Sierra College Breaks Ground on New Science Building
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