housing Endowment, the Butts Environmental Studies & Sustainability Scholarship Endowment, the Mike Price Sierra College Press Endowment Fund and the New Legacy CommUnity Scholarship Endowment 
  • $90,000 for nine complete housing scholarships for one year 
  • $45,000 from the Bosch Community Fund to the Career Technical Education Support Fund 
  • $30,000 from U.S. Bank to support Work Force Development Construction Boot Camps, the Basic Needs Center and Welding Technology 
  • Nearly $30,000 in individual private gifts for the SCF End of Year Giving campaign 
  • $25,000 from Kaiser Permanente for basic needs including food security and mental health support 
  • $20,000 from AT&T to provide virtual labs for students 
  • South Placer Rotary donated 4,200 diapers, 8,000 packages of baby wipes, formula, and other goods for the Basic Needs Center 

“People assume Sierra College students don’t need assistance because community college is nearly free,” said Ed Bonner, SCF President. “Over 60 percent of Sierra College students are eligible for some sort of financial assistance. While registration fees might be affordable, cost of living as we know is not. Students need help with supplies, program fees, food, housing, transportation – the basic needs. The Foundation can even help support new programs to meet our region’s workforce demands.”

Additionally, the Sierra College Foundation held its annual golf tournament to raise money for Wolverine Athletics. The 2025 Sierra College Golf Classic raised nearly $100,000 for the Sierra College Athletics program.

There are several ways to support our students. If you are interested in donating to SCF, please visit www.sierracollege.edu/giving or learning more, view the SCF Annual Impact Report.

About Sierra College Foundation

Sierra College Foundation is independently audited and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, most of whom live and work in the communities served by the Sierra College 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 https://www.sierracollege.edu/foundation.

Longtime Sierra College Foundation Executive Director to Retire in May

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Sonbol Aliabadi headshot

Sonbol Aliabadi oversaw two decades of growth in Foundation giving and programs

Sierra College Foundation (SCF) announced today that longtime Executive Director Sonbol Aliabadi will retire at the end of May 2026. Over her 22-year tenure, the Foundation dramatically expanded access and opportunity for Sierra College students — mobilizing more than $22 million in community support, awarding nearly $7 million in scholarships, and delivering major initiatives in student housing, allied health, entrepreneurship, technology and more that reduced financial and structural barriers so more students could enroll, persist, and complete their education.

Among the transformational programs launched under Aliabadi’s leadership, the Foundation announced in December that it had raised more than $2 million in community support to provide free room and board to 9 students at Sierra College’s new, on-campus student housing facility. The innovative and unique “Endow-a-Bed” program will provide free room and board every year in perpetuity, ensuring that there are always rooms available and paid in full for students with the greatest need.     

“Endow-a-Bed is a true capstone that represents everything that our Foundation has spent years building with our community partners,” said Aliabadi. “A need is brought to us, we think creatively to generate a practical solution and work tirelessly with our donors to make it happen.

Aliabadi continued: “Together with Sierra College, we have made a transformational shift in understanding that supporting student success is much more than what happens on campus or in the classroom. Even in a thriving community like ours, 63 percent of our students cannot afford their most basic needs for food, housing or transportation. Our challenge, and our opportunity, has been to approach this work more broadly and serve the whole person so they can succeed in life, not just the student. Our committed Foundation team and Board of Directors are prepared to elevate this work even further.”

Under Aliabadi’s leadership, the Foundation has helped launch or provided direct support to a diverse array of student support programs at Sierra College, including:

The Foundation provides direct financial support to Sierra College athletics, its Career Technical Education programs like Mechatronics, Nursing and Construction, the LIFE program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as innovation and entrepreneurship programs and the Sierra College Workforce Summit.

“The love and dedication that Sonbol has shown Sierra College students over the last 22 years is nothing short of extraordinary,” said SCF President and Former Placer County Sheriff Ed Bonner. “Her care and passion for the students are what has made this organization a true success. Her spirit and attitude are contagious; she makes you want to love and support these students as much she does. She has assisted in the realization of so many educational dreams and has laid an incredible foundation for the organization’s continued success.”

“As the leader and guiding light of our Foundation, Sonbol has been an invaluable partner to Sierra College and essential to our culture of putting students’ needs first, thinking entrepreneurially, and working tirelessly to create the very best education experience for all,” said Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan. “Because of Sonbol’s vision and drive, we have free room and board for nine students, forever. Sonbol has influenced the growth and success of Sierra College in too many ways to count, but we see her influence everywhere from our $350 million campus modernization to the thousands of individual students she has helped us serve through scholarships, program support or basic needs assistance.”

