10,000 Degrees

I have witnessed 10,000 Degrees provide incredible services for those in High School to prepare for college. Their determination to help foster those that are first generation, low income and even some at a poverty level ,achieve college entry is more than admirable. They continue to push students to be their best , even if they fall down and give up. The additional services by helping them stay in college and then also mentor/ practice the interviewing process for a job, truly makes this organization successful. I have met & heard the stories from some of the students and to say their stories are inspiring and heartfelt is an understatement.
This organization deserves to be acknowledged and commended for the tireless work they do.

10,000 Degrees supports low income and first generation students to and through college. I've been impressed by them on many levels. Their near peer mentoring model means students have access to support from someone who really knows the challenges they face and can provide mentoring and access to specialized resources as needed. The focus on getting to and through college means students have access to career development tools and professional mentors to help with the critical first job. And I'm very impressed with their community college initiative supporting students on the 2-4 year college path. Overall, I've been incredibly impressed by all levels of the organization from leadership to program staff to students. This is a well run organization who cares deeply about addressing economic inequity by opening doors to high education to a population of students who are often left behind.

I have supported this non profit for about 10 years now. They are incredibly efficient and smart about how they support first generation college students to become interested in college, take the right high school classes to get put themselves in a position to apply to colleges and get into those colleges, help them navigate the scholarship and student loan minefield, and then, most importantly, to stay in college and graduate. They place their "ambassadors" in high schools and colleges and provide amazing support at every step. Their success rate in terms of percentage of students actually graduating from college once they get in, is in the 80% plus range, astronomically higher than the other non profits in this similar space. This organization has a noble mission, and follows through on reaching the goals of its mission year after year. I am proud to have supported 10000 Degrees for all these years.

My husband and I are long term donors to 10,000 Degrees because their work in helping thousands of low-income, first generation students get on the path to and through college is awe inspiring and life-changing. 100% of 10,000 Degrees' students are from low-income households, 90% are students of color, and 85% are the first in their families to attend college. Graduation rates for students who start at a 4 year school are over 80% (vs. 31% for low-income students nationally), and students who start at a Community College transfer to and receive a 4 year degree at 3x the national average. And students graduate with very little debt because of the scholarships and financial aid application assistance they receive from 10,000 Degrees. 10,000 Degrees is an extremely well run and efficient organization led by a very experienced and talented management team. We are confident every dollar donated is effectively utilized and leveraged to help students get to and through college.

I am a long-time donor to 10,000 Degrees. They achieve fantastic results on a relatively modest budget, and are excellent stewards of my contributions. Their leadership is superb, and their development and program professionals are top-notch to work with.

The best run educational equity non profit in California - changing lives every day

10,000 Degrees delivers mentoring, scholarships, and amazing support to young people thinking about a college career. These young people cannot afford university fees, often coming from families below the poverty levels, where English is not spoken , are mentored starting from high school. College graduation rates are far higher than the national averages.
Covid-19 forced distance learning to these young students and often, no computer or telecom link was available to them. 10,000 Degrees provided assistance to assure students did not lose ground or drop out.
What 10,000 Degrees provides is not only morally the correct thing to do, but is adding many talented and now educated women and men to the United states workforce.

10,000 Degrees is an outstanding organization. 10,000 Degrees helps students succeed in applying and completing college.10,000 Degrees has a strong track record and proven methodology. I am honored to have volunteered with 10,000 Degrees for more than 10 years.

Great organization and great non-profit model. 10.000 Degrees really understands the importance of supporting low income kids and helping them get into and stay in college. Their graduates become vital members of their local communities and become highly productive members of the workforce.

10,000 Degrees has an extraordinary success rate supporting low income students to and through college. They have lots of scholarships and help students and families access free financial aide as well. They have the opportunity to connect with mentors as well, and their overhead percentage is quite low.

Educating youth to higher education who will lead next generation is an excellent cause, 10000 degree does it well and i am proud that i support the initiative!

I have known of 10,000 Degrees for over 15 years, and worked directly with them off and on during that time. They are an excellent organization, truly trying to make a difference in the lives of today's youth, especially those more at risk. They think strategically, and act locally and measure their outcomes regularly, and work to continuously improve and innovate.

4 years ago 10,000 expanded to Napa, CA. Today it is serving hundreds of students to enter college and beyond. We are so proud and pleased.

10,000 Degrees is the most successful and professional nonprofit organization I have ever encountered. Its effective recruitment, mentoring and multi-faceted support of students who might not otherwise attend college is impressive. The organization understands the key role that education plays both in the lives and families of its students, but also in the society at large. While taking care of basic student needs (college applications, financial aid, support through college, professional advising), 10,000 Degrees demonstrate astute strategic thinking in expanding its programs as the students course through the organization. Importantly, the organization is a good steward of the funds it receives. Its executive director's selflessness, perspective and untiring commitment to the causes the organization champions gives confidence to its donors, leadership and students that 10,000 Degrees is here to stay and will continue to have positive impact.

If you care about building a more equitable society and see the indispensable role of education in making that possible, I can’t think of a more effective and efficient organization to make that happen than 10,000 Degrees. Working with more than 12,000 students in the Bay Area alone, their low-income students achieve outstanding graduation rate results (80%+) with a fraction of the debt. Beyond the Bay Area they serve as a model for how this should be done. We have supported 10,000 Degrees for many years now, and it’s the best investment in people and social justice we’ve ever made. But the greatest payoff for me has been to witness the joy and pride of the students and their families.

Before discovering 10,000 degrees college was not an option for me. After enrolling in their program and applying for their scholarship I am now attending Sonoma State and am on m way to graduate in the near future. I would never have thought that this would be an option to me. I am so grateful for having found them and academic wise it has been one of the best decisions I've made

10,000 Degrees is one of the main factors I am in college right now. From the college application process to the financial difficulties, this program has taught me how to succeed in college while helping me ease my worries on finances.

Extremely helpful and caring organization! Who have suported me throughout my college experience!

10,000 degrees has been more than helpful in my college career! They help you with anything! They are always there also reminding us about important dates and keeping in touch with us.

10,000 degrees has been a huge help for both me and my family. I believe that they are the reason that I was able to succeed through high school. The whole staff is a friendly crew and have been some of the best advisors for me.

10,000 Degrees really helped me prepare financially and emotionally to go to college. Such a great program filled with caring and compassionate people who genuinely want to help students achieve their dreams!

As a first generation, immigrant student who grew up in a single parent household, I can easily say that 10,000 Degrees definitely made a difference in the path I chose for myself. While growing up, I was always told that I had to attend college, but I did not know what that implied. Luckily, one day I filled out a random application and this turned out to be the 10,000 Degrees application for a summer program. I was accepted into the program and over the summer I learned so much about college. I learned that there are perks to it as well as difficulties. Somehow, rather than feeling discouraged by the difficulties of it, I learned that I could prevail through these struggles. It was thanks to the alumni and the current students in the program that I realized this because there was a big sense of support and it was a safe space for those who doubted their ability to get to and through college. I am very thankful today to have become part of this organization that has taught me so much and that I continue to learn from. Today, I am a student who is ready to transfer to a four year university and my goal to mayor in the field I am passionate about isn't an impossible anymore. Today, I strive to do the kind of good that this organization had provided me with to my community.

This organization has helped me out in more ways than one. They have provided me with an opportunity to further expand my education and to be able to acquire the resources needed to be successful in college. This has allowed me to focus more on school and less on finding means to pay for it. As a result, I have taken more from my experiences in college and am putting in all of my effort towards finding more opportunities. The staff at 10,000 Degrees are extremely helpful and show interest in helping young adults reach their maximum potential. They welcome you and make you feel like family which is very comforting. This program is dedicated to students and is great at giving students the motivation and inspiration to go the extra mile in life. I highly recommend students to look into 10,000 Degrees and talk with the wonderful staff about improving their futures and opening up the doors to success.

I'm an alumni of 10,000 degrees and I can easily say that without its support, college may not have been a viable option for me. I am extremely thankful for the continued help I received throughout college and will always be grateful for the scholarships that allowed me to focus on my studies in business. Furthermore, the staff at 10,000 have always been very accessible, friendly and supportive, and for that I am also grateful. To this day, I strive to give back and pay it forward largely because of the generous support I received.

I am an alumni of 10,000 Degrees, and I am very thankful for this non-profit organization & it's donors. Six months ago, I obtained my first full-time job in my field of education, however as underprivileged, first-generation college student, I could not have reached my educational/career goals without their support. It's also great to see how this org supports one another as a family, and together we're making a difference in our communities through our degrees.

I'm currently a junior at UC Berkeley and I can unequivocally say that without 10,000, college wouldn't have been possible for me. They offered financial aid during a time in which my family was struggling and have continued to provide support during my time in college. From reminders about financial aid deadlines to offering summer job positions, they've always there. 10,000 Degrees has been a blessing to me and countless others.

I am a college student who grew up in Marin County. My investment in educational equity was perhaps a product of the cycle of poverty I grew up in. With that, I've been involved with a lot of ways to be engaged in college access programs and community uplift.

When I was a high school sophomore, I was accepted into 10,000 Degrees and went through their weeklong summer program. After that, throughout high school AND college, I have been engaged with their support, workshops, scholarships, and other activities.

10,000 Degrees is one of many college access/scholarship programs. But what sets them apart is how grand they are in relation to how involved they are with individual students.

I don't know many organizations that have as many students as 10KD does. With such huge reaches around colleges, you'd expect them to seem less involved with students. This is not the case.

I have greatly felt the involvement of 10KD staff in my life. They have a constant presence, often visiting my school to provide support, and even going out of their way to pester me about submitting my application for their scholarship. It feels like they are just as invested in my success as I am, which I dont feel from many other forms of authority.

They're great.

10,000 degrees has open so many doors for me . I was awarded a scholarship, but they didn't just give me the award, they stood by me . If I had any questions, doubts , or anything at all, I knew I had a reliable resource. This program helps those who come from a low income background. I am from a low income background but this program helped me see that I don't have to be. I can change it with an education and be something greater.

I come from a low income family. None of my parents went to college nor graduated High school. At times, going to college was but a distant dream to me, but thanks to the amazing program that 10,000 Degrees is, I was able to pursue my goal and dream of attending a 4 year university. With out them this would have been a very difficult goal to pursue. Anything that you need help with they are always there. They are also very organized and it's really easy to get in contact with them. 10,000 Degrees can give you give all the tools to help you succeed. At the end 10,000 Degrees ends up being a family not a program and this among many other is my favorite part anout the program. So for those reasons and many more is why I would recommend 10,000 Degrees.

10,000 Degrees turns dreams into realities. They make me feel--Like I'm worthy of Dreaming.

I would be beyond lost without the amazing benefits of this loving organization.

10,000 Degrees is amazing. They've given me scholarships (even ones I didn't apply for that I qualified for!!!). I owe it to them to be able to pay expenses where my financial aide could not. They have wonderful staff as well and it's always a pleasure talking to them.

I've been part of 10000 degrees since my sophomore year of high school. Today I am a freshman in college. I am so great full for all the support I received from 10k. I would never be caught up on my deadline or even understand how to apply for colleges, scholarships and financial aid. 10k has always taken the time to assist me in any way possible and I can only appreciate all they have done for me. I would recommend this nonprofit to anyone. Their goal to represent, educate and give a better chance to minorities is an effective way to give us a higher chance of success in college. Thank you 10k!

I am so incredibly thankful for this organization! 10,000 Degrees was introduced to me at a very vulnerable time in my life. I was in community college and doing well, but I had no idea how I was going to pay for my education once I transferred. I also did not know how to transfer or how to navigate the college system. 10,000 Degrees staff instantly calmed my fears by sitting down with me and answering ALL of my questions that I had written down in a notebook. Each of the staff member's are wonderful. They are always patient, kind, and humorous. I am so fortunate to be a part of this community. I don't know if I would have had the courage to apply to both UC Berkeley and UCLA, then get accepted to BOTH without the help of the staff at 10,000 Degrees. I am so happy this non-profit was founded and is helping so many students in need!

When I was 13 years old I moved to the United States. I was a child with many hopes and the goal to get a higher education. I was a sophomore in high school when I told my counselor that I want it to go to college but I didn't know how. In the same year I fill out an application that I didn't know that would change my life. I applied to 10,000 degrees and with only expecting help to go to college I receive more. They help me to attend college and guide me to get the financial help that I needed. They inspired me to dream big and actually work to get it. They encourage me to never give up and guided me to be a great student. I build friendships and memories that I wouldn't change for nothing. I am very proud to say that I am one degree.

I feel blessed to be part of this amazing community that has provided more support than any other program. Without 10,000 degrees I would not be able to focus on my studies because instead I would be stressing about my payments. This program has made my transition from a high school student to a college student ten times smoother. I cannot thank them enough.

Cool, Helpful and always there for their students.

10KD helped me get into college and supported me throughout the the four years it took me to graduate with my bachelors degree. They helped me financially, gave me amazing advice and believed in me when most people didn't. I would not have made it through high school or college without their support and caring staff!

10,000 Degrees made my entire college experience possible, and I owe it to this incredible non-profit and its donors. With their generosity, I was able to attend four years at a University of California, completely debt-free and with the great opportunity to study abroad for one semester. Both my parents are immigrants to this country, and throughout high school, my mother was battling mental illness and unemployment. It was with 10,000 Degrees' support that I was able to attend college and support my family at the same time.

I would not be in a four year institution if it weren't for ten thousand degrees. I am truly blessed for all the help and support I have received from the hardworking angels that make up ten thousand degrees. Going to college was absolutely terrifying for me and what made it worse for me was that I didn't have siblings or parents who went to college but with the reassurance and guidance of the staff I felt safe and prepared. Ten thousand degrees is an amazing organization that helps make dreams come true by slimming down the educational gap.

I am incredibly grateful for the support and guidance 10,000 Degrees provided me, first as a student and now as a staff member. As a high schooler, I knew nothing about navigating the college process. Without the resources and one-on-one check-ins with staff members, my college experience would have been markedly different. The staff members believed in me, pushed me, and taught me that anything is possible with the right resources and a strong sense of determination.

I tell everyone I can about 10000 degrees. They not only help students, such as myself, achieve our educational goals financially, but they encourage community activities and offer resources for applications and essays. This non-profit is helping to bring people together and offers educational resources. Thank you 10000 Degrees!

My parents brought my sisters and I to the US for one reason; to go to college. This was always a message for us. But, we didn't know how. This is when 10,000 Degrees came to the rescue. Because of 10,000 Degrees I was given the tools to succeed in college. Not only on how to navigate my pathway but also how to finance my path way. As I look back at my years in college, i know for a fact that if it wasn't for 10,000 degrees, i wouldn't have made it.
Thank you for believing in me 10,000 Degrees!

Before I met them college was just a dream. I never would have gotten the help and resources anywhere else being AB540. They did not just get me into college, they also have been helping me the whole way through my educational journey always enthusiastic to answer my question from all the staff.

10kd is a fantastic organization. As a 1st generation college student they provided me with all the resources to get accepted to college. The staff at 10kd are caring, sweet and very knowledgable. Seriously don't know where I would be if it wasn't for the help of Scott and Rondell. Thank you all! You guys are amazing!

Without 10,000 Degrees, college would have not been possible. They have offered continued financial support through my college career for all four years, and they help you get the scholarship as much as possible. I have never seen such a selfless non profit that truly wants to help it's recipients. I owe my college education to 10,000 Degrees.

IAm a 23 year old student that still hasn't graduated from college yet but without the help of 10,000 degrees and their reminders about submitting fafsa or other scholarships if it weren't for them I don't know where I'll be. They actually care about every student, and with wonderful mentors to help us out every step of the way. I'm beyond grateful for them.

Without 10,000 Degrees I would be a college drop out. Even through high school they would have a mentor to pushe me and my fellow classmates to exceed everyone's expectations. Without them I think I would have not made this far to my dream college.

Honestly, I appreciate 10000 degrees so much. This scholarship has helped me stay in college. I buy books, food and pay rent with it. If I didn't have it, I probably would have had to drop out by now.

I honestly do not know where I would be today without 10,000 Degrees! They are an amazing and wonder non-profit organization who truly love and care about their students. As the majority of the students within this organization, I am the first to go to college within ny family and it feels great to know organizations like 10KD exist and have my back. I am truly greatful for their help and for everything they have done not only for me but for my family as well. Helping them with how they can get involved and making them feel included. This organization should definitely be recognized because they have truly made a difference within thousands of students and families.

Without the help of 10,000 Degrees, I would not be in college today. 10,000 Degrees provided me with the resources, information, and support I needed in order to make college a reality. As a first generation student, I was at a disadvantage due to lack of knowledge of resources I needed in order to not only succeed in high school but also college. With their help, I have become the first in my family to attend college. This is a great organization that not only changes students' lives but also families.

I would not be in college today had it not been for 10,000 Degrees and their desire and dedication to help students, like me, achieve their goals and dreams of attending the university of their choosing. 10,000 Degrees is such an amazing organization and I hope every prospective college student considers them for financial aid. Not only do they provide financial aid, they had a free college workshop that thoroughly prepared scholarship recipients for college. Everything about this organization is truly amazing and I am beyond blessed to have been able to receive a scholarship from them!

This program has been nothing less then amazing in more ways then one. 10000 degrees gives people like me some type of hope that their future can be bright. Not only do they help us with money, but they make sure we are given the proper tools to succeed in college. This program is absolutely amazing. I can't begin to thank you all enough

10k not only has helped me go to college but also my friends and family. This is my forth year at a CSU and I could not have done it without the help of the advisors of 10k. They have guided me through my financial status and academics. In addition they always remind students about important dates and job opportunities in order to help each one of us succeed. I am very thankful to be able to be part of this community and also proud to say I am a 10k degree student.

10,000* was tremendous help, and it started in high school. They kept me up to date with different college tours and new scholarships available. Because of 10,000* I was able to choose the university I wanted to attend and they helped me financially as well. 10,000* truly helped me reach my educations goals both financially and genera support.
-thank you to everyone at 10,000*

10,000 Degrees made it possible for me to attend my dream school of UC Santa Barbara. Without their financial and emotional support it would have be nearly impossible. Much thanks.

I would not be where I am today without the constant reliable support of everyone at 10,000 Degrees. The staff has always made themselves an available resource for any and every question or concern I've had. Whether it be regarding financial aid, college planning, or just encouragement and recognition of my hard work, I can always turn to them when running around campus gets too stressful. I am so glad to have been honored with their assistance in affording tuition! I have been working my hardest because I don't want to let them down.

This inspiring organization has made college a possibility for me. With their financial aid and many useful resources, I have been able to pursue the education that will lead me to my goal of being in the medical field.

10,000 Degrees has not only helped me immensely in my academic career, but they are BEYOND helpful in every which way. They are kind, caring, optimistic, and provide all the information a student needs to succeed. I love this program to the 10 thousandth degree!!

10,000 Degrees is a great NonProfit that truly does it just to help young people realize their dreams. I, just like everyone else that received a scholarship, likely would not have been able to attend the University I do if it wasn't for them. As a minority student raised by a single mother who lost her job during the recession, and who was the first in my family to go to college, I can not be more appreciative of the opportunity that they have afforded me, and others like me. It really is a shame that the thing stopping many underprivelaged youths from receiving the education they desire, is due to the insane cost of tuition and student loans. What separates 10k Degrees from other scholarship sites, is it isn't a machine where you have these deadlines, and no help completing applications or interaction with the employees. They always message me on Facebook and via email, and anytime i've ever needed anything they've helped.

10000 Degrees is an amazing program. I'm so honored to be a part of it. Everyone who works there is supportive and nurturing. I wouldn't be able to achieve my dreams without them. Thank you so much to everyone at 10000 Degrees!

I have been part of the 10,000 Degrees family since I was a Junior in High School. I have never loved an organization more, than I love these people. I would not have thought about attending college if it wasn't for them. They are the most amazing, helpful, charming, kind, and motivated people I know. They are willing to help anyone, and they are going to be there for you 24/7 if necessary. 10KD is a great organization that are willing to do as much as they can for you to be successful. I just love every single one of the people that work here, because they motivate me to keep going.

10,000 Degrees made it possible for me to continue with my education at Sonoma State University, because without their support it would have been very hard. Thanks for their scholarship, mentoring and continuous support.

THANK YOU 10K!

Without 10,000 Degrees I wouldn't be able to afford attending a four year college in the first place! They are one of the kindest people I've ever met, they are truly like a family to me, thanks 10,000 Degrees!

10,000 Degrees is a nonprofit organization that hels students that are low-income &/or first generation achieve their dream of going to college. My educational life changed for good all thanks to them. I am so happy to be part of this program and I hope that many other students take the time to be part of this unforgetable and amazing program.

10KD helped me enormously with the college application process as a first-generation student. The advisors were always approachable and friendly, and explained the entire process in a very understandable way. They also provided a significant amount of scholarship funds to allow me to attend a four-year university after graduating high school. I would not be where I am today without the help of 10KD and all the resources it provides first-generation college students.

10,000 Degrees made it possible for me to get my 4-year degree at SDSU. Without them, I would not have been able to afford the full college experience. I am forever grateful to 10,000 Degrees!

Amazing and super supportive organization! People there are caring and efficient!

10,000 degrees has been awarding me scholarships for about 2 years now and without their support I don't think I would still be in college. It is difficult to work and go to school but most of us need to work so we can pay for college. 10,000 degrees has made it easier to pay for college. Now I can work less and study more.

10,000 Degrees is an amazing organization! They have given me the support and guidance that I need to be successful in college. They were also able to provide a scholarship that helped me pay for my tuition and books! I can't thank them enough for everything they have done for me.

10,000 degrees is by far the best organization! Not only did they help me financially with scholarships they also show each student that they're educational career is important. Before becoming a Freshman in college they helped a stressed senior student (me) apply to colleges and they also helped me apply for more financial aid. This goes to say they are invested in ones good, and it makes me proud to be part of their amazing organization.

10,000 Degrees is an absolutely phenomenal program! They helped cover the cost of my tuition and books, which when combined with university scholarships left me with zero debt after graduation. I cannot thank them enough and hope they receive the recognition they deserve. Their staff is hand down one of the most caring group of people.

10000 Degrees has been very influential in helping me afford college. However, unlike other scholarship programs, the team at 10kD reaches out to me frequently to give me tips and advice as I navigate my freshman year. Their generosity and support has been unmatched!

10,000 Degrees has been wonderfully supportive on my college journey. Not only did they provide a scholarship, they offered opportunities to connect with other students and faculty at my school to form relationships. I also got information on funding for grad school. They are great!

10,000 Degrees has been a constant for me throughout my college experience. They have always made sure that each applicant is in the loop and getting as much assistance as they possibly can. They helped me obtain my scholarship through studying abroad and being a part-time student senior year. Each person I have interacted with is professional and still truly cares about each of us. My only shortcoming is not being more involved!

10,000 Degrees has been a great help to me during the process of applying to college and now getting through it. I would recommend this program because not only are they helpful but they are there for you, they stick around for the ride of getting through college, there is always someone there to help.

10000 Degrees is one of the most inspiring organizations I have ever been involved with. Their supportive guidance of my son in his reaching his educational goals has been amazing and we feel so blessed that access to such an organization is available to us.

10,000 degrees have really helped me in getting into college. They were great motivation, support, and lots of fun. Best program to join for high school juniors and seniors.

I feel very blessed to have found this organization. My son has been inspired tremendously by 10000 Degrees and the amazing people that work so hard for the benefit of the youth in our community.

I am an alum of 10,000 Degrees and currently serve on the board of directors (wrapping up 10 years! - my last 2 as chair of the board). 10,000 Degrees is having a transformative impact on the communities in which we serve by providing guidance, financial support and wrap around services to low income families in Marin, Sonoma and the North Bay. We focus on college graduation and have demonstrated success, with a 83% graduation rate! Approximately 90% of our students are the first in their families to graduate from college - but they are rarely the last, with their siblings learning from their success and following in their paths.

As one of the founders of this organization back in 1981, I can say that 10,000 Degrees has far exceeded our greatest expectations. Developed from a concept of providing financial assistance to students, 10,000 Degrees has become an all-encompassing resource of support. It has served many thousands of students over the years, providing motivation, mentoring, counseling, and money to students who in many cases are the first in their families to attend college. It has shown me the tremendous impact an organization can have on helping others to develop their potential and create a better life for themselves.

There is so much to tell. I have seen and heard so many wonderful stories from young people who just needed that little extra helping hand to help them navigate through the college app process. Kids who probably wouldn't have done it without help and kids who just needed encouragement to get their footing and then soared. Not only does this NFP help their kids but they also support and appreciate their staff. The overall philosophy is one of the best I've seen and I've been fortunate to be a part of the volunteer team.

As a first generstion low income student, I found it hard to stay focused in school, it was until I found 10KD that my life turned arround and I found the motivation to continue fighting to achieve my dreams.

This organization is helping to level the playing field for talented young people whose only impediment is financial.

This organization goes far beyond simply providing funds for the educational advancement of underprivileged and under served youth. They mentor and monitor their scholarship recipients into order to help them grow emotionally and intellectually so they can make good choices and increase their chances of getting into college, and once there, succeed and graduate. I've been involved with a number of educational non-profits and hands down, this is absolutely one of the finest from the top down and the bottom up.

10K Degrees fulfills the promise of college for students with the greatest need and potential. They succeed due to visionary leadership and execution of mission starting early with students and sustaining their support and influence through high school and onto college. Their commitment is unwavering and powerful and we are proud and grateful to partner with them in our shared mission.

My daughter was chosen to participate in the 10,000 Degrees program. She will be the first in our family to go to college. Without the help of this program my daughter wouldn't have these wonderful mentors who are helping her maneuver the college process. As a single mother I worried about providing for my children. With this program I can see that my daughter is in great hands and we have so much hope for her future as a college student. Thank you 10,000 Degrees for helping us achieve what we felt was impossible.

10,000 Degrees is an amazing organization. Mentors are given great advice, workshops, and support from the entire staff. As a new mentor, I felt comfortable asking many questions so I could help guide my mentee in the best way. The staff really understands young people, volunteers, and the college process. The mentee, mentee's parents, and mentor are a unit. How lucky the students are to have this encouragement and support. I am so impressed and so glad to be a mentor for 10,000 Degrees.

10,000 degrees and their donors made going to college possible for me. Growing up in a low income family made the financial committment of going to college very intimidating. 10,000 degrees allowed me to focus less on how I was going to pay for school and more on obtaining my education. Thank you!

So honored to be part of the success cycle at 10KD

I've been a mentor for 4 years and the program just keeps getting better and better. Student support continues both financially and programmatically until they graduate college which is critical given the background of these students.
I love that 10KD does not take GPA into account in selecting students for the program. Instead they look for that "spark" that shows a student can persevere, as they will need to to graduate and be successful. So while the GPAs of my students have varied widely, the "spark" they each exhibit makes my job as mentor quite easy. All my students have been fascinating people who I am proud to know and, in some cases, now call my friend.

10000 Degrees does an outstanding job of helping first generation and low income students aspire to, attend and graduate from college. These students' stories are inspirational! For most, without 10000 Degrees, they would have had little chance for a college education--a big step in making them successful, contributing members of society.

I have volunteered with 10,000 Degrees as a mentor for three years. The organization has structured itself so that mentors can work knowledgeably and confidently with students to make a direct and positive difference in their lives. Staff provide tremendous support to students starting in their junior year, and keep mentors abreast of what is happening along the way so everyone is on the same page. As a former secondary school teacher, I have found volunteering with 10,000 Degrees to be a rewarding follow-up to a teaching career.

I am one degree. I owe my success to 10,000 degrees. I remember when I was just a freshman in high school in 2009 and having no clue how I was going to get into college. My parents would always tell me that I am and will be going to college, but what frustrated me the most was that they were telling me to do something that even they didn't know how to do. ever since as a child I have always believed that not knowing how to do something means you have a chance to change destiny and learn. I was able to find 10KD and found a community that fosters the same ideology and goals as I did. 10KD has given me the support to be able to be successful in college. I am now a junior Molecular Cell Developmental Biology major at the University of California Santa Cruz. I am the oldest of four children and now my younger brother is starting to prepare for the college process. I am so very happy that I was able to be a 10Kd student because everything that I learned I will be able to pass down to my brothers.

I love the good work by 10,000 degrees. This organization gives a "hand up" to those students who make the effort to do well in school. The "hand up" comes in the form of mentoring and scholarships. The success rate is amazing. Check out the list of alumni!

As a teacher, I've volunteered with a variety of education-related nonprofits over the years and 10,000 Degrees is the most impressive by far: their mission is clearly focused, their staff is effective and great to work with, and their impact is significant. These people are making it happen!

I only became aware of 10,000 Degrees work in our community in the past year. Since that time, I have been amazed to discover all the deep and groundbreaking work this organization is doing to help young people in Marin and Sonoma with the ambition to go to college, but who otherwise might not have a chance, to do so. I know personally several families whose lives and extended community have been forever changed by the fact that their son or daughter was able to attend college with the support and mentoring of the awesome and effective programs and people of 10,000 Degrees.

My wife and I have been attending scholarship fund raising dinners for 10,000 Degrees for several years. We have had the pleasure of meeting many students and have seen how this non-profit organization had made an enormous difference for their education and, ultimately, their lives. The sincere dedication of the board members, advisors, and volunteers is fantastic!

I couldn't have finished school without 10,000 Degrees! I didn't have any family support; 10,000 Degrees filled the need. Thank you, 10,000 Degrees, from the bottom of my heart!

I was a lost 17 year old high school student trying to navigate the college process. 10,000 Degrees provided me with every resource and necessary support to do that. Their help didn't stop once I got into college either. They were with me throughout my 5 years at UC Berkeley and when I graduated I was able to gain meaningful employment from them to continue the work they do in helping the next generation of scholars. 10,000 Degrees is a life changing organization and community.

This splendid program has changed my life completely through education. Not only has it facilitated the process of college, but has giving me hope for higher education. As a first generation and low income student I can now say that there is no obstacles in attending a university, not even money. All thanks to 10,000 Degrees I can now visualize college not as a dream but as a reality. With such devotion each leader brings out, for that reason I believe the program will be ongoing for decades. I truly believe this program touches families who are disoriented about the true meaning of college. Being chosen to participate in this exceptional program has giving me various opportunities like finally having a mentor and meeting people from different ethnics. Such a welcoming program with essential information regarding college. Finally 10,000 Degrees's staff has inspire me vastly. It has lead me to what I am currently in the process of; APPLYING TO COLLEGE!