Tag: 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 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.

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 Foundation Raises More Than $3 Million for Local Students

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Student Scholarships, Endow-a-Bed Program, Career Technical Programs, Basic Needs Center All Receive Funding

Sierra College Foundation (SCF) closes out Academic Year 2024-25 by awarding nearly $350,000 in scholarships to more than 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.

Founded in 1973, SCF 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 President’s Circle Gala, which raised over $400,000 for the Foundation’s Endow-A-Bed Program in early May.

SCF announced that it had raised more than $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 below market rate, approximately $550 a month. The Endow-A-Bed Program ensures 10 beds remain gratis for students in dire need. The President’s Circle Gala in May raised enough funds to ensure one of those 10 beds remain reserved for a Veteran in perpetuity.

“We’ve had an absolutely exceptional year,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, SCF Executive Director. “In addition to the generous gifts we’ve received from donors, we also launched our Sierra College Alumni Association and the prestigious President’s Circle. The community, our partners and Sierra College alum have mobilized quickly to support both efforts with a deep passion to support our students. The Foundation, and our Board, end this academic year with a deep sense of gratitude.”

This year SCF received many additional notable gifts including:

  •  $400,000 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.
  • $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.

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. Join us online for the SCF Back to Basics Auction supporting our Basic Needs Center from Aug. 18 – Sep. 3, 2025.  Learn more about SCF, by viewing the 2025 Annual Impact Report. For more information about Sierra College Foundation and how to give, visit: www.sierracollege.edu/foundation.

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

Sierra College Foundation Welcomes Jennesa Datema as Development Director

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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

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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

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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

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.

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

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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.”

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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 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.

Bosch Logo

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

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Foundation 50 Anniversary Logo

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.

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’s Endow-A-Bed Program in early May.

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 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.