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Grade Level Information


Community College is a great option for students to take general education courses (that will apply to their 4 year degree) at a fraction of the cost of a 4 year college or university. It is also a great option for students interested in technical or certificate programs. Whether your goal is to transfer to a 4-year, get an associates degree or get hands on training for your future career in a certificate program, community college is a great option. In order to enroll as a full-time student in a California Community College, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be at least 18 years old.
 
California Community Colleges- links you to all of the California Community Colleges.

California Community Colleges - Find a College - lists our closest community colleges on the left and allows you to search all CCC by program.

California Community Colleges Eligible Training Provider List - Alphabetical List by CCC of AA, AS and Certificate Programs

Los Rios Community Colleges:
  • Los Rios Community Colleges - Some students may be interested in taking classes at American River College, Folsom Lake, Consumnes or Sac City. Programs very between California Community Colleges, so research program offerings to see if they have your area of study. 

Sierra College Application Steps for Graduating Seniors 

Graduating Seniors Applying to Sierra College

for summer or fall 2021




IF YOU HAVEN'T APPLIED AS OF MAY 20th:


Below is enrollment information from Mrs. LaChance,

the Sierra College Transition Counselor.


  1. How to apply and complete the enrollment process at Sierra College:

If you are at the beginning of the enrollment process for Sierra College, you will need to complete the Sierra College Enrollment process by following the enrollment steps handout. This handout provides detailed steps and information from the first step: applying to Sierra College to the final step: Class registration. 


Please refer to Enrollment Steps handout throughout the enrollment process. Once you have completed your counseling appointment, review the Final Registration and Information Letter that is linked in the registration step of the enrollment steps handout.


  1. Financial Aid 

Complete FAFSA/CADA by June 1, 2021 for Two Years Free Eligibility. Due to limited funds for Two Years Free this year any FAFSA/CADA submitted after March 2, 2021 is not guaranteed to be eligible. It will be based on a first come basis until funds are no longer available for Two Year Free. Two Years Free Award Notifications will be posted to mySierra accounts between June-September 2021.


                        Check mySierra for Your Application Status and Next Steps 

                                After you have submitted your FAFSA application, you will be notified by email within 7-10 business days that we received your FAFSA.

                                If no other action is needed, you can view your potential awards.

To check your status: 

  1. Watch and follow the steps in our “How to Complete Financial Aid Next Steps” video

  2. Log into mySierra

  3. Select “Financial Aid”

  4. Scroll down to “Financial Aid Activities”

  5. Click on “View My Financial Aid Status Watch this video to learn how and where to check your FAFSA application status in mySierra. 

Contact Brian Tolentino, Financial Aid Technician at Sierra College if you have specific financial aid questions. btolentino@sierracollege.edu

Financial Aid Zoom Office HoursWednesdays from 3:00 - 4:00pm

Zoom Link: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/95231253868     

Meeting ID: 952 3125 3868

  1. Summer/fall Promise Priority Registration (May 7th for Promise).  If you applied to Sierra for summer and/or fall your registration date and time is now posted in the Registration and Classes link in your mySierra account. Fall class schedule is now available.


IF YOU HAVE APPLIED AND MET WITH MRS. LACHANCE OR A DSPS COUNSELOR AND HAVE YOUR ED PLAN BUT HAVE NOT REGISTERED:


5.21.21 Letter from Mrs. LaChance, Transition Counselor


I hope to find you all well and fully registered for classes. If you have not yet registered, please make sure you do so quickly.

I want to reiterate important enrollment information. This will be my final message to you before you graduate, so please read thoroughly.


     (if you haven't done so already)

2. Financial Aid

Make sure you have completed the Financial Aid application and complete the mySierra Financial Aid Next Steps to verify Sierra has received your application. Watch this video tutorial to see how to complete the FA Next Steps.

