By Melonie Guttry

Philanthropist Jessica Ledbetter continues to support Lake Tahoe Community College programs and students with her recent gift of scholarships. Un 2008, Jessica gave a major gift to create the Ledbetter Terrace in memory of her parents Bev and Bill Ledbetter. She continued with a second major gift to revitalize the Lake Tahoe Demonstration Garden. The much-needed improvements included a refurbishment of the Interpretive Center, which is now named in memory of her sister Erica Faye Ledbetter.

Ledbetter’s support didn’t stop there as she came forward in August with third major gift, a scholarship also in the name of her sister Erica Faye.

Melonie Guttry

Jessica wanted to help LTCC students. Ledbetter’s gift will provide scholarships to 12 women. This comes at a particularly good time with community college fees increasing from $17 to $24 a unit this fall. For a full-time student enrolling in 12 units, that’s an $84 per quarter increase not including books and class materials. For many students, this increase could be the difference between graduating on time or putting school off to work and save money.

“I was very excited because I can finish my degree in sociology this year,” said Ana Guzman, an Erica Faye Ledbetter Memorial Scholarship recipient. “I am very thankful for this scholarship and so is my family. I feel very honored that I was chosen.”

Karen Jaimes said, “I was actually very surprised and kind of relieved because I needed the money. I wasn’t sure I could enroll in the fall. If I met Jessica in person I would tell her it’s a great honor to meet such a generous person who helps the community and after I am finished I would like to give back to the community.”

Ledbetter’s commitment in supporting Lake Tahoe Community College and our students is a shining example of investing in our community. The 12 students she is helping this fall will enroll in classes knowing they have support from someone who cares about their future. Not only does an education last a lifetime, but to many students a scholarship is also the gift of a lifetime. Imagine the motivation Jessica has created with her gift of education.

For more information or do make a donation to the annual fund, contact Melonie Guttry at (530) 541.4660, ext. 245, email guttry@ltcc.edu or via regular mail: LTCC Foundation, One College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.

Melonie Guttry is executive director of the LTCC Foundation.