Tag: Foundation

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

Posted on April 14, 2025April 16, 2025

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

Sierra College Foundation Welcomes Jennesa Datema as Development Director

Posted on February 7, 2025February 7, 2025

Sierra College Alumna and Accomplished Non-Profit Executive Returns to Placer County

Sierra College Foundation (SCF) is excited to announce that Jennesa Datema, a Sierra College alumna, has returned to the Rocklin campus in a new role as Development Director. Datema possesses nearly 20 years of experience in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership and strategic partnerships. She will support SCF fundraising initiatives, cultivate donor relationships and develop strategies to expand philanthropic support.

“We are very excited to have Jennesa join the SCF team,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, Executive Director of the Sierra College Foundation. “SCF is at a pivotal point in its 50-year history and Jennesa’s experience will help ensure we are prepared to embrace the innumerable opportunities we have before us to support our Sierra College students.”

Datema began her non-profit career at the Sacramento Region Community Foundation and has since spanned development roles in conservation, healthcare community engagement, program management and donor relations. She attended Lincoln High School, Sierra College and California State University, Sacramento.

“Returning to Placer County is incredibly exciting to me,” said Datema. “While I grew up here, and began my career in the region, much of my career was spent in Oregon. I am thrilled to be home and know the experience I bring, and the enthusiasm that I have for Sierra College as an alumna, will bode well for supporting the SCF mission and our students.”

In academic year 2023-24, Sierra College Foundation 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: https://www.sierracollege.edu/give.

Sierra College Foundation Closes Fall Semester with Impactful Contributions

Posted on December 17, 2024April 16, 2025

Grateful for Community’s Generosity

Sierra College Foundation (SCF) closes the fall semester as the recipient of several large contributions from the U.S. Department of Commerce and leading Placer County companies and non-profits such as Bosch, Sutter Health, U.S. Bank, Tri Counties Bank, and Rotary Club of South Placer.

“The unwavering generosity of our community continues to inspire us,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, Executive Director of the Sierra College Foundation. “By coming together to support Sierra College students, we’re investing in the future of our region. Countless students go on to make significant contributions to our local economy, demonstrating the powerful impact of education.”

Major contributions received this fall semester have included:

$198,000 from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology designed to increase opportunities for local students to break into the field of cybersecurity
$100,000 from the Bosch Community Fund to the Career and Technical Education Support Fund
$50,000 from Sutter Health for the Basic Needs Center
$30,000 from U.S. Bank to support Work Force Development Construction Boot Camp and the Basic Needs Center
$15,000 from the Sacramento Chapter of the American Public Works Association for a GPS Surveying System
Tri-Counties Bank and South Placer Rotary gave diapers, 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. “That couldn’t be further from the truth. 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 is even able to help get money to create new programs to meet our region’s workforce needs. The work the Foundation does is nothing short of remarkable.”

Additionally, the Sierra College Foundation held its annual Golf Tournament to raise money for Wolverine Athletics. The 2024 Golf Tournament raised more than $70,000 for the Sierra College Athletics Program.

There is still time before the end of the year to help Sierra College students by giving to SCF. There are several ways to support our students. If you are interested in donating to SCF, please visit: www.sierracollege.edu/give.

About SCF

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 or volunteer, visit: www.sierracollege.edu/foundation.

Sierra College Foundation Wins $198K Federal Grant to Help Students Enter Growing Cybersecurity Field

Posted on October 24, 2024October 30, 2024

Grant Will Fund Expansion of New Placer Cybersecurity Talent Pipeline Collaborative

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded the Sierra College Foundation with a new $198,000 grant designed to increase opportunities for local students to break into the high-demand field of cybersecurity and help area employers meet their workforce needs.

“We are thrilled to join the national network of RAMPS (Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Stimulate) for Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development,” said Amy Schulz, Executive Dean of Workforce and Strategic Initiatives at Sierra College. “This new grant will enable our network of partners to expand opportunities for students and upskilling for workers across our community. This new infusion will help us build on Sierra College’s existing designation as one of only five community colleges in California to be named a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. We are excited to continue our work to prepare students, including those from underrepresented and vulnerable populations, to meet the ever-increasing demand for good-paying cybersecurity jobs and keep our businesses and our country safe.”