If you have specific financial aid questions or concerns you can contact Brian Tolentino, Financial Aid Technician at Sierra College, btolentino@sierracollege.edu or you can contact the Financial Aid Department directly.


3Two Years Free Opt-in and FAFSA completion to prevent being dropped from classes for non-payment

Generally once students register they have 10 days to pay for their tuition/fees but as long as you opted into Two Years Free in your mySierra and have verification from Sierra that they have received your FAFSA or CADA, you will not be dropped from your classes for Non Payment of tuition while you wait for Two Years Free award notifications.

1. Completed FAFSA/CADA and Two Years Free Opt-in = You will NOT be dropped from classes for non-payment of tuition as you await your award notifications.

2. Opted into Two Years Free but have NOT submitted a FAFSA/CADA= You WILL be dropped from classes if you do not pay your tuition fee within 10 days of registering for classes.

Two Years Free Eligibility and Payment Distribution Information

4Check your mySierra email frequently

This is the main form of communication for Sierra, you don't want to miss important information.

It is recommended that you forward your email to your personal email address.

  • Forward Sierra College email to your most checked email account

  • Select Email

  • Once logged into your email, select the settings “gear” in the upper right corner, type “Forwarding” in the search bar and follow the directions to forward emails. Make sure to select SAVE.


5. Submit official AP scores to Sierra College
If you have completed one or more AP exams with a score of 3 or higher and want to earn college credit, you will need to send an official score report as soon as it's final from the College Board website, select Sierra College as the receiving school.


5. Meet with Interest Area Counselor this summer or fall to complete your education plan

You will need to schedule an appointment with an Interest Area Counselor to complete the remaining terms of your education plan. It is advised you do this over the summer or at the beginning of the fall term so you are prepared for spring registration in November 2021.

*Beginning on June 5th, Interest Area counselors will be listed in your Sierra Connect network. Through Sierra Connect you can schedule an appointment or email any of the interest area counselors listed. The Sierra Connect link is located in your mySierra account.

My last day working with the class of 2021 is May 27th. After that for general admissions, records and class registration questions you will need to contact Sierra College directly, Sierra College Admissions and Records. For counseling appointments, you can schedule one directly through Sierra Connect or call them at 916-660-7400.

It was a pleasure working with you all and wish you all the best in what is to come.

Mrs. LaChance




SPRING 2021 LETTER FROM MRS. LACHANCE

Dear Senior class of 2021,


My name is Stacey LaChance, I am the Sierra College High School Transition Counselor at Del Oro.  My role is to assist seniors who plan to attend Sierra College as a “First-Time Student” this upcoming 2021-2022 school year. 


My current office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 12:00pm-2:00pm. You can reach me by email, through my weekly Google Meet office hours (listed on the last page of this letter) or by setting up an individual virtual appointment.


Your Sierra College Enrollment Specialist is Matt Malepeai. Matt works closely with students to  assist with questions regarding the enrollment process and General Sierra College questions. He is available through email or weekly Zoom sessions, see more information regarding the Zoom sessions on the last page of this letter.


Mrs. Fessenden, (bfessenden@puhsd.k12.ca.us) Del Oro’s College and Career/Counseling Technician, is also available to answer any Sierra College questions if Matt or myself are unavailable.


Contact Information


For counseling related questions contact:

Stacey LaChance

High School Transitions Counselor

Sierra College

Slachance@sierracollege.edu


For Application/enrollment/Registration questions contact:

Matt Malepeai

Enrollment Specialist

Sierra College

mmalepeai@sierracollege.edu



Promise and Two Years Free


What is Promise and how do I become a Promise Scholar?

Sierra Promise is a commitment to provide local high school students the opportunity to go to college. Students commit to enroll in 30 or more units within their fall/spring semesters and if they “opt-in” as a Promise Scholar located in their mySierra account (accessible once the student has applied) will receive the benefit of priority registration for their first semester.


Sierra Promise information page


What is Two Years Free?