“Among my proudest moments was the community’s approval of Measure E to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to modernize our 80-year-old campus and provide students and faculty with facilities that matched the quality of our programs and people,” said Aliabadi. “That moment was a breakthrough in truly becoming our community’s college that is here to serve everyone. Now, with a Board of 20 dedicated community leaders, a growing staff team and incredible momentum, I’m confident the Foundation is well positioned to continue showing up to do this meaningful work.”   

Aliabadi looks forward to spending time with her husband and family – especially her grandchildren- in retirement but stresses she won’t be going too far. A resident of Granite Bay for 37 years, she looks forward to continued community involvement, serving on a number of corporate and non-profit boards, and continuing to champion SCF, the College and its students.

The SCF Board of Directors will be conducting an extensive executive search to find Aliabadi’s replacement. Aliabadi will remain as Executive Director through the end of May of 2026, leading a team of five that oversees donor relations, fund development, planned giving, annual giving, alumni association activities, event production and more.

View the Sierra College Foundation’s Annual Impact Report and visit our website if you are interested in donating.

About Sierra College Foundation

SCF was founded in 1973 and serves as the advancement office for Sierra College. SCF is committed to aligning with the Sierra College mission: Student success for all while closing equity and achievement gaps. SCF supports students by raising money through private donations, corporate giving, grants and events. 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/foundation.

Sierra College Expands Access to Affordable Student Housing with Grand Opening on Rocklin Campus

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Project More Than Doubles On-campus Housing Units; “Endow-A-Bed” Effort Raises $2M

Amidst a years-long building program to modernize its Rocklin campus, Sierra College today celebrated the Grand Opening of a new, centrally-located, 358-bed student housing facility. The student housing project – funded by the State of California and Sierra College – will offer a majority of beds at below market rents, providing affordable and stable housing options for hundreds of students while bringing 24/7 vibrancy to campus life. The first residents will move in for the Spring 2026 semester in January.   

“Expanded housing in the heart of campus will be a game changer for Sierra College and our students,” said Willy Duncan, Sierra College Superintendent/President. “Many of our students lack secure housing, perhaps couch surfing or living in their cars, and tell us they are also struggling with food insecurity and lack of reliable transportation. We are committed to helping meet these basic needs for our students so they can pursue their educational and career goals. We are grateful for the state’s investment in expanding affordable, on-campus housing, which will be transformational for these students and our entire student body.”

In addition to having access to on-campus housing, students will have expanded dining options, transit that directly serves the campus, as well as access to academic resources and on-site student services located in the student housing building.

Project More Than Doubles On-Campus Housing Units from 120 to 358

The State of California provided $80.5 million for the project under the California Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program, with Sierra College contributing $27 million in district funds (Measure E facility bond funds were not utilized). 

“Sierra College shows what’s possible when community colleges step up to address housing insecurity for the millions of students we serve,” said Sonya Christian, Chancellor of the California Community Colleges. “Stable housing is a basic need and meeting that need is essential to keeping students on track to reach their goals. Equity in support sits at the heart of Vision 2030, and expanding student housing is a vital part of creating real opportunity for every student.”

Data shows that more than 63% of Sierra College students are economically disadvantaged, including former foster youth, historically underrepresented, or first in their family to attend college. The majority of the units (269) will be offered at rents significantly below market rate for income eligible students, with rents capped at 30% of 50% of the Average Median Income. Monthly costs for both room and board, including expanded food service that will provide daily meal options, will be offered at $823 per month for these students. The 89 market-rate beds will be offered at $1,242 per month for room and board.

“Endow-A-Bed” Effort Raises $2 Million to Permanently Offer Free Room and Board for Several Students Each Year

Each year, several students with the greatest financial need will be eligible to receive free room and board as a result of the “Endow-A-Bed” program spearheaded by the Sierra College Foundation. The program aims to raise $250,000 to endow one bed in perpetuity for students in need – with a goal of endowing 10 beds in total, including one reserved for a military veteran.

To date, the program has raised more than $2 million to endow eight beds from donors, including the Associated Students of Sierra College, Elizabeth Kinstler Trust, Frederik G Sahlberg Living Trust, Mikuni Charitable Organization, Sierra College Foundation, SCF-Taste of Excellence, and Sutter Health. The Foundation also has raised community support to fund free room and board for an additional nine students for one year.

