The Promise
Through the Lake Tahoe College Promise, first-time, full-time students will earn a degree and contribute more significantly to the Tahoe Basin community. Higher education levels translate to higher earning potential, greater levels of community and civic engagement, and healthier lifestyles, all of which contribute to a stronger and safer Tahoe community.
The Problem
Balancing school, family, and work is more difficult than ever
Many LTCC students struggle to balance the demands of work, family, and school, and these constraints prevent them from earning a degree within 2-3 years. Amidst worry and exhaustion, they take fewer classes — or drop out altogether. This Promise ensures that LTCC students do not have to choose between putting food on the table and paying tuition and the costs of books, or going to work and studying for an exam.
The Plan
Give hope to students, without the worry of tuition
The Lake Tahoe College Promise establishes a clear pathway from local high schools to a college degree by eliminating the cost of tuition and providing academic support to first-time, full-time Tahoe students from both California and Nevada.
Promise students complete their Associate degree, or transfer to another college or university, within two or three years. In this way, the Lake Tahoe College Promise eliminates the financial barriers of going to college AND improves graduation rates!
Through our Promise, LTCC provides full tuition for students who are not eligible for tuition waivers through the California and Nevada College Promise programs, plus stipends for textbooks and other academic support.
It Works
An independent review of the first three years of the Lake Tahoe College Promise provided by the Center for Community College Leadership and Research at the University of California, Davis showed:
- Twice as many Promise students earned an associate degree within 3 years, compared to full-time students not in Promise.
- Despite Promise students taking more classes, they passed the courses at better rates than full-time, non-Promise students.
- Promise students showed high persistence rates: 89% enrolled in the second term, compared to 57% of first-time, full-time non-Promise students.
- The number of Promise program participating students has grown each year since its inception.
Student Testimonials
"As a first-generation student, LTCC was a chance for me to take that first step into finishing that college degree for myself as well as for my parents."
Joebelle Santos
Support the College Promise
It’s about success
Your philanthropy will not only transform the lives of countless students—it will leave a lasting legacy that will enrich our region for generations.
