Sierra College student Kala Brent was having a hard time finishing her homework and caring for her two daughters. That is until the Auburn mother received a little help just where she needed it.

Brent was among 40 Sierra College students who received a free computer thanks to a donation from the United Auburn Indian Community. The Auburn Indian Community’s $5,000 helped the school purchase 40 refurbished computers.

“It was really exciting,” Brent said. “I’m so blessed to have this.”

The Sierra College Foundation used the donation to purchase refurbished computers through Computers for Classroom, Inc., a nonprofit organization. The computers were given to students who cannot afford a computer and do not have one in their home. This year, 160 students applied for a free computer.

“We hope that with the help of the community we can grow this program in the future,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, executive director of the Sierra College Foundation, in a news release. “It is a win-win for everyone; old computers are recycled to benefit students in need.”

Brent said she applied for the program after talking with a school counselor at Sierra College. She said she told her counselor that she didn’t have a computer, which made it difficult to complete assignments.

Brent said she works part-time for the county and then attends classes as she works toward a business administration degree.

Brent received for free a refurbished Dell computer with Windows XP installed and Internet capabilities.

“It’s a great computer,” Brent said. “It’s basically like brand new.”

Aliabadi added that the foundation is still accepting donations for the program and accepting some older computers that have refurbishing potential.

The donation from the Auburn Indian Community was part of the tribe’s Community Giving Committee, which was established in 2004. The committee aims to support disadvantaged county residents.

“Education is a major focus of our giving,” said Jessica Tavares, tribal chairwoman of the United Auburn Indian Community, in a news release.

“I am so thankful to everybody who worked really hard to put forth this program,” Brent said. “It’s a huge blessing and helped out all of us to do what we need to do to be successful.”

Aliabadi said the foundation contacted Computers for Classrooms, Inc. and got the idea to raise local funds to purchase computers for students. She said initially, she wasn’t sure what kind of response the program would receive.

“We had over 160 students apply,” Aliabadi said. “The need for computers among students is really really high.”

Aliabadi said the foundation is encouraged to continue the program, and hopes the community can help support it. She said individuals could donate. Each refurbished computer costs $125 and will go to a student with a significant financial need, Aliabadi said.

“The computer is such a vital instrument in today’s education,” Aliabadi said. “It’s a shame for students to be left without a computer.”

And Brent said she could attest to that. Today, life with a computer is drastically different, she said. She said the computer helps her better access online coursework. It especially comes in handy when she has to miss class to care for one of her daughters.

“It helps me basically keep everything in order,” Brent said. “Without a computer, I think I’d be lost.”

The Journal's Jenifer Gee can be reached at jeniferg@goldcountrymedia.com or post a comment.

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Interested in donating?

-The Sierra College Foundation has teamed up with Computers for Classrooms, Inc., to give free refurbished computers to financially needy students. Computers cost $125 each.

For more information, call (916) 789-2920.

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