“Sierra College Foundation is so grateful that members of our community are stepping up to make these life-changing investments for students in need – something that we will be able to offer students every year in perpetuity,” said Sierra College Foundation Executive Director Sonbol Aliabadi. “By addressing the anxiety, stress and stigma of housing insecurity, these students can focus on reaching their goals and flourish right here in our community.” 

“Sutter Health is proud of our deep roots in Placer County and thankful for our partnership with Sierra College to educate and train the future healthcare workforce for our community,” said Tammy Powers, CEO for Roseville Sutter Medical Center. “We are honored to sponsor a stable place each year for a student enrolled in Sierra’s Allied Health program to rest their head so they can achieve their dreams.”  

The student housing building features a three-story central staircase paired with two elevators for convenient, equitable access to all floors. The building is comprised of three wings that converge at a central feature called the Hub, a welcoming glass beacon and center of activity. Individual residential wings feature generous hallways punctuated with natural light and shared study alcoves on all floors.

Each unit houses six students in total. Residents share a furnished living room, a kitchenette, and three separate bedrooms—each designed for two students to share. The unit also includes one toilet room, one shower room, and one combination shower-and-toilet room to support shared living while offering flexibility and privacy. All units are fully accessible and ADA-compliant. Security is a top priority. The building will be accessible only through the main entrance, and residents will need to use their key card to gain entry. Security cameras will be installed at strategic locations to help ensure the safety and peace of mind of all residents.

To date, Sierra College has received 298 applications with approximately 200 students on the interest list. The first students will move in on January 22, 2026. A community open house will be held on Tuesday, January 20 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.  

The project team included AP Architects (concept architect), Cypress Construction Management (project manager), DPR Construction (general contractor), HKS (design-build), and SWA Group (landscape architect).  

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.

Student Housing Ribbon Cutting Pr
Pictured (left to right): Bob Sinclair, Sierra College Board President; Pamela Haynes, California Community College Board Member; Ben Rosario, Sierra College Student Trustee; Joe Patterson, Assemblymen; Rachel Rosenthal, Sierra College Trustee; Sonya Christian, Chancellor of California Community Colleges; Scott Leslie, Sierra College Board Vice President; Willy Duncan, Sierra College Superintendent/President; Bob Romness, Sierra College Trustee; Cari Dawson Bartley, Sierra College Trustee; Paul Bancroft, Sierra College Trustee; and Carol Garcia, Sierra College Trustee.
Student Housing Kitchenette Livingroom Pr
The apartment-style units provide kitchenettes with a sink, refrigerator and shared eating and living spaces to relax in, study and hang out with roommates.

Megan Wetzel Joins Sierra College Foundation

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Megan Wetzel Headshot
Megan Wetzel, Associate Development Director

Wetzel to Support Fundraising Initiatives, Cultivate Donor Relationships, Expand Philanthropic Support

Sierra College Foundation (SCF) is excited to announce that Megan Wetzel joins the team as an Associate Development Director. Wetzel previously served as the Events Manager for the Roseville Chamber of Commerce. At SCF, she will support fundraising initiatives, cultivate donor relationships and develop strategies to expand philanthropic support.

“We are very excited to have Megan join the SCF team,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, Executive Director of the Sierra College Foundation. “SCF continues to grow to meet the demands of our students. Over 60 percent of our students qualify for some sort of financial assistance. Megan’s experience will help us continue to support our students in the most needed manner.”

In 2021, Wetzel began her nonprofit career with the Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce, where she managed events, sponsorships, and networking programs connecting local businesses with the community. A former student-athlete, she earned her Associate’s degree in Communication Studies from Folsom Lake College before completing her Bachelor’s degree in English at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Her experiences as a student-athlete at both institutions strengthened her passion for education, teamwork, and community—values she now brings to her role with SCF.

A proud Roseville native, Wetzel continues to call the community home, where she remains deeply involved through her work as Head Coach for the Woodcreek High School Women’s JV Soccer Team and as a trainer for local competitive soccer clubs.

“I’m honored to join the Sierra College Foundation team,” said Wetzel. “The Foundation has an incredible reputation and a long history of supporting students in our community. Being part of an organization with such an extraordinary legacy in Placer County and beyond, is a dream come true. I’ve always believed in the community college mission and vision—providing accessible, high-quality education that empowers students and strengthens our region. I look forward to supporting the SCF mission and the students we serve.”

