2 The Emergence of Sac 2.0

There’s a renaissance occurring throughout the Greater Sacramento region. A Creating Our revitalized downtown, new business interests, and an affordable lifestyle are Region’s Premier expected to drive economic growth and prosperity for our region. Yet to fuel and STEM Innovation Center sustain that revitalization, we must have a workforce today that is equipped for the ARC has a culture of innovation and a reputation economies of tomorrow. for exemplarily and award winning programs from Culinary Arts to Biotechnology that prepare Sacramento is positioned for substantial growth in STEM (Science, Technology, students for successful transfer to four-year universities and 21st century employment. To Engineering, and Math) related industries. Our proximity to Silicon Valley, coupled continue on this trajectory, we are embarking on a campaign to build a state-of-the-art STEM Inno- with the substantially lower cost to do business in Sacramento compared to the Bay vation Center and 21st Century Science Space for Area, makes Sacramento a highly desirable home for many businesses that rely on biology and chemistry. technology. Funding for construction of the building and modernization of the existing science wing However, to successfully attract and keep these businesses, Sacramento must be has already been secured. However, it is the technology and equipment that will go inside the able to provide a well-trained, highly-skilled workforce to meet the demands of the new building that will make the real difference for diverse employers who rely on technology for their business needs. our students. For that reason ARC is embarking on a $3.5 million campaign to raise the funds needed to fully equip the new STEM Innovation American River College has the top-notch teaching faculty Center. Funded through generous donations from and educational experience to train the next community members like you, this equipment will allow students to gain hands-on experience using generation of STEM workers to fuel the the same cutting-edge tools they will encounter growth of high-tech industry in Sac 2.0 – at high-tech employers. ARC’s top-tier teaching faculty, small class sizes, unique two-year degree but we need your help. and certificate programs lead to high-wage, high- growth STEM jobs, and effective student support programs. This experiential learning will ensure that Sacramento’s students have access to the highest-quality, affordable and most up-to-date STEM education available, establishing ARC and Sacramento as a leader in STEM education and employment.

3 3 American River College: A History of Top-Tier Education

Founded in 1955, American River College (ARC) educates more than 30,000 students annually, making it one of the largest public education institutions in the region. American Recognized statewide for its innovative programs and services, ARC ranks in River College… On the Cutting-Edge of the top 15% of California’s community colleges in transfer rates to four-year Education — MESA Program institutions. 53% of ARC students are working towards transfer, and another for Community Colleges 40% of students attend to obtain a degree, certificate, or to enhance their Research has shown that students who have on- campus friends with similar interests and career job skills. goals are more likely to succeed in college. ARC’s MESA program provides a learning community for students pursuing four-year degrees in the STEM ARC is part of the Los Rios Community College District that includes fields and provides tutoring, study groups, Cosumnes River College, Folsom Lake College, and Sacramento City College. academic advising and support. The largest in the system, ARC leads in student enrollment in science disciplines, with more than 7,000 students declaring a STEM major in fall 2017.

least 5 hours of contact time each week during a Top-Notch, Highly standard science lecture and lab class. This al- Involved Faculty lows faculty to build relationships with students and provide individualized support. ARC’s history of excellence in STEM education is rooted in our outstanding faculty. All 110 full- Many of ARC’s part-time faculty are also em- time STEM faculty have master’s degrees and ployed full-time in STEM fields, allowing them 34% have post-doctorate degrees. Their alma to bring real world knowledge and expertise to maters include Oxford, Stanford, Vanderbilt, the classroom. In degree fields like Computer Rutgers, UC Davis, UC Berkeley, and UCLA, and Science and Engineering where the cutting edge many also teach in the UC or CSU systems. is constantly moving forward, this industry knowledge ensures our students will graduate ARC courses are taught directly by these skilled with the skills that employers need. faculty who work closely with students in small classes (30 students on average), providing at

