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Sierra College, Bosch Collaborate to Upskill Associates at Silicon Carbide Fab in Roseville

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First Certificates Awarded Under Fast-Track Mechatronics Program

Sierra College yesterday awarded certificates of achievement to 10 Bosch associates who recently completed a customized Mechatronics program. The program was designed through collaboration between Sierra and Bosch to help prepare workers with the skills and training that will be needed as Bosch works toward production of the first silicon carbide chips at the Roseville site in 2026.

“Sierra College is passionate about working with area employers like Bosch to deliver customized training solutions that match their business needs,” said Amy Schulz, Sierra College Executive Dean for Workforce and Strategic Initiatives. “Working closely with the Bosch team, we were able to design a condensed Mechatronics certificate program that emphasized the specific, hands-on training that employees will need as the Bosch facility comes online. As Bosch becomes an even larger part of our local economy and community, Sierra is excited to support its success.”

Typically an 18-24 month program, Sierra College and Bosch designed a Mechatronics certificate that could be completed in one year by adding summer session classes and additional lab space for Bosch associates.

“Access to skilled workers and education is vital for Bosch’s plans for our silicon carbide fab,” said Sara Lausmann, Line Maintenance Manager at Bosch in Roseville and past graduate of the Mechatronics program. “Sierra College was able to design a program to meet our needs within two months and take full advantage of this time before the plant is in operation by helping our current workers upskill and prepare for a new type of work in a state-of-the-art facility. This collaboration is one of many win-wins we see for Bosch and the community.”

In April 2023, Bosch announced and closed an acquisition of an existing wafer fab in Roseville and has begun the process to transform the site. Since the acquisition, Bosch has retained nearly all of the 250 associates during the transformation process as it prepares for the 2026 launch production of 200-millimeter wafers based on the pioneering silicon carbide Bosch technology. Bosch plans to invest up to $1.9 billion to transform the site, supported by a $25 million California Competes Tax Credit approved by the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and up to $225 million in proposed direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act with the U.S. Department of Commerce.

In addition to training its current workforce, Bosch is also investing locally to help build up semiconductor expertise for the future. The Bosch Community Fund provided a $100,000 grant to the Sierra College Foundation in Rocklin, California for its Career Technical Education Support Fund. The grant has helped to 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.

Sierra College’s Mechatronics program – housed within its Business and Technology Division – includes the study of robotics and industrial automation and offers students multiple educational options, including Associate of Arts or Associate of Science Degree, a Certificate of Achievement and a Skills Certificate. Mechatronics students work in many fields, including electronics, mechanical systems, programming, semiconductors, manufacturing and transportation. Jobs include field service technicians, industrial electricians, fabricators, assemblers, PLC programmers and microcontroller programmers. Classes are scheduled to meet the needs of a variety of learners, including night class offerings. To learn more about enrolling in the Mechatronics program, go to www.sierracollege.edu/mechatronics

Across its more than 120 degrees and certificates, Sierra College regularly works with industry groups and individual employers to understand labor market needs and changes in technology and machinery to deliver a rigorous, relevant educational experience that prepares students for work on day one. Through its 21 Career Continuing Technical Education programs, Sierra College prepares students for employment in specific high-demand sectors such as manufacturing, building industries, IT and computer science, automotive technology, nursing and allied health, public safety and business. Sierra also delivers customized training programs for individual employers to retrain and upskill their workforce.

Photos of the event are available here: Bosch Graduation, Feb 12, 2025 (Flickr Album)

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 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 Theatre Arts Department Presents And Then There Were None

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Then There Were None

Live Performances March 21 – April 13 in Rocklin

Sierra College Theatre Arts Department announces its spring musical production of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None directed by Scott Adams. Members of the community are invited to attend any of the eight performances from March 21 through April 14 in the Dietrich Theatre on the Sierra College campus in Rocklin.  

Performance Dates and Times            

  • Friday, March 21 at 7:30 pm  
  • Saturday, March 22 at 7:30 pm 
  • Friday, April 4 at 7:30 pm 
  • Saturday, April 5 at 2 pm 
  • Sunday, April 6 at 2 pm
  • Friday, April 11 at 7:30 pm 
  • Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 pm 
  • Sunday, April 13 at 2 pm (closing matinee) 

Story

Ten strangers are summoned to a remote island. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they’re unwilling to reveal and a secret that will seal their fate. For each has been marked for murder. As the weather turns and the group is cut off from the mainland, one by one they are mysteriously murdered in accordance with the lines of a sinister nursery rhyme. 

Purchase Tickets

Tickets are available online from On the Stage at https://our.show/sierra/None. Tickets can also be purchased at the door one hour before curtain time in the Dietrich Theatre Lobby.

  • $20 general admission
  • $18 Seniors (65+)
  • $15 Sierra College Faculty/Staff
  • $10 All students and children

Venue

Dietrich Theatre (Building T) at Sierra College, 5100 Sierra College Blvd., Rocklin, CA 95677. View Rocklin Campus Interactive Map.