Your first two years of tuition could be free! We want to remove financial barriers, so all students are able to pursue higher education. There is no income requirement, you just need to be a first time student and California resident. 


Steps to complete to get Two Years Free:


  1. Opt-in to Two Years Free in your mySierra portal

  2. Complete the FAFSA or CA Dream Act application for all required years

  3. Enroll full-time in fall and spring (12 units required, 15 recommended). See FAQs for questions regarding summer term.

To learn more, view our Two Years Free information

 

Mid-Year Grad Two-Years Free Information

If fall 2020 is your last term at Del Oro and you plan on attending Sierra College in the spring, summer or fall of 2021, please review the information linked here.

**For Mid Term grads planning to attend a 4 year university in the fall of 2021, taking classes at Sierra in the spring and/or summer terms may make you ineligible to attend the university. Please read the Mid Year Grad letter linked above.

 

Financial Aid

The 2021/22 Federal Student Aid or CA Dream Act application is available as early as October 1, 2020. It is in your best interest to complete the appropriate application as early as possible. We strongly recommend the FAFSA or CA Dream Act is completed no later than March 2, 2021


First time college students who plan to take classes in spring/summer 2021 continuing into the fall, will need to complete the 2020/21 and 2021/22 FAFSA or CA Dream Act application. For students starting in fall 2021, you will only need to complete the 2021/22 FAFSA or CA Dream Act application for this upcoming school year.


Apply annually for Sierra College scholarship offerings by completing a single application. Deadline is March 2, 2021.


Enrollment Process: Step by Step


Join the DO/Sierra College REMIND Texts

  • Text @delorosc to the number 81010


Step 1: Apply to Sierra College...use this link for step by step application directions

  • Create a CCCapply account, if you have applied to Sierra before for DE or AE classes, you have a CCCapply account. 

  • Welcome SIerra College Email

    • The email will be sent to the email address you listed in your CCCapply account within 24 hours after your application is submitted.

    • Follow instructions to set a password for mySierra account. Then continue with step #2 below.

      • Note: your CCCapply account and mySierra account are different. Your CCCapply username and password will give you access to your mySierra account.

    •  If after 24 hours you have not received the “Welcome to Sierra College” email, please email me so I can assist you. Don’t forget to check your spam folder.


Step 2: Log in to your mySierra account (complete the the following items in your mySierra account)

Helpful mySierra Steps Webinar (Watch this video before proceeding)


  • College Terms and Conditions

  • Select College Terms and Conditions

  • Click  I have read and understand the information above


  • Promise Scholar 

  • Select Become a Promise Scholar

  • Review Promise information and click on I Understand


  • Two Years Free Opt-In (If you are currently enrolled in a DE course, you will have to wait to complete this step)

    • Select Two Years Free Opt In

    • Review information and click on Opt In


  • Forward Sierra College email to your most check email account

    • Select Email

    • Once logged into your email, select the settings “gear” in the upper right corner, type “Forwarding” in the search bar and follow the directions to forward emails. Make sure to select SAVE.


Step 3: Complete the mandatory online Career and Academic Planning (CAP)


NOTE: If you require accommodations at Sierra College based on current IEP or 504, you will complete your counseling appointment with a Disabled Students Program Services (DSPS) counselor. 

I ask that you email me to inform me of this request and I will refer you over to DSPS, they will contact you to schedule an appointment.


Step 4: Counseling Appointment: Student Education Plan

  • You will email me directly (slachance@sierracollege.edu) to request a counseling appointment

    • How to access your Ed Plan on DegreeWorks (instructions on how to access your education plan once it’s created)

    • This Counseling appointment is to create your first year educational plan at Sierra, we will not be registering you into the classes at this time. Students will be updated through their Sierra College email account of when they are able to register for classes. 


Step 5: Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Dream Act Application

  • Complete 2021-2022 application

  • The student and a parent must create FAFSA ID to submit FAFSA application

  • Got to https://studentaid.edgov/sa/fafsa or https://dream.csac.ca.gov/ to complete the appropriate application.

  • Please note if you are enrolling for spring and/or summer 2021 terms, you will need to complete the FAFSA/ Dream Act for two academic years, 2020-21 and 2021-2022. 

  • Make sure to select Sierra College from the college list

  • Once completed watch Financial Aid: Next Steps for instructions on how to complete FAFSA steps at Sierra College.

  • Contact the Financial Aid department at Sierra College if you have any financial aid questions financialaidquestion@sierracollege.edu

 

Step 6: Class Registration 

Spring 2021 Promise Priority Registration Date: November 12, 2020

Summer/fall 2021 Promise Registration Date: May 7, 2021


All Sierra College information will be sent to your Sierra College email address, it is extremely important to be checking your email daily/weekly.


Please keep in mind, We will be working with 200+ students between fall and spring terms. It is the responsibility of the student to begin the enrollment process, please do not hesitate to reach out to Matt or myself. We look forward to working with you this year.




Upcoming Sierra College Virtual Events


Group Application Support Sessions for Del Oro Students (Join a session for application and enrollment assistance)

October 6, 2020-December 1, 2020 (No session on 11/24/2020)

Every Tuesday from 2:00pm-3:30pm 

Recurring weekly Zoom link: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/94450978593 (Link is also available Del Oro Counseling Calendar)

*Individual Appointments for Enrollment assistance are also available by contacting Matt Malapeai directly.


Del Oro Transition Counselor Open Office Hours (This is an open group session for general questions) 

September 23, 2020- December 10, 2020  (No open hours on 11/25-11/26)

Every Thursday from 1:00pm-2:00pm

Recurring weekly Google Meet link: meet.google.com/dpa-xqwj-adp (Link is also available Del Oro Counseling Calendar)

*Individual Counseling appointments will be scheduled after the completion of CAP- as stated in the Enrollment Steps.


Virtual Help Center for students

The chat option and phone option will be available Monday-Friday from 9:00am - 4:00pm so students can talk to a live person😊

 

Email: helpcenter@sierracollege.edu

Phone: 916-660-7300


Outreach Virtual Drop-in days and hours: Drop in during the specified dates and hours for help with the admissions and financial aid applications, navigating mySierra, and getting ready to register for classes

Link for Outreach event calendar and online Zoom access 


FAFSA Virtual Help Session- hosted by Sierra College Financial Aid Department 

These sessions will occur every Wednesday from 5:30pm-6:15pm, beginning on October 7, 2020. These are open to the public.

See flier for important details and Zoom link. (Links is also available in the Del Oro Counseling Calendar)


Del Oro Parent/Student Help Session- Hosted by Brian Tolentino, Outreach Specialist-Sierra College Financial Aid Department

Thursday, October 15 & Thursday, October 22, 5:00pm-6:00pm

These two virtual sessions are open to Del Oro seniors and parents. Registration is required for these sessions. You can register through the links listed below. 






Sincerely,

Stacey LaChance and Matt Malepeai

Sierra College Enrollment Services






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Transferring from a 2 year to a 4 year:
  • CSU Transfer from Community College
  • Associate Degree for Transfer- Earn Priority admission to the California State University with junior standing once you earn an Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) at a California Community College. This is the best way for a student to transfer between the two college systems. Complete 60 units at a California Community College to receive your AA-T or AS-T and you are guaranteed to have only 60 units (90 quarter units) remaining at a CSU.
  • CSU -LocalAdmission-Service Areas- CSU's have local admission service areas where they have higher consideration for incoming transfers. Consideration is given to either where you attending high school or where you attended Community College. For example, if you are looking to transfer to San Diego State, it may be in your best interest to attend a community college in SDSU's local service area.
  • Assist- a great way to see what courses are required and will transfer to a California 4-year university, based on your desired major.
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