$100,000 Donation to Help Nursing Students

Rocklin, Calif.- The Sierra College Foundation recently announced that it has received a $100,000 donation to establish an endowment fund to help students who’ve received their associate’s degree in nursing go on and earn a bachelor’s degree.

The new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Merger Gap Endowment Fund was established with an initial donation from a couple from Lincoln who wish to remain anonymous. “We hope this gift inspires others in our community to provide a matching gift,” the couple said.

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In fact, Kaiser Permanente already accepted that challenge and offered a $10,000 matching gift towards this fund.

“We are so grateful for such supportive, giving donors who are clearly dedicated to helping local students excel,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, Executive Director of the Sierra College Foundation.

In collaboration with Sacramento State, Sierra College is now able to offer selected Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) students an opportunity to pursue their Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) degree concurrently during the ADN program.

This new BSN merger track is integrated into the ADN program and begins during the summer between the first and second year of study. Nancy Schwab, Associate Dean of Nursing and Allied Health at Sierra College, said: “Financial aid becomes difficult for our students when they are enrolled at both Sierra College and Sacramento State that first summer. The gap fund will alleviate some of those expenses and allow our students less financial burden when they complete their degrees. We are extremely grateful for this opportunity.”

“We have worked hard to provide the opportunity for our students to be able to move seamlessly into the Sac State nursing program,” said Willy Duncan, President of Sierra College. “Our partnership is cutting the time to degree and the total cost for students.  However, the cost of the program is still a barrier that is hard for many students to overcome.  I am extremely appreciative of our donors who are making the investment in our students that will allow them to complete their degree and move into the workforce.”

Sacramento State President Richard Nelsen adds, “The BSN Merger Gap Endowment Fund is a game-changer for nursing in Placer and surrounding counties,” said Sacramento State President Richard Nelsen. “With the cooperation of Sacramento State and Sierra College, nurses will be able to receive fully accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees that will benefit the hospitals, clinics, and patients in our area.  The kindness and generosity of the gift are remarkable.”

The Sierra College Foundation invites other individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations to get involved in this effort.