In academic year 2024-25, SCF raised more than $3 million for students through individual donations, corporate funding, grants and events such as the President’s Circle Gala. SCF was founded in 1973 and raises money to support students, college programs, and facilities.

About Sierra College Foundation

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. View the SCF 2024 Annual Impact Report, or for more information about SCF, how to give or volunteer, visit sierracollege.edu/foundation.

Sierra College Students Ride Free on Local Transit

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After Successful 3-Year Pilot, Students Vote to Provide Ongoing Funding

Sierra College and regional transit partners in Placer and Nevada counties are working to address a key barrier to educational access: reliable and affordable transportation. Simply by presenting their student ID with current student activity sticker, any Sierra College student can ride free on buses operated by Placer County Transit, Roseville Transit, Auburn Transit, Nevada County Connects and Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit.  

“Sierra College is committed to serving our students in ways that go beyond instruction,” said Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan. “Often, student success hinges on meeting some of their most basic needs, whether that is food, housing, health or reliable transportation. If a student does not have access to reliable transportation, the free ride program helps remove a barrier that might prevent them from continuing their educational journey toward a high-value career.”  

First launched as a pilot in 2022, the program has provided more than 111,000 free rides to Sierra College students over the past three years. During the pilot period, transit providers were reimbursed by Sierra College at a 50% discounted rate. The highest utilization provider was Placer County Transit, which provided more than 75,000 rides. In 2024-25, Sierra students made up 19% of total ridership for Placer County Transit.

According to Ken Broadway, City of Rocklin Councilmember and member of the Placer County Transportation Planning Agency (PCTPA), “This program has been an excellent demonstration of the important partnerships maintained between the Placer County Transportation Planning Agency, Sierra College, and the region’s transit operators, offering a beneficial transportation option for our region’s college students. I am excited that this effort has transitioned into an on-going free ride program that will continue to benefit the region moving forward.”

 “The over 100,000 free transit rides provided to-date is a testament to the successful investment this program has made to address the mobility needs of our region’s Sierra College students,” said Mike Costa, Principal Transportation Planner for PCTPA. “This would not have been possible without the dedicated financial commitments and extensive coordination efforts made by Sierra College, the region’s transit operators, and the Western Placer Consolidated Transportation Services Agency.”

Due to the success of the pilot program, the Sierra College students voted earlier this year to provide an ongoing source of funding through a student assessment that will provide a 100% reimbursement of the average fare to transit providers.        

“It’s a step in the right direction to providing equitable transportation options for all Sierra College students,” said Ben Rosario, President of Associated Students of Sierra College (ASSC) and Student Trustee on the Sierra College Board of Trustees.

 “I am happy the program has continued, and I am grateful for the effort of the school in incorporating non-credited students as well,” said Kevin Hill, ASSC Executive Vice President.

In addition to the free transit program, Sierra College has reached agreement with Uber to provide discounted rides during evening hours. Under the agreement, Sierra College students receive up to five $5 credits per day.

More information about free and discounted transportation options for Sierra College students can be found on the Transportation page.

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 Selected to Join Aspen Institute Initiative Working to Increase Student Success in High-Value Programs

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Sierra College has been selected to join the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program’s Unlocking Opportunity network—an initiative designed to help community colleges improve student outcomes by increasing the number of students entering and completing high-value workforce and degree transfer programs.

“Sierra College is honored to be selected by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program to partner with community colleges around the country for this important work,” said Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan. “Sierra College is committed to continuous improvement and innovation to ensure our programs provide highly relevant and impactful instruction for students to achieve their educational and career goals. We look forward to further unlocking the power of inclusive, transformational education for our community.”

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The network of 65 community colleges from across the nation (10 pilot colleges and 55 newly selected colleges) will work to align their educational programs and student​ advising with the two primary goals community college students say is important to them: ​leaving college with a credential and​​​ ​​a good job or ​transferring and/or ​completing a bachelor’s degree. As a member of the network, Sierra College will use the next three years to assess its programs, set goals and implement research-based actions to increase student enrollment success and completion in high-value workforce and transfer programs.

To date, the 10 Unlocking Opportunity pilot institutions are on track to collectively move over 20,000 students into high-value programs of study​ that lead to good jobs​. With this expansion, Aspen will engage college leaders and teams through a series of virtual and in-person sessions focused on scaling efforts to align their community college programs that link to good family-sustaining jobs and bachelor’s degree pathways in their regions.  

Learn more about the Unlocking Opportunities network.

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.