Nationally, it is estimated that there are just 85 workers for every 100 cybersecurity jobs available, leaving an estimated 40,000 jobs unfilled. In California, job growth in the cybersecurity field is expected to grow 33% from 2023 to 2033, equating to roughly 17,300 job openings each year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In the Sacramento Region there were 1,690 job openings in cybersecurity-related fields in January 2024, according to CyberSeek.org. The median pay for a cybersecurity job is $92,160 in the Sacramento Area, according to online job postings. Senior and specialized roles, like Security Architects and CISOs, can command $120K to $150K or more due to immense demand, especially in government, healthcare, and tech sectors.

The Department of Education’s Regional Alliance and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate (RAMPS) Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development initiative is a federal program aimed at enhancing cybersecurity education and building a skilled workforce to address growing cyber threats. By fostering collaboration among educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and government entities, RAMPS seeks to develop tailored training programs and resources that meet the needs of local economies.

Activity will be led by the Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce utilizing the proven Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) system to organize employer collaboration, project critical job demand, align job requirements, analyze the talent supply chain, build the talent supply chain, and engage in continuous improvement and resiliency planning.

“TPM provides a proven, structured process that helps businesses collaborate with education and workforce development partners to co-design talent supply chains. It’s proven effective in filling high-demand positions in local hospitals and we’re excited to create a pathway that helps all students gain access to this growing field,” said Rana Ghadban, Chief Executive Officer of the Roseville Area Chamber.

Other Cybersecurity Collaborative partners include the City of Roseville, the County of Placer, the United Cybersecurity Alliance, the Roseville Joint Union High School District, and the Western Placer Unified School District. Student support services providers include the Golden Sierra Job Training Agency, the Health Education Council, Pride Industries, and the Sierra College Foundation.

About Sierra College Foundation

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 Roseville, Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. For more information, visit: www.sierracollege.edu.

About the Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1947, the Roseville Area Chamber has played a significant role in supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth in the Roseville area. Our mission is to provide value to our members; promote and meet the needs of business and industry; and achieve community success through advocacy and leadership. For more information, visit: www.rosevillechamber.com

Sierra College Foundation Receives $100,000 Grant from the Bosch Community Fund

Posted on October 4, 2024February 19, 2025

Sierra College Foundation (SCF) received a $100,000 grant from the Bosch Community Fund to its Career Technical Education (CTE) Support Fund. The grant will support associated costs with certification fees, microcontroller kits, development material, software, protective gear, tools, entry and travel fees for STEM competitions, project supplies for STEM Clubs and more.

In 2023, Bosch announced and closed an acquisition of a wafer fab in Roseville, CA. Bosch intends to invest $1.5 billion in the Roseville site and upgrade the manufacturing facilities to state-of-the-art processes. Subsequently, the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development (GO-Biz) approved a $25 million California Competes Tax Credit incentive that will support redevelopment and investment in Roseville.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this collaboration,” said Amy Schulz, Executive Dean, Workforce & Strategic Initiatives. “We are working with the leadership team at Bosch to develop programs tailor made to their business and manufacturing needs. This grant will go so far to help so many of our students pursue careers in manufacturing and technology.”

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.

Over 50 years in existence, SCF was founded in 1973 and raises money to support students, college programs, and the future of Sierra College. SCF does this through individual donations, corporate funding, grants and events such as the Taste of Excellence which raised over $400,000 for the Foundation in early May.

“When we identify a need, we do everything we can to address it,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, SCF Executive Director. “This grant will help offset costs associated with studying manufacturing, ensuring companies like Bosch have access to a well-trained local workforce.”

About Sierra College Foundation

About the Bosch Community Fund

The Bosch Community Fund, the U.S.-based foundation for Bosch, has awarded over 37 million in grants to various 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions. The BCF focuses primarily on the enrichment of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and the advancement of environmental sustainability initiatives.

Sierra College Foundation Raises Nearly $3 Million for Local Students

Posted on July 15, 2024August 27, 2024

Student Scholarships, Endow-A-Bed Program and Basic Needs Center All Receive Funding

Sierra College Foundation (SCF) closes out Academic Year 23-24 by awarding nearly $350,000 in scholarships to over 200 local students to help pay for school, as well as living costs such as rent, utilities, gas and food. 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.

SCF announced that it had raised nearly $2 million for its Endow-A-Bed program for the College’s new affordable housing facility that broke ground in April of 2023. The facility will house 354 students paying roughly $450 a month for room and board. The Endow-A-Bed Program ensures nine beds remain gratis in perpetuity for students in dire need.

