We’re proud to highlight the transformative work happening at Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC)! Last week, in collaboration with Sacramento State and Los Rios Community College District, the team was awarded a new grant that will significantly strengthen their efforts to support adult learners who are returning to higher education.

This funding allows LTCC to offer milestone incentives to returning students who re-enroll, along with a persistence award for those who complete their first quarter back and continue into the next. These supports aim to reduce financial barriers while recognizing students’ progress and perseverance. In addition, the grant will fund paid internships for five returning students and launch a year-long marketing campaign to reach more adults ready to return to college.

LTCC is also collaborating with Sacramento State on an innovative adult-readiness assessment tool. This tool will help educators better understand how to better support adult learners, guided in part by focus groups that will directly gather insights from students.

LTCC continues to offer a comprehensive suite of supports that made a difference in the previous quarter:
• Initial and frequent check-ins to assess and meet student needs
• Referrals to services such as Student Accessibility Services, Equity and Basic Needs
• Free mental health counseling with a licensed therapist
• Support for student parents through a dedicated engagement specialist
• Connections to the Rising Scholars Program
• Help with scholarship applications, resumes, and career planning

Since January, LTCC has welcomed back 42 returning students, with one already graduating in winter and four more expected to graduate this spring (self-disclosed). Their quarter-to-quarter retention rate from Winter to Spring 2025 stands at a remarkable 94.4%, and they’ve seen a 153% quarterly growth in returning student enrollment.
The age range of these students spans from 19 to 61, with an average age of 33.8 — a testament to the wide spectrum of adult learners who are choosing to return and thrive with the right support.

This work underscores the power of tailored, student-centered strategies in helping adult learners re-engage with higher education. We’re proud to spotlight LTCC’s innovative efforts and look forward to seeing how this momentum continues to grow!