Sierra College CACT Wins Placer County Economic Development Award
Rocklin, CA (PRWEB) April 11, 2016 -- Carol Pepper-Kittredge, Director, Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT), Sierra College won a Placer County Economic Development Award for "Best Support for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Deployment." The award was presented on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at the 25th Annual Placer County Economic Development Summit.
The award was presented by Veronica Blake, CEO, Placer Community Foundation, and Vice Chair of the Economic Development Board for Placer County. “We know that successful societies are those that attract and nurture the most creative workers and entrepreneurs,” said Blake. “Sierra College CACT is a dynamic partner and contributor to this effort, building a quality workforce with technical skills, problem-solving abilities and cost effective customer focused solutions.”
“Under Carol’s leadership, 480 employees from local companies received training last year, upscaling their skills,” said Blake. “She also helped create a Third Space for innovation and entrepreneurship in Rocklin with Hacker Lab by forming one of the only community college public private partnerships with a maker space in the country. Additionally, through the Sierra STEM Collaborative, more than 15,000 students at eight local high schools completed manufacturing and product development courses. Sierra College CACT secured grants to rebuild labs, develop new curriculum and inspire teachers through collaboration, training and industry externships.”
Sierra College President Willy Duncan was honored that Sierra College was selected as an economic development award recipient. “Carol is a dynamo and we are extremely proud of the amazing work she does,” said Duncan. “Her efforts were instrumental in bringing Hacker Lab to Rocklin and providing workforce development services.”
According to Pepper-Kittredge, the Sierra College CACT program works with businesses, schools and organizations throughout the region. “It takes a community,” said Pepper-Kittredge. “I see a bright and productive future for Placer County as a result of all the partnerships we’ve been able to form with cities, businesses, colleges, schools, professional organizations and community groups to nurture innovation.”
About Sierra College CACT
Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) is focused on Advanced Manufacturing and is funded through the Workforce and Economic Development program of the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Since 1992, the Sierra College CACT has provided customized training for organizations, manufacturers and technology companies throughout Northern California.
About Sierra College
Sierra College serves 3200 square miles of Northern CA with campuses in Roseville, Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four year Universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region.
Sue Michaels, Sierra College, http://www.sierracollege.edu, (916) 660-7272, [email protected]
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