“We have had an absolutely exceptional year,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, SCF Executive Director. “What we have been able to do as an organization, collaboratively working alongside our donors, partners and the community has been truly astounding. We should all be proud. This has been a record setting year for the Foundation both in terms of what we we’ve raised, and what we’ve been able to give back to our students.”

SCF takes great pride in working with the region’s largest employers to better serve students. This year SCF received a $100,000 grant from Sutter Health, a $25,000 grant from Bank of America, and a $25,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente for the Basic Needs Center, as well as a sizable delivery of diapers and formula, and 100 laptop computers from the Rotary of Club of South Placer, and AT&T, respectively.

“This last year we saw close to 2,000 students at the Basic Needs Center and 5,500 visits to our food pantry,” said Britt Bray, program manager at the Basic Needs Center. “Students come in for many different things – food, clothes, hygiene products, school supplies. Many of our students are parents so diapers and formula were also greatly needed. Just as anyone feels impacts on their individual or household incomes in response to the economy, so do our students. In the case of our students though, they’re in school and don’t always have the ability to make ends meet. That’s where we come in to support in any way we can.”

Sierra College Foundation Closes Fall Semester with Major Delivery to Basic Needs Center to Help Students

Posted on December 19, 2023July 16, 2024

Large Quantity of Diapers, Formula Donated by South Placer Rotary Club

Sierra College Foundation (SCF) closes the Fall Semester as the recipient of a large donation of diapers and formula to Sierra College’s Basic Needs Center from the South Placer Rotary Club. The Basic Needs Center officially opened its doors to students, and often times, their children, in August. The Center assists over 300 students each week with everything from food, clothes, school supplies, computers, personal hygiene products, gas gift cards and more. More than 60 percent of Sierra College students are eligible for some kind of assistance. Data shows that when a student is welcomed and assisted by SCF their chances for success, graduation and continuing education are extremely high.

“Sonbol Aliabadi (SCF Executive Director) came to our South Placer Rotary Club and shared news of the newly opened Basic Needs Center, and we really just wanted to help,” said Ken Broadway, project chair, South Placer Rotary Club and Rocklin Mayor. “As a father and grandfather, I know first-hand the expense of diapers and formula. If we can help make students’ lives easier by providing assistance to their children, we want to be able to do that.”

South Placer Rotary Club collected donations from members and community members. On Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, Broadway delivered nearly 30 cases of diapers and formula. View video footage of the food delivery.

“This time of year, this type of donation is greatly needed. So many of our students are parents and diapers and formula is incredibly costly,” said Britt Bray, program manager, Basic Needs and Support Services for Sierra College. “Because of the great need, I imagine nearly all of these diapers and cans of formula will be gone relatively soon, and we will have to find a way to replenish.”

SCF has been incredibly active this Fall. This donation comes on the heels of a $100,000 grant received from Sutter Health for the Center earlier in the semester. Additionally, the SCF Board changed leadership in September as adored and revered former Placer County Sheriff Ed Bonner took the reigns as Foundation President from long-serving Robert Dugan. Dugan led the organization as president for more than 12 years through an exceptional period of growth, 2018’s successful Measure E, and the Pandemic. Dugan will stay on the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

“People assume Sierra College students don’t need assistance because community college is nearly free,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, SCF executive director. “That couldn’t be further from the truth. While registration fees might be affordable, cost of living as we know is not. Students need help with food, housing, transportation – the basic needs. That’s where the Foundation can help.”

About Sierra College Foundation

Celebrating its 50^th anniversary, SCF was founded in 1973 and serves as the advancement office for Sierra College. SCF 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. SCF supports students by raising money through private donations, corporate giving, grants and events.

First United Methodist Church of Loomis Donates $15K to Sierra College Foundation

Posted on December 6, 2023July 11, 2024

Donation to Support the Printing of Still Standing Guard

The $15,000 donation from the First United Methodist Church of Loomis is to support the publication of an update to the award-winning book Standing Guard: Telling Our Stories (2002), which compiled oral histories from survivors of the World War II internment of Japanese Americans.

The gift was driven by the words of the late Sierra College employee Shigeo Yokote who said, “My mission is to continue to support education so this doesn’t happen again.”

First United Methodist Church of Loomis was founded in 1903 by members of the local Japanese community and has served the community for 120 years, with the exception of 1942–1946 when it was closed due to the Internment.

To support the next publication of Still Standing Guard or directly support Sierra College students, visit www.sierracollege.edu/foundation or email foundation@sierracollege.edu.

