sac-k-16_logo_4

Increasing Baccalaureate Attainment Among Rural, Latinx, and Low-Income Students

Lead Organizations

Lake Tahoe Community College & Sacramento State

Total Funding Received

$89,188

Type of Funding Received

Workgroup Proposal

Who were the intended beneficiaries?

Students of color, low-income learners, first-generation learners, and rural learners.

How many students were served?

35 students

A pilot transfer program providing early support and a seamless pathway for rural, Latinx, and low-income students transitioning from LTCC to Sacramento State.

How is this project reaching high-priority or underserved student populations?

This project has had measurable impact for LTCC students, specifically the Latinx and first-generation population. To date, the funds have supported three transfer exploration trips for students at CSUS and UC Davis, one of which included an overnight in the dorms, giving students a first hand understanding of what to expect upon transfer. Because of the relationship built by the collaborative, LTCC staff reported feeling more welcomed, and therefore more able to help their students build authentic relationships to provide warm hand-offs that ultimately are shown to promote successful student transfer.

The trips are not just tours for students, they are interactive experiences including Q&A’s with university staff and transfer students. To date, 35 students have attended the transfer trips. Seventy-five percent are Latinx students, 47% are first generation, and as of this fall, 37% have graduated from LTCC with a degree or certificate.

What is different now because of the work you were funded to accomplish?

These funds have driven two key shifts over time. First, the culture at LTCC around transfer is changing: our staff and faculty now recognize that many students need to go beyond the AA degree, and transfer has become part of our everyday language. It’s now the second question we ask students, right after what degree or program they’re pursuing.

Second, the collaboration has strengthened the relationship between our institutions. By building connections between staff, we’re able to provide more seamless, strategic, and meaningful experiences for students.

The funds have also supported a part-time staff member in the LTCC Transfer Center, who is responsible for advancing transfer efforts, connecting students with transfer trip opportunities, and facilitating transfer events and counselor connections.

Do you have any insights that could help others in the Collaborative?

Building strong relationships between staff at institutions with high transfer rates can be a meaningful, impactful, and surprisingly simple way to increase transfer rates and support students through the transition.