Tag: Foundation

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

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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. 

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. 

“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 50th 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. 

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.

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

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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

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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. 

“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 why we’re so excited about our Basic Needs Center and this wonderful grant from Sutter Health.”

Celebrating its 50th 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. 

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 Closes Another Academic Year Giving Back to Community

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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 50th 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.”

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

Sierra College Foundation Receives $125K Hearst Foundation Grant

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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.

Sierra College Breaks Ground on Affordable Student Housing with Support from the State of California and Local Donors

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Sierra College broke ground today on a campus-changing student housing complex that when completed will provide housing for more than 350 students. Construction of the student housing project is made possible through funding from the State of California and Sierra College general funds. Through careful planning, the monthly rent for most students will be substantially below market rate for the area. Additionally, with investments from members of the community, the cost of housing for students with the greatest need will be significantly decreased, in some cases down to no cost to the student. With the beginning of construction, substantial completion is scheduled for Summer 2025 and expected occupancy for the Fall 2025 semester. 

“Housing is one of the biggest barriers for many students to attend and be successful in college,” said Willy Duncan, Sierra College’s Superintendent/President. “I am excited that the State of California has chosen to invest in housing for community colleges, and that Sierra College will soon be able to provide housing for more than 350 students at rents far below the expensive local market rate. Our generous donors providing investments to further reduce the cost for students with the greatest need will be impactful. This project is more than just a building. It will change our students’ lives.” 

The project is supported by $82 million from the State of California’s Affordable Student Housing grant program. Due to this state funding, the District will be able to charge affordable rents at rates of nearly half the local market rate. The ceremony was attended by Acting Governor, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis who also serves as a member of the California State University Board of Trustees. 

“California’s Community Colleges pave the pathway for millions of Californians to achieve the California dream, but a lack of access to affordable student housing leaves too many students behind,” said Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis. “Thanks to projects like this one at Sierra College, more California students will be able to focus on their education and not worry about where they are going to sleep at night. I’m deeply proud of our state’s historic commitment to supporting the total cost of college attendance for students and ensuring every Californian has a shot at achieving the California dream.”

Sierra College Student Housing Facts: 

  • Current available student housing beds: 120
  • Total number of beds when complete: 358 
  • Square feet: Approximately 124,000 
  • Construction budget: $98.3m 

The new student housing at Sierra College will be a central part of the Rocklin campus, adjacent to the Student Union and Library/Learning Resource Center. In addition to housing, the building will include student support services to increase student success.

The cost to students for residence in the new student housing will be approximately $450 per month. Additionally, with the generous investments of community partners who have participated in the Sierra College Foundation’s Endow-a-Bed program, some beds will be offered at zero cost to qualifying students.

Initial community supporters of this project through the Endow-a-Bed program include: 

“We know that housing and transportation are significant insecurities for many people, including college students, and with this endowment to Sierra College, one student for a year will not have to have worry about where they’re going to be able to sleep and the food they eat,” said Dr. Peter Hull, M.D. Interim CEO and Chief Medical Executive, Sutter Roseville Medical Center. “That’s a tremendous benefit and we’re very pleased to be able to offer that to Sierra College students.” 

“When my father and I decided to open a restaurant together, I went to Sierra College and took an English as a second language class, and the teacher there told me it’s never too late to learn,” said Taro Arai, Mikuni Charitable Organization, Chief Dreaming Officer. “That teacher at Sierra College was right, and since then we’ve been growing and remembering to give back to our community.”

According to ASSC, “Housing insecurity is a real challenge faced by many past, current, and prospective Sierra College students. Through the sponsorship of this endowment of a bed at the dorm, ASSC aims to demonstrate its commitment to providing the resources, services, and support necessary to all students, regardless of their backgrounds, circumstances, and/or financial aid status.” 

About the Sierra College Foundation

Founded in 1972, the Sierra College Foundation (SCF) 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

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. 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 Foundation Awards Over $300K in Scholarships in 2022

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Local Community College Committed to Students, Developing Our Regional Work Force

Sierra College Foundation (SCF) announced it awarded $300,000 in scholarships in 2022. 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. 

“This is my favorite time of year,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, SCF Executive Director. “All year long our Board of Directors, our donors and our team works very hard to bring in dollars that we can award to students to help them continue their education. At the start of a new year, it’s always gratifying to reflect on the year prior and see our efforts in action in a meaningful way. Often times people think scholarships are not needed for community college. While community college is an affordable option, there are still many wonderful, dynamic students that need financial assistance for basic needs like rent, food and gas. Our scholarships help students with these life essentials so they can focus with less stress on their education.”

Founded in 1972, SCF 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, 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. 

“By awarding me this scholarship, you have lightened my financial burden which allows me to focus more on the most important aspect of school, learning. I hope one day that I will be able to help struggling students reach their goals in higher education by assisting them in the same way you have helped me. Thank you,” said Devin, a Sierra College student.

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

 

Contact Sierra College Foundation

Sierra College Foundation Office

(916) 660-7020
foundation@sierracollege.edu
Rocklin

Building U, Room 27

Tax ID Number: 23-7241877

 

Impact Story: Jason Davidson

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Jason Davidson, Grateful for Firefighting Training He Received at Sierra College

Jason Davison headshot from his Badge Pinning Ceremony
Jason Davidson, Sierra College alum

Jason Davison is Captain of the Nevada County Consolidated Fire Department, and a Sierra College 2006 alum.

“In my line of work, giving back to the community is part of the job,” he said. “It’s also part of who I am.”

He added, “Being a Colfax High School graduate, I, like thousands of other high school graduates in our region, have benefited from a Sierra College education.” 

Grateful for the Fire Technology training he received at Sierra College, he is giving back through SCF Gives, which is Sierra College Foundation’s initiative to address the greatest needs on campus.

Impact Story: Richard R. Nelson

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Former Student Pays It Forward Through Annual Scholarship

Headshot of Rick R. Nelson
Rick R. Nelson

As Rick Nelson tells the story, he “won the lottery” when he received several scholarships that helped him attend Sierra College after graduating from Roseville High School in 1973.

At the age of 10, Rick’s father passed away. As the eldest of three children, Rick worked numerous jobs before and after school to help his mother and sisters. No one in his family had ever gone to college, but when he was finishing high school, several local service clubs offered him scholarships, and he jumped at the chance.

After earning an Associate’s degree from Sierra College, he went on to BYU where he earned a degree in Business, and eventually had a very successful, 30-year career with Morgan Stanley.

Rick recognized the incredible value of his original scholarships.

“Two of my scholarships were for $500, which was a lot of money to me back then. But really, it was worth so much more than that,” he recalled. “What they gave me, what came out of my education – it saved me. And I wanted to help other students the same way someone once helped me.”

In 1999, Rick and his wife, Sandi, began awarding the Raymond S. Nelson Memorial Scholarship (named after his father) to Sierra College students. He personally reads every application and is always looking for ways to make a positive impact on each student.

Looking back over the years, the Nelsons’ estimate they have awarded nearly 100 scholarships to deserving and financially disadvantaged students. Many of these students continue to write thank you letters expressing a strong desire to do the same to help future students when they are financially in a position to do so.

We applaud Rick’s selfless dedication to helping others. He knows the true meaning of “paying it forward.” He is not only a notable alum but continues to empower many other students to benefit from Sierra College.