Contact (916) 660-8036 for more information.  

Accessibility and Sound

Dietrich Theatre offers:

  • accessible parking (Lot A-1)
  • wheelchair access
  • wheelchair accessible seating

Please note that this show has simulated gunshots.

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 Welcomes Anabel Toche as Executive Dean of Student Equity and Completion

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New Executive Dean to Champion Student Success and Equity Initiatives

Sierra College is proud to announce the appointment of Anabel Toche as the new Executive Dean of Student Equity and Completion. In this role, Toche will lead initiatives to ensure all students have equal opportunities to succeed and graduate. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Anabel Toche to Sierra College,” said Willy Duncan, Sierra College Superintendent/President. “Her extensive experience and deep commitment to equity align seamlessly with our mission of fostering a culture of belonging and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. We look forward to the positive impact she will bring to our college community.”

With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, Anabel Toche is a dedicated advocate for equity and student success. Most recently, Toche served as the Dean of Student Success, Institutional Effectiveness at Yuba College. As a Latina and a first-generation college graduate from a low-income immigrant family, she brings a unique and valuable perspective to this leadership role. Anabel holds a bachelor’s degree in leadership studies from Cal Poly Humboldt and an MBA from Southern Oregon University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership at UC Davis.

As the Executive Dean of Student Equity and Completion, Toche will work with campus and community partners to create an inclusive environment that supports Sierra College’s diverse student population while implementing strategies to help students achieve their educational goals more efficiently. 

“I am honored to join Sierra College and excited to work alongside dedicated faculty, staff, students, and the campus community to advance equity and student success initiatives,” said Toche. “I look forward to building on Sierra College’s strong foundation and collaborating with the campus community and the broader community to foster a culture where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their educational goals.”

Throughout her distinguished career, Toche has demonstrated a profound commitment to creating transformative student success programs. Her extensive experience includes overseeing initiatives such as EOPS/CARE/NextUp, CalWORKs, TRIO programs, MESA, and the Puente Project. She has also championed efforts supporting LGBTQ+, DREAMer, and AANHPI students, consistently prioritizing holistic student support, culturally responsive practices, and the dismantling of systemic barriers to equity and access.

“Anabel’s leadership philosophy, ‘Think Student and Then Decide,’ underscores her student-centered approach to decision-making,” said Duncan. “Her collaborative work with faculty, institutional research teams, and campus stakeholders has yielded measurable outcomes in closing equity gaps and enhancing student engagement. Additionally, her expertise in budget management and program assessment has been instrumental in driving sustainable, impactful change.”

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 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 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 Hosts California Forward and Regional Partners for Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Event

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On October 8, Sierra College welcomed members of the California Forward (CA FWD) organization along with regional leaders from education and business to its Rocklin campus for a collaborative event focused on building a skilled workforce to meet the needs of the Sacramento region’s growing manufacturing sector.

“If you want to accomplish great things, surround yourself with people and partners who are naturally inclined to say, ‘Yes, we can do that,’ and then figure out how to get it done,” said Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan. “As a college and as a region, we have been able to accomplish great things in our education and workforce training efforts by starting with a mindset of ‘yes’ and I am excited to continue this approach to problem-solving in the future.”

The event featured a tour of Sierra College’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the Mechatronics, Advanced Manufacturing, Welding, and Makerspace departments. Representatives of Sierra College, Bosch, Roseville Joint Unified High School District, Greater Sacramento Economic Development Council and Valley Vision also convened for a panel discussion that emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in developing programs that align with industry demands and create pathways for well-paying jobs in the manufacturing sector.

The discussion highlighted how partnerships between educational institutions, industry leaders, and economic development organizations are vital to addressing the region’s immediate workforce needs and preparing for future growth. Sierra College has been a pioneer in this collaborative approach, actively investing in programs and partnerships to build a skilled workforce for employers such as Bosch, Siemens Mobility, and new manufacturers in the area.

“Regional collaboration and dialogue among educators, employers and the continuum of workforce development organizations is vital to building connections between employers looking for talent and students seeking quality jobs in our region,” said Amy Schulz, Executive Dean of Workforce and Strategic Initiatives for Sierra College. “Sierra College is honored to help foster this collaboration with our partners, especially in fields like advanced manufacturing where there is so much exciting momentum in our region.”

Ongoing Collaborative Efforts

The event is part of a broader, strategic effort by Sierra College and its partners to develop and sustain a robust workforce pipeline for the region. Earlier this year, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, along with the Governor’s Council for Career Education, visited Sierra College’s workforce programs to see how they are empowering students with training for lucrative, in-demand careers. During her visit, the First Partner engaged with students in the Mechatronics program, a course designed specifically to meet the needs of local industries.

