More than just money? Early outcomes of Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) College Promise Program

Abstract

Promise programs have grown in popularity as a way to provide college tuition/fees and other student supports in the hopes of increasing college access and success. This chapter presents results from a comprehensive mixed‐methods evaluation of the Lake Tahoe Community College Promise Program. Using rich administrative data and interviews with students and alumni of the program, we find that promise students successfully completed two‐thirds of units attempted and persisted at higher rates in their first year compared to first‐time full‐time non‐promise students. We also find the program has high satisfaction levels among students and alumni who participated in interviews. This chapter provides additional insights into student outcomes, students’ experiences, and areas of refinement with the various components of the LTCC College Promise Program.