Sierra College Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) collaborative, National Science Foundation Tech-Explorer catapult project and Mechatronics program provide examples of hands-on learning and applied academics. Employees explain how they work with their hands and their brains and benefited from the SIerra College Mechatronics program. Employers indicate the need for employees who can apply what they've learned on the job and the excellent career opportunities for those who have benefited from contextualized learning.