In June, the Sierra Workforce Summit, held at Sierra College’s Rocklin Campus, brought together representatives from major employers and education providers throughout Placer County to develop strategies to prepare youth and adults for the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. The summit focused on addressing challenges such as skill gaps, hard-to-fill positions, and the integration of new technologies in the workplace. Summit partners continue to collaborate to establish, measure and reach regional goals for education, career exploration and pathways, workforce training and upskilling for current workers, among other goals.

For more information on Sierra College’s workforce programs, please contact Amy Schulz at aschulz1@sierracollege.edu.

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 graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. More information is at www.sierracollege.edu.

About California Forward (CA FWD)

California Forward (CA FWD) is a nonprofit organization that leads a statewide movement to foster inclusive, sustainable growth by bringing together communities, regions, and diverse interests to improve governance and economic opportunity. By driving collective action, CA FWD identifies scalable solutions to address California’s economic, environmental, and social challenges. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that all Californians can benefit from the state’s prosperity through collaborative and forward-thinking initiatives.

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 Fall 2024 Semester Begins with Largest Enrollment in Five Years

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Exciting Start to the Fall Semester

Sierra College is proud to announce the start of the Fall 2024 semester, which began on August 19, with an impressive enrollment of over 19,000 students – an 11% increase from Fall 2023 and the highest enrollment since 2018.

“It’s an exciting start to the fall semester,” said Willy Duncan, Sierra College Superintendent/President. “We are pleased to have our fall enrollment reach levels we haven’t seen in five years, and we are prepared to support our students on their path to success.”

To kick off the new academic year, Sierra College held Welcome Day events across the Rocklin, Nevada County, and Tahoe-Truckee campuses. These events provided students with an opportunity to connect with peers, explore Sierra College’s programs, and learn about available services.

At Sierra College, students have access to comprehensive services designed to support both their academic goals and personal well-being, whether they are enrolled in a six-week certificate program or pursuing a two-year degree. Students are connected with a team of staff members, including a counselor, support specialist, and financial aid professional, which provides continuous support throughout their academic journey. Students can also utilize the resources available through the Basic Needs Center which can assist with housing, food, employment, health and wellness, transportation, and financial assistance, allowing them to focus on their education. This wrap-around support system is designed to help students navigate their educational path to completion with confidence. For more information about student services, please visit: https://www.sierracollege.edu/student-services.

In collaboration with local and regional transportation partners, Sierra College has made getting to all four campuses easy and accessible. Students can take advantage of free bus transportation by simply showing a current Sierra College ID when they board any Roseville Transit, Placer County Transit, Auburn Transit, Nevada County Connects and/or Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit bus. Sierra College is proud to offer an additional way for students to safely travel to and from campus in the evenings via a subsidized, on-demand student transportation partnership with Uber. More information is available at https://www.sierracollege.edu/ridefree.

With these comprehensive resources in place, Sierra College looks forward to fostering an environment where all students can thrive both academically and personally in the coming semester.

About Sierra College

The 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 190 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College 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 Natural History Museum Welcomes Laura Matzer as Director

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Laura Matzer Headshot
Laura Matzer, Director of the Sierra College Natural History Museum

Sierra College has named Laura Matzer as Director of the Sierra College Natural History Museum (SCNHM). Matzer comes to Sierra College from the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum in The Dalles, Oregon, where she was responsible for leadership, vision, and direction for the museum. At Sierra College, Matzer will plan, direct, manage, oversee, and provide leadership for the award-winning Sierra College Natural History Museum located on the Rocklin campus.

The Museum has more than 20,000 specimens, with objects to spark the curiosity of every visitor. Currently on view is an Animals of the World exhibit, a Marine Mammals gallery, a Minerology exhibit featuring an array of spectacular minerals, and an Entomology (insect) display featuring California butterflies.

Matzer will establish new connections with the community via public outreach through the coordination, marketing, event planning and general facilitation of Museum tours and lectures, including teacher-training activities. Matzer will also oversee the management of the on-campus nature preserve and arboreta, and plays an active role in the development of an endowment fund to support long-term funding for the Museum.

Laura Matzer states: “Since I arrived, I have found the goodwill and support for Sierra College’s Natural History Museum to be truly remarkable. In seeking to enhance the visitor experience, it is an honor to work with students, faculty, staff, and the public to build upon the foundations already established for our exhibitions, collections, and programming, as the campus – and our audience – continues to grow. I also look forward to developing creative ways of sharing this incredible gem on Sierra College’s campus with those in the surrounding communities who have yet to discover its wonder.”

SCNHM hosts programs and events throughout the year including Free Saturdays (next program is held July 13h from 10 am-2 pm) and Dinosaur Day and Science Fest in May with live animal exhibitions, lectures, tours, Planetarium shows, physics and chemistry demonstrations, face painting, paleontological digs, and maker stations. To stay up to date, visit www.sierracollege.edu/museum.

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. More information at www.sierracollege.edu.

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.