Tag: 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.

Impact Story: Jason Loscalzo

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Jason Loscalzo, Proud Alumnus is now Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Chicago Bears

Jason Loscalzo
Jason Loscalzo, former Sierra College student

When Jason Loscalzo graduated from Golden Sierra High School in the ‘90s and began gearing up for the next stage in his life, he said that while he couldn’t afford a 4-year college, his parents encouraged him to enroll at Sierra College.

“My brother went there, and I wanted to play football,” he said. “It just made sense.”

Jason played fullback for Sierra College for a few years, then he went on to Humboldt State where he earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in 1999. In 2001, he earned a master’s in athletic administration from Nevada.

From there, he went on to a successful 21-year collegiate career as a strength and conditioning coach with Washington State (2012-17), Boston College (2007-11), Auburn University (2003-06), Marshall (2001-03), University of Nevada, Reno (1999-01) and Arkansas (1999).

Today, Jason is beginning his second year as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Chicago Bears, but looks back fondly on his days at Sierra.

 “I’m still in touch with some of my Sierra teammates,” he said. “We played under Rex Chappell.”

Sierra College was a great first step for Jason and prepared him for a four-year school.

“I had the same education at Sierra that I received at Humboldt State, and the best part is that I graduated without taking out a loan.” He added, “School is what you make of it. The important part is having your name on a diploma.”

We applaud Jason on his impressive accomplishments. His success is an inspiration to the thousands of students preparing to begin their college career at Sierra.

Jason and his wife, Nicci, have two sons, JP and Luke, and one daughter, Gianna. 

Impact Story: Andi*

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Andi: Sierra Promise Student Grateful for SAFE

Andi* struggled with substance abuse at age 14. Expelled from high school, she had no family support and ended up staying with friends. She attended continuation school, but high school graduation was a big “if” for her. Attending college was never in the picture.

Through Sierra Promise, Andi took a field trip to Sierra College. She toured many departments but was especially inspired by the Nursing Village. Suddenly, for the first time in her life, she knew what she wanted to do.

She wasn’t sure how to make it happen, but she worked hard in high school and successfully kicked her drug addiction. Despite earlier worries that she wouldn’t graduate, she did – and ahead of schedule.

With the assistance of Sierra Promise staff, she focused on how to attend Sierra College. Her Sierra Promise counselor helped with every stage – from filling out the application to completing her FAFSA application, and even driving her to take assessment tests.

Andi was overwhelmed and a bit terrified, but she began college at Sierra and has already successfully finished her first semester. She said it has been tough, but worth it. She’s excited for her future.

Learn more about how you can support Sierra Promise through the Student Assistance Fund Endowment (SAFE).

*Last name not used to protect student’s identity.