Greater Lake Tahoe Basin Program
The program awards high-potential, first-generation, and underserved students from public high schools in the Greater Lake Tahoe Basin with scholarships and mentorships to successfully complete a college pathway.
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Selected high school graduates are paired with mentors and become Boosting Hope Scholars in our Boosting Hope Network, which provides sustained, individualized mentoring and financial guidance throughout their college journey. Students are encouraged to continue their educational journey at a four-year institution, where they will be guided through the college transfer application process by a dedicated mentor who provides consistent, personalized support, in addition to an annual cash stipend.
Participating High Schools
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Incline High School
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George Whittell High School
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Mt. Tallac High School
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South Tahoe High School
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Sierra Continuation High School
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Truckee High School
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North Tahoe High School
Lake Tahoe
Navigating Pathways to Success
Selected high school graduates are paired with mentors and become Boosting Hope Scholars in our Boosting Hope Network, which provides sustained, individualized mentoring and financial guidance throughout their college journey. Students are encouraged to continue their educational journey at a four-year institution, where they will be guided through the college transfer application process, in addition to their continued mentorship and annual cash stipend.
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Each scholar becomes a member of our Network of Hope, a supportive community of peers, mentors, alumni, and industry partners. This network offers ongoing encouragement, professional exposure, and career guidance, ensuring students are supported not only through college but also as they transition into the workforce. A defining feature of the program is continuous access to a dedicated mentor who provides consistent, personalized support.
Meet the Boosting Hope Scholars
Mursal immigrated from Afghanistan to escape Taliban rule, she was one of the last young women allowed to graduate from high school. Mursal attended Sierra College and recently received a full scholarship to attend Boston University.​
"I began this process knowing very little about the US education system, but my mentor Denise walked me through every step and never made me feel behind or out of place, simply kept encouraging. Because of this program my life has truly changed and I will always be grateful. Receiving this scholarship is one of the greatest moments of my life.Because of this program and the people behind it, my life has truly changed, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity you gave me." - Mursal
Mia is a Sophomore at the University of Nevada, Reno pursuing a BA in Political Science with minors in Ethnic Studies and Sociology. Mia credits the Boosting Hope Program for providing financial stability and a trusted mentor to guide her academic and personal decisions.
"The Boosting Hope Scholarship has helped me in so many ways, but the biggest has been my mentor Denise. She has encouraged, guided, and supported me through big decisions — like adding minors to my degree — and even small ones like resume changes. I always find myself leaning on her, feeling at ease knowing I have someone in my corner when I feel lost. The scholarship itself has brought financial peace of mind, giving me the freedom to join clubs and enjoy campus life without stress. Boosting Hope has truly made my college experience stronger." - Mia
Roberto is an international student from Italy who transferred from LTCC to a four year university, William Paterson University in New Jersey to pursue his career in finance. He accredits his mentor for keeping him accountable, encouraging his goals, and helping him navigate his college journey.
"The financial assistance helped me manage the significant expenses of studying in the U.S., but the mentoring program proved equally invaluable. I have had the privilege of working with Denise, an extraordinary mentor who helped me navigate every new step. I have built a professional network in New York City — my lifelong dream destination for a career in finance. Thank you Boosting Hope and Denise for giving students like him both economic support and human guidance,
which together make all the difference." - Roberto
Jeannette is a proud first-generation college student completing her Associate of Science and Nursing at Sierra College. After graduation she hopes to work in her dream unit, the Intensive Care Unit.
"My passion for nursing developed young, going to work with my mom and later joining the Health Academy Program in high school, where I shadowed healthcare professionals and solidified my love for helping others. Outside of school, I work part time as a Starbucks barista. Thanks to the mentorship and scholarship from Boosting Hope, the financial burden has been lifted and I've entered my final semester feeling fully supported and prepared." - Jeannette
Sierra is a physics and astrophysics major at UC Berkeley, and is driven by a dream to study the universe and understand the fundamental physics behind its origins. After graduation she plans to apply to a PhD program in particle cosmology. ​
"Boosting Hope Scholars has helped me pursue my goals in several ways. Receiving this award has relieved the pressure of living expenses, allowing me to fully focus on school. Even more importantly, my mentor Denise has been truly invaluable to my journey. In STEM, advice can often feel repetitive, but Denise brings a fresh perspective that I am eternally grateful for — helping me tackle goals from every angle." - Sierra
Melissa is a First-Generation High School and College Student. She volunteered as a tutor and mentor for middle school students during the pandemic. She mentored a boy she met through Adventure Risk Challenge who had migrated from El Salvador, becoming his tutor, translator, and voice. She works at Dairy Queen to help support her hard-working parents. This scholarship will help her to attend UC Santa Cruz with a major in Early Childhood Education.
