Sierra College expands access to affordable student housing with new facility

Amid a years-long building program to modernize its Rocklin campus, Sierra College on Wednesday celebrated the grand opening of a centrally located 358-bed student housing facility. The student housing project, funded by the state of California and Sierra College, will offer a majority of beds at below-market rents, providing affordable and stable housing options for hundreds of students while bringing 24/7 vibrancy to campus life. The first residents will move in for the spring 2026 semester in January. "Expanded housing in the heart of campus will be a game changer for Sierra College and our students," said Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan. "Many of our students lack secure housing, perhaps couch surfing or living in their cars, and tell us they are also struggling with food insecurity and lack of reliable transportation. We are committed to helping meet these basic needs for our students so they can pursue their educational and career goals. We are grateful for the state's investment in expanding affordable, on-campus housing, which will be transformational for these students and our entire student body." In addition to having access to on-campus housing, students will have expanded dining options, transit that directly serves the campus, as well as access to academic resources and on-site student services located in the student housing building. The state provided $80.5 million for the project under the California Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program, with Sierra contributing $27 million in district funds (Measure E facility bond funds were not utilized). "Sierra College shows what's possible when community colleges step up to address housing insecurity for the millions of students we serve," said Sonya Christian, chancellor of California Community Colleges. "Stable housing is a basic need and meeting that need is essential to keeping students on track to reach their goals. Equity in support sits at the heart of Vision 2030, and expanding student housing is a vital part of creating real opportunity for every student." Data shows more than 63 percent of Sierra students are economically disadvantaged, including former foster youth, historically underrepresented, or first in their family to attend college. The majority of the units (269) will be offered at rents significantly below market rate for income-eligible students with rents capped at 30 percent of 50 percent of the average median Income. Monthly costs for room and board, including expanded food service that will provide daily meal options, will be offered at $823 per month for these students. The 89 market-rate beds will be offered at $1,242 per month for room and board. Each year, several students with the greatest financial need will be eligible to receive free room and board as a result of the "Endow-A-Bed" program spearheaded by the Sierra College Foundation. The program aims to raise $250,000 to endow one bed in perpetuity for students in need with a goal of endowing 10 beds in total, including one reserved for a military veteran. To date, the program has raised more than $2 million to endow eight beds from donors, including the Associated Students of Sierra College, Elizabeth Kinstler Trust, Frederik G Sahlberg Living Trust, Mikuni Charitable Organization, Sierra College Foundation, SCF-Taste of Excellence and Sutter Health. The foundation also has raised community support to fund free room and board for an additional nine students for one year. "Sierra College Foundation is so grateful that members of our community are stepping up to make these life-changing investments for students in need, something that we will be able to offer students every year in perpetuity," said Sierra College Foundation Executive Director Sonbol Aliabadi. "By addressing the anxiety, stress and stigma of housing insecurity, these students can focus on reaching their goals and flourish right here in our community." "Sutter Health is proud of our deep roots in Placer County and thankful for our partnership with Sierra College to educate and train the future healthcare workforce for our community," said Tammy Powers, CEO for Roseville Sutter Medical Center. "We are honored to sponsor a stable place each year for a student enrolled in Sierra's Allied Health program to rest their head so they can achieve their dreams." The student housing building features a three-story central staircase paired with two elevators for convenient, equitable access to all floors. The building is comprised of three wings that converge at a central feature called the Hub, a welcoming glass beacon and center of activity. Individual residential wings feature generous hallways punctuated with natural light and shared study alcoves on all floors. Each unit houses six students in total. Residents share a furnished living room, a kitchenette and three separate bedrooms, each designed for two students to share. The unit also includes one toilet room, one shower room and one combination shower-and-toilet room to support shared living while offering flexibility and privacy. All units are fully accessible and ADA-compliant. Security is a top priority. The building will be accessible only through the main entrance, and residents will need to use their key card to gain entry. Security cameras will be installed at strategic locations to help ensure the safety and peace of mind of all residents. To date, Sierra has received 298 applications with 200 students on the interest list. A community open house will be held Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 4-6 p.m.