4 Engineering students at ARC have access to the Community College Mentoring Initiative. First piloted at ARC through a partnership with Intel, this program provides engineering students with virtual design issues, product Affordable Educational Biotechnology mentorships with Intel engineers from Certificate economics, and legal around the world. Options: 2-Year Degrees, This certificate prepares considerations. Current Certificates, and Transfers students for jobs in biotech- computer technologies nology, teaching practical laborato- and various analytical design and ARC provides students with diverse opportunities ry skills with emphasis on good laboratory documentation software is emphasized to meet their unique educational and career practice, quality control, and regulatory issues in throughout the program. goals. Students at ARC are able to pursue a the biotechnology workplace. STEM education that leads to a certificate, AA/AS For those students who want to continue their degree or prepares them to transfer to a 4-year Solar Energy Technology education at a 4-year institution, ARC’s programs institution. Many of ARC’s STEM certificates and Certificate provide the coursework and hands-on education AA/AS programs prepare students for employ- This certificate provides training in all aspects of to effectively prepare them for success after ment in living-wage, high-demand jobs without Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System design, instal- transfer. Whether it is a 2-year certificate pro- the need for further education. ARC’s AA/AS lation, troubleshooting and repair. The courses gram that leads to immediate employment or the and certificate programs make us uniquely well qualify students to take the North American first step on the path to a PhD, ARC offers flexible positioned to meet Sacramento’s immediate need Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) options to help students achieve their goals. for career-ready STEM professionals. A sampling PV Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge Exam. ARC truly is a smart choice for smart students, of these programs include: SMUD, PG&E, and Solar City, who together employ more than 25,000 people, have a growing providing hands-on learning in small class sizes, Registered Nursing Degree and need for trained Solar Energy professionals. with educational supports to ensure each student LVN to RN Career Mobility Degree is challenged and achieves his/her academic These programs prepare students for success as Engineering Technology Degree goals. All of this is available for the lowest fees registered nurses (RN). Healthcare is Sacra- and Certificate in higher education. Tuition fees at ARC are just mento’s top industry based on number This degree and certificate emphasizes $46/unit or $552 for a full-time student taking of jobs, and many of our region’s the knowledge and skills required 12 units, and that fee is waived for approximately largest employers – Kaiser for entry-level success in 60% of ARC students who qualify for the govern- “I find the engineering Permanente, Sutter ARC transfer ment fee waiver. In comparison, tuition fees at Health, Dignity students very well professions. CSU are $6,857 and $12,630 at UC, making ARC Health, UC Davis prepared for the challenges Projects include the affordable choice in addition to being the – are in regular of transitioning to a research environmental smart choice. need of RNs. university. I find them highly and sustainable motivated, clear on the long- term goals, and mature. They are a pleasure to have in class.” — Jim Schaaf, Ph.D. . Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, College of Engineering, University of California, Davis

5 5 High-Quality MESA Mathematics Engineering Science Educational Supports Achievement (MESA) is a learning One of ARC’s unique strengths is our edu- community for students pursuing cational support programs that allow us to four-year degrees in the fields of serve a diverse population of students – from mathematics, science or engineer- first-generation college students to high school ing. MESA helps students achieve in the valedictorians – equipping them with the skills classroom, progress academically, and develop they need to leave ARC as highly skilled, capable professionally. The program provides field students and employees who succeed in their trips to universities and science/engineering future college and career paths. Among ARC’s locations, math/chemistry boot camps for educational support programs are: incoming students, and individual and group support from faculty and Honors Program staff. “American River ARC’s Honors Program provides challeng- College was just what my ing courses and a community of support for MMLC son needed after high school.” high-performing students. Students who The Math Multime- complete 15 units of Honors coursework and dia Learning Center Like a lot of students, Josh didn’t know exactly what he wanted to do out of maintain a 3.5 or better GPA are eligible for supports students high school and I don’t think he was ready for a 4-year college. ARC allowed enhanced prospects for transfer to competitive by filling in gaps him to take some introductory classes in a much smaller setting than he schools through ARC Honors Program’s part- in mathematical would have seen at a 4-year school. More importantly, Josh signed a transfer nerships with UCLA, UC Irvine, and other public knowledge. The MMLC agreement after his first year that guaranteed him a spot at UC Davis if he educates students in and private four-year institutions. These transfer met certain fairly easily attainable requirements. That’s exactly what he did. foundational mathe- partnerships provide excellent opportunities for He’s since graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Economics. ARC was matical concepts us- top-performing students to transfer to top-tier instrumental in Josh achieving all this and he was able to do so at just a STEM programs to complete a 4-year degree. ing a mastery-based, fraction of the cost of a 4-year university. independent study TRIO SSS STEM approach, supported — Gary L. Bradus . The TRIO Student Support Services Program is through regular inter- Shareholder funded by the Department of Education, and actions with an instructor. Weintraub Tobin designed to serve 120 first generation, low-in- come, and disabled students. In its first year, Hands-On Learning the program ended up serving 130 students with Through small class-sizes and regular inter- a 93% retention rate. TRIO SSS STEM and TRIO actions with faculty, ARC’s Science, Technology, SSS Veterans programs provide STEM students and Engineering programs provide students with a team of supporters (faculty mentors, peer with regular opportunities to practice the skills mentor/tutor, counselor, project advisor and a they learn in class through hands-on labs director) to assist in the entire college process and opportunities to interact with from beginning to end. real-world technology.