About The Standing Guard Project

In 2002, The Standing Guard Project at Sierra College directed resources toward a variety of interdisciplinary projects focused on commemorating the 60th anniversary of World War II Japanese American internment and the lessons that event in our history taught us about the necessity of protecting and upholding the Constitutional rights of all United States citizens. The resulting endeavor merged more than 10 different disciplines in a college-wide, multi-faceted educational vehicle that breached traditional classroom walls, united instruction, blurred the differences between liberal and vocational arts, and drew dozens of members of the local community into active participation in the college through the project’s many different and ongoing programs.

Watch a video celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Standing Guard book.

Visit the Standing Guard Garden on Sierra College’s Rocklin Campus.

Sierra College Foundation Names New Board Leadership; Receives Large Grant from Sutter Health

Posted on October 16, 2023May 1, 2024

Sierra College Foundation Continues to Raise the Bar in Supporting Local Students through its Basic Needs Center while Naming a New Foundation President and Directors

Sierra College Foundation (SCF) began Academic Year 23-24 with some exciting changes and additions to its Board, while receiving a $100,000 grant from Sutter Health for its Basic Needs Center. Adored and revered former Placer County Sheriff Ed Bonner took the reins as Foundation President from long-serving Robert Dugan. Dugan, a fixture in Placer County and also a publicly elected official with the Placer County Water Agency served as President of the Foundation for over 12 years. He led the organization through an exceptional period of growth, 2018’s successful Measure E, and the Pandemic. Dugan will stay on the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

“Serving the students of Sierra College and this community for over a decade has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Dugan. “Investment in education at the local level is critical to the long-term success of our industries, neighborhoods and families. Sierra College is the heart of this County and I look forward to continuing to serve on the Foundation Board under President Bonner’s leadership. We will continue to achieve great milestones.”

In addition to the new SCF Board President, it also added new directors Placer County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters Ryan Ronco, Rocklin Chamber of Commerce CEO Robin Trimble, Josh Hart with iHart Mortgages and Michael Wagener with Marquee Media. Ronco and Trimble are graduates of Sierra College. These new Directors were asked to join the SCF Board of Directors because of their commitment to Sierra College students, their passion for the Placer Community, and their experience with various philanthropic and fundraising boards.

“We are very excited to have these four individuals join our Board of Directors,” said SCF President Ed Bonner. “The notoriety and experience they bring in their respective fields will not only help our students, but the Foundation, as well, continue to grow as we plan ahead for the organization’s future.”

Additionally, SCF was awarded a $100,000 grant from Sutter Health for the College’s Basic Needs Center. The Center, which opened on campus this Fall, assists over 300 students each week with everything from food, clothes, school supplies, computers, personal hygiene products, gas gift cards and more. Over 60 percent of Sierra College students are eligible for some kind of assistance. Data shows that when a student is welcomed and assisted by SCF their chances for success, graduation and continuing education are extremely high.

Sierra College Foundation Closes Another Academic Year Giving Back to Community

Posted on May 22, 2023September 13, 2023

Scholarship Celebration, Taste of Excellence, Endow-a-Bed Program and a Hearst Grant Award Winner, Sierra College Foundation Raises the Bar in Supporting Local Students

Sierra College Foundation (SCF) closes out Academic Year 22-23 with its momentous Scholarship Celebration. The Foundation awarded nearly $350,000 to over 200 local students to help pay for school year 2023-24, as well as living costs such as rent, utilities, gas and food. 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.

Celebrating its 50^th anniversary, SCF was founded in 1973 and raises money from private donors to support students, college programs, and the future of the Sierra College. SCF does this through events such as Taste of Excellence which raised over $360,000 for the Foundation in early May. The event, held at Thunder Valley’s High Steaks, sold out immediately.

A remarkable year for SCF, in April it announced that it had raised over $1 million for its Endow-A-Bed program for the College’s new affordable housing facility that broke ground. The facility will house 354 students paying roughly $450 a month for room and board. The Endow-A-Program ensures at least five beds remain gratis in perpetuity for students in dire need.

Also in April, 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.

“We have had an absolutely exceptional year,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, SCF Executive Director. “What we have been able to do as an organization, collaboratively working alongside our donors, partners and the community has been truly astounding. This has been a record setting year for the Foundation both in terms of what we have been able to raise, and what we have been able to give back to our students.”