10,000 Degrees

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10,000 Degrees® is unlocking student success at scale giving more students equitable opportunities for a quality education and career success.

10,000 Degrees® supports students from low-income backgrounds to and through college. As California’s leading college success nonprofit, 10,000 Degrees helps make college dreams come true. We provide over 10,000 students annually with comprehensive wraparound support, college and financial aid counseling, near-peer alumni coaching, scholarships, and financial aid management. We believe in the potential of all students, with no GPA requirement to participate. Powered by our Fellows, these near-peer coaches - recent college graduates and often alumni of 10,000 Degrees - help students navigate their entire college success journey. Working in eight Bay Area counties, we have unmatched success rates: over 80% of our 4-year college students graduate compared to 31% of their peers nationally. Our community college students transfer at three times the national average, and our college students graduate with 85% less student loan debt and earn $1 million more in their lifetimes than those without a college degree. A college degree changes lives, families, and entire communities. It’s the only way to forever break the cycle of poverty for generations to come. Help us change the world, ONE DEGREE at a time.

10/16/2026

Transformative news for our local community and beyond! 🌟

With the support of our dedicated supporters, alumni, and local Marin school partners, 10,000 Degrees is rolling out our new strategic plan backed by a historic $42 million donation.

In a recent feature by the Marin Independent Journal:

"Even here in Marin, one of the wealthiest counties in the country, too many students lack the financial resources and guidance. To date, we’ve already awarded 29% more scholarships to Marin students compared to last year." — Kim Mazzuca, President & CEO of 10,000 Degrees

Thank you to every supporter, educator, and community partner helping us bridge the gap and drive equity in education!

📰 Read the full coverage in the Marin Independent Journal:
https://www.marinij.com/2026/10/14/marin-nonprofit-reveals-plan-for-42m-donation/

10/14/2026

We’re thrilled to share 10,000 Degrees’ new 2027–2031 Strategic Plan! 🎓✨

This bold roadmap reflects our unwavering promise to our students and communities. From high school to college graduation and into meaningful careers, we stand beside our students so they can build healthier, happier, and more prosperous futures—for themselves, their communities, and the world. 🌍💡

Dive in and explore: https://10000degrees.org/our-impact/strategic-plan-new/

10/13/2026

Earlier this month, 10,000 Degrees hosted our scholars at the Black Student Expo at Sacramento State! 🎓✨

Over 80 of our 10,000 Degrees high school juniors, seniors, and community college students attended with provided transportation across the majority of our supported regions.

Here’s a look at what our students experienced:
• Direct 1:1 support from 10,000 Degrees staff on filling out our scholarship application
• Access to the Black College Expo at Sacramento State with over 60 college & university admissions representatives on site including on-the-spot college admissions, application fee waivers, and further guidance on making college affordable.

Want to support more high-impact programs like this?

Learn how you can get involved here: https://lnkd.in/gRiG_TmF

10/09/2026

For 46 years, 10,000 Degrees has empowered students from all backgrounds by providing the support and opportunity to succeed in higher education.

With over 92,000 students reached and $123 million awarded in scholarships, the real impact lies in the human connection: having someone in your corner who believes in your potential before you even see it yourself.

For first-generation students navigating higher education far from home, that belief changes everything. When we invest in young people, we don't just open doors to college—we open a lifetime of opportunity.

Watch the full video here to hear directly from our leadership: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxxUyfEMa-A

10/08/