6 Top-Tier Graduates ARC had abso- tific endeavors. lutely streamlined With the solid As a result of ARC’s top-notch faculty, small the (transfer) research foun- class sizes, hands-on learning opportunities, process, which dation gained at and effective educational supports, ARC provides was impressive. — Diane Bryant . ARC, Dr. Garcia students of all backgrounds and experiences Once a student goes Honorary Chair of the went on to earn a with a high-quality education that prepares through a community col- STEM Capital Campaign BS and PhD in geological them to successfully transfer to any one of our lege and transfers to a four-year and environmental sciences at region’s top tier universities, or to enter directly institution, the chances that student will Stanford, and now works as a geoscien- into the workforce. Examples of ARC’s many graduate are higher than if he/she started at tist for Fugro, where he assists with worldwide successful graduates include: a four-year institution as a freshman. My career marine expeditions to study the world’s oceans. would not exist without ARC.” Diane Bryant, Intel Executive Qudsia Wahab, Civil Engineer Vice President Dr. Michele Aizenberg, Qudsia was a participant in ARC’s MESA Diane was homeless when she began taking Neurosurgeon program. Following her education at ARC, she courses at ARC. She shares: “Community college Michele Aizenberg decided at a relatively early transferred to UC Berkeley, where she earned a was my only option to continue my education age that neurosurgery was what she wanted to degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. given my lack of resources. My father’s rule do with her life. “My path was to go to medical After graduating from UC Berkeley, she secured a was that when his children turned 18 his legal school,” she says, and she found her footing at job at Forell/Elsesser Engineers, and is currently obligations were done, so I was on my own and ARC, and like many students, took the majority pursuing a master’s in Structural Engineering, homeless four months before graduating from of her pre-requisite courses that started her ed- Mechanics and Materials at UC Berkeley. Qudsia high school. The key to ucational trek. After ARC, she went to University shares: “MESA helped me build confidence, my career suc- of California, Davis, for her B.S. in physiology. stay successful academically, and develop a cess was Advanced training took her to Brown University sense of professionalism via field trips, retreats, that in Rhode Island, George Washington and leadership opportunities. With the help University in Washington D.C., of mentors and advisors at MESA, I received and the National Institutes many scholarships which contributed towards of Health in Maryland. my academic success. While at ARC, I partici- “The College of Biological Sciences is She then went to the pleased to accept transfer students pated in research funded by NSF in the physics from American River College. M.D. Anderson Cancer department at UC Davis. The research project Center in Houston was in the experimental condensed matter lab The average first quarter GPA for ARC transfers where she did her led by a notable faculty member. I worked on an in 2015 was 3.34, so we find the students fellowship in neurosur- experimental model for avalanches in a granular to be well qualified for our programs. gical oncology. She’s system. At Berkeley, I participated in “The Steel Our 2016 Excellence in STEM award for now at the University Bridge Competition” which is an annual contest transfer students was given to former of Nebraska Medical that challenges students to design and fabricate ARC student Jennifer Diamond based on her Center, where she was the most structurally efficient, economic, stiff, excellent academic record on campus.” recruited to help found and light bridge. I was on the design team, and the Brain and Spine we competed against 48 universities at the — Susan L. Keen, Ph.D. . Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Programs Cancer Center. National Competition earning first place overall College of Biological Sciences for the second consecutive year. After obtaining University of California, Davis Dr. Pablo Garcia, Geoscientist my BS in Civil Engineering, I started working at Forell/Elsesser Engineers. I worked on many proj- Garcia is a geoscientist who credits ects including SFMTA Central Subway Chinatown ARC with giving him the fundamental Station and projects at Stanford University, UC tools to study, analyze and question academic Davis, UC Merced, SFSU, and Genentech among subjects and ideas so that he could nurture his others.” intellectual appetite and design his own scien- 7 7 The Growing Need for STEMProficiency While ARC has a long history of effectively preparing students for STEM careers, never before has there been such a great need for highly skilled STEM graduates Supporting Home-Grown in the region. Talent for Sacramento’s From automotive technicians to construction and manufacturing jobs, nursing High-Tech Growth

and medical research to computer programmers and engineers, a strong STEM Studies show that higher education leads to higher wages, which generates more disposable education is critical to a wide variety of fields that impact our economy and income and a solid tax base to support eco- everyday life. Yet the U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that by nomic growth and prosperity for all. Associate degree holders have 2018, the United States will have 1.2 million unfilled jobs in Unemployment Rate a significantly lower un- employment rate than STEM fields. Bachelor’s Degree or More their peers with only a 3.8% Sacramento’s top industries by number of jobs are 1) health high school diploma, Two Year Degree/Some College and have median life- care and social services, and 2) professional, scientific, and 8.1% time earnings that are $423,000 greater than technical services. Many of our region’s largest employers High School Graduate their peers with only a have a growing need for skilled STEM workers. 12.2% high school diploma. — Pew Research Center Those employed in Furthermore, Sacramento is positioned for substantial future STEM careers command even growth from new STEM employers. Our proximity to the Bay Area higher wages, earning 26% more than their non-STEM peers. The average and Silicon Valley, along with our comparatively low cost of living and doing yearly salary of those with a non-STEM degree is business, makes Sacramento highly attractive to start-ups looking for a home for $49,500, while the average salary of those with a STEM degree is $65,000. their headquarters. Furthermore, half of all STEM jobs are available to workers without a four-year college degree, ARC’s AA/AS and certificate programs make us equipped to quickly meet and these jobs pay $53,000/year on average – Sacramento’s immediate need for career-ready STEM professionals. 10% higher than non-STEM jobs with similar educational requirements.

8 STEM Innovation Center: The Details To effectively train Sacramento students to perform at the top of their field in American River College is seeking $3.5 million, to be funded through generous contributions STEM occupations, ARC is embarking on a capital campaign to build and outfit from community members like you, to enable a new STEM Innovation Center with the real-world environments and educational ARC to invest in the critical equipment and technology components that are not ordinarily tools students need to pursue highly-skilled professions. available to community college students and that will transform the STEM building into a In Spring 2018, ARC will break ground on a new Science, Mathematics, Astronomy, Physics and state-of-the-art learning environment, on par STEM building to provide needed infrastructure, Engineering. During the second phase of the with some of the best college and university state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratory spac- project, the Science division will be outfitted STEM facilities in the state. es. The three-story, 37,000 square foot building with state-of-the-art wet labs for Biology and will replace an aging and inadequate wing that Chemistry. A Business Center located on the was built more than 50 years ago and, while first floor of the STEM Innovation Center will dutifully maintained, has long outlived its useful provide space for area businesses to use the lifespan and is not designed to handle necessary Innovation Center as a Business Incubator American River modern upgrades and technology. and collaborate with students on projects. College The STEM building is designed to LEED Silver Design elements will provide shared, flexible is Seeking equivalent standards using the latest green $3.5 Million and moveable space to mirror today’s work technologies. environments and provide ARC with the ability to reconfigure learning environments to meet The total cost of the new STEM building and student needs and STEM advancements. It will Science modernization is $32.5 million. The also provide labs for Business and Computer vast majority of funding has been secured through bond financing and state monies ear- marked for STEM modernization projects. The college is funding the $2.5 million cost The of the science wing expansion Total Cost and modernization. of the New STEM Building and Science Modernization is $32.5 Million.

9 9 The Technology and state of the art labs will facilitate innovative well as institutional resources will help sustain approaches to teaching and provide experiential innovation within the building and ensure that Enhancements for the and hand-on learning experiences. Engineering, students will still enjoy state of the art facilities STEM building will include: Math, Business, Computer Science, and Physics for years to come. are among the disciplines that will benefit from $1 million for interior space these classrooms. When fully outfitted, the new STEM facility will innovations provide students with a learning environment Including moveable walls and furnishings to $1.3 million for equipment and that prepares them to either transfer to a create multi-discipline “hacker lab” other technology four-year institution or connect with and gain style environments designed to $1 That students will need to not employment in their chosen field. The completion fuel creative thinking with only complete their studies of this project will establish ARC as a next-gen- co-working areas that mirror Million but also excel in their work eration college with user friendly-technology; a situations students will for Interior environments. hallmark STEM program in the region that encounter in high tech firms cements its place as a first-choice As technologies and industries. Engineering, Space institution. continue $1.3 Math, Business, Computer Innovations to develop, Science, and Physics are Million so will the among the subjects that will STEM building. for Equipment benefit from this space. Continued partnerships and Other $1.2 million for high tech with STEM corporations, classrooms and modern wet labs philanthropic support from Technology Including virtual reality technology, touch screen donors in our community, as walls, gesture-based computer interfaces, and 360-degree presentation sur- faces. The modern technology $1.2 Million for High-Tech Classrooms and Modern Wet Labs Data Fourier Universal Analytics 300HD C-13 Software Testing Machine The Fourier 300HD C-013 is a proton carbon only, The Universal Testing Machine (UTM) is a much- Purchase of new Data Analytics software will enable high-resolution NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) needed device in ARC’s engineering program to the math department to build a new introduction to spectrometer to be purchased for use in ARC’s prepare students for successful transfer and industry data science curriculum. Data modeling and data chemistry courses. This $300,000 instrument careers that require a high degree of analytical skill. science are used in everything from self-driving cars helps study chemical reactions in real time. NMR At a cost of $70,000, this machine tests the strength to recommended items to purchase that pop up on spectroscopy has applications in medicine, chemistry of materials and is used in every industry ranging your computer. The new software and curriculum will and other fields of scientific research. from aerospace, automotive and biomedical to help ARC prepare students for jobs both today construction, metal and textiles testing. and in the future.

10 You Can Help STEM Innovation Transform Sacramento

You are invited to collaborate with the ARC Foundation and invest in Sacramento by providing the resources needed to ensure the STEM Innovation Center is outfitted as a state-of-the-art learning center to benefit students, employers and our community.

Gifts can be pledged over a five-year period. Naming opportunities are “It is with great enthusiasm available for larger gifts. All donors will be recognized and that we serve as co-chairs to lead the fundraising effort to acknowledged for their support. provide a “margin of excellence” for the STEM Capital Campaign. We know that ARC With your help, American River College can provide transforms students’ lives. transformational STEM education programs that enhance With private support to help fund cutting-edge equipment and innovative learning spaces it will greatly increase the capacity of the academics, job skills, and promote transfer to four-year college to provide students the experiences they need to reach their colleges. Together, we can ensure our region develops the goals in the STEM disciplines and meet the workforce demands of the Sacramento region.” skilled workforce needed to support our region’s economy and — Marie B. Smith . create growth and prosperity for all. Ed.D., Retired ARC President (1994-2005) — John Frisch . Senior Managing Director Newmark Cornish & Carey

11 11 For more information including naming opportunities, contact:

Kirsten DuBray Director of College Advancement (916) 484-8175 [email protected]