Student Emergency Fund | Sierra College

Who qualifies

• You must be currently enrolled at Sierra College (any campus: Rocklin, Nevada County, Tahoe-Truckee, Roseville Gateway).

• You must show a real financial need — a one-time emergency that's putting your education at risk.

• For SAFE ($1,500), you must be in good academic standing.

• For some Basic Needs Center supports (gift cards, certain emergency funds), you need to have filed a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) and be Pell-eligible. The food pantry has no such requirement — it's open to all enrolled students. [Source: sierracollege.edu/student-services/health-and-wellbeing/basic-needs-resources/ (accessed 2026-05-17)]

What you can get

• Student Emergency Fund grant: up to $500, one-time

• SAFE award: up to $1,500 for food insecurity, situational homelessness, health issues, transportation, or similar barriers

• Basic Needs Center wraparound help: food pantry, CalFresh enrollment help, emergency housing/rent assistance, mental health referrals, hygiene supplies, parenting supplies, loaner laptops, transportation assistance

How to apply

1. Start with the Basic Needs Center — this is the front door for emergency money and most support services. Three ways in:
• Fill out the "Get Help with Basic Needs" request form on the Sierra College Basic Needs page
• Walk in to the Basic Needs Center at Room K-1, Rocklin Campus (next to the Bookstore and Cafeteria)
• Call or email the center directly

2. If you haven't filed FAFSA/CADAA yet, do that too — it unlocks more help. The Financial Aid Office can walk you through it.

3. Talk to a faculty or staff member you trust. Faculty often call the Foundation directly on a student's behalf, and that referral path is real and well-worn. [Source: sierracollege.edu/about-sierra-college/sierra-college-foundation/impact-programs-to-support/student-emergency-fund/ (accessed 2026-05-17)]

Common pitfalls

• Waiting too long. Apply before you're evicted or your car is repossessed, not after. The fund is designed to prevent the crisis, not undo it.

• Not filing FAFSA/CADAA. Even if you don't think you'll qualify for federal aid, filing unlocks Pell eligibility, which unlocks Basic Needs Center cash supports.

• Assuming you have to ask "the Foundation" directly. You don't. Go through the Basic Needs Center or Financial Aid — they route the request.

• One-time only. The $500 emergency grant is a one-shot per student. Use it for the real emergency.

Where to get help

• Basic Needs Center: Room K-1, Rocklin Campus

• Financial Aid Office: Winstead Center, 5100 Sierra College Blvd, Rocklin (also at the Nevada County Campus). Email: financialaidquestion@sierracollege.edu

• Sierra College main line: (916) 624-3333

• Sierra College Foundation: (916) 660-7000

Sources

• Sierra College Foundation — Student Emergency Fund: https://www.sierracollege.edu/about-sierra-college/sierra-college-foundation/impact-programs-to-support/student-emergency-fund/

• Sierra College Foundation — SAFE: https://www.sierracollege.edu/about-sierra-college/sierra-college-foundation/impact-programs-to-support/student-assistance-fund-endowment-safe/

• Sierra College Basic Needs Resources: https://www.sierracollege.edu/student-services/health-and-wellbeing/basic-needs-resources/

• 2025–2026 Financial Aid Handbook (PDF): https://www.sierracollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025-2026-financial-aid-handbook.pdf

It is not unusual for the Foundation to receive a call from a faculty or staff member about a student sleeping in his/her car in the parking lot who needs money for a rent deposit, a single mother who lives far away and is at risk of dropping out due to lack of gas money, or a student who has lost his job and has no way to pay for his books.