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Board approves Shasta College/Step Up opioid‑settlement funding to support internships and student aid
Summary
Supervisors approved opioid‑settlement funding to support Shasta College’s new Alcohol & Drug Studies internships and Step Up students (year 1 ≈ $324,000; three‑year request discussed). Board required annual metrics and contract details; vote 4–1.
The Shasta County Board of Supervisors voted Dec. 16 to allocate opioid‑settlement dollars to Shasta College and the county Step Up program to expand training and supports for people entering substance‑use treatment work and for justice‑involved students.
Shasta College Trustee Sandra Hamilton and program staff outlined two components: paid stipends for internships tied to a new Alcohol & Drug Studies certificate/degree (to replace lost wages while students complete supervised field hours) and direct wrap‑around support for Step Up students (assistance with equipment, transportation and basic needs). Hamilton corrected a slide typo and said the annual cost for the proposal would be about $324,000 (roughly under $300,000 per year depending on final design) and roughly $888,000 over three years as proposed.
Shasta College said about 30% of Step Up students have been impacted by opioid addiction and that expanding stipends and supports could reduce barriers to completing credentials and joining the treatment workforce. The college proposed up to $2,000 per semester for up to 25 students and a host‑agency stipend of $1,500 per placement. College and county staff said any student billed to opioid funds would need to be screened to meet the settlement’s eligibility criteria; the contract would specify those screening and reporting requirements.
Many public commenters and several supervisors described Step Up as an effective reentry and workforce program with strong outcomes for graduates; several alumni testified the program changed their lives. Supervisor Kaelstrom moved to approve one year of funding, require annual reporting and return for renewal in years two and three; the motion passed 4–1 after discussion about ensuring funds augment rather than supplant existing sources.
Next steps: staff will bring back a contract with Shasta College that details eligibility screening, metrics, and reporting timelines. The board required annual outcome reporting and said it expects staff to ensure opioid funds are used for students who lack other funding and for program growth consistent with opioid‑settlement core strategies.
