Sierra College Foundation Receives $125K Hearst Foundation Grant

April 27, 2023

Grant Supporting Sierra College’s Transition to Independent Living Program

Sierra College Foundation (SCF) announced it was awarded its first national grant: a prestigious $125,000 Hearst Foundation Grant to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities integrate into the mainstream economy and maintain an independent lifestyle. The Transition to Independent Living Program is comprehensive, with curriculum and training that promotes acquisition of the functional, social, and career skills necessary for students to live a productive lifestyle. The college works with local employers to ensure a seamless placement between education and employment. 

As an organization, SCF serves as the advancement office for Sierra College and is committed to aligning with Sierra College’s mission: Student success for all while closing equity and achievement gaps. Students often struggle, and financial limitation is the biggest hurdle to student success.

“We are so grateful and honored to have received this grant from the Hearst Foundation,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, SCF Executive Director. “The Hearst Foundation has awarded more than 20,000 grants since its inception in the 1940s. For the college’s Transition to Independent Living Program to be recognized and funded is remarkable. This is a new funding source for the Foundation and it would not have happened without the efforts of our Board of Directors and our wonderful team.”

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, SCF was founded in 1973 and raises money from private donors to support students, college programs, and the future of Sierra College. SCF does this through events such as Taste of Excellence, the Sierra College Athletics Golf Tournament, grant funding, private donations, corporate donations and planned giving. SCF has grown along with the college and encourages gifts to support students, enhance college programs, faculty support, and facility improvements to ensure student success.

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 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, visit: www.sierracollege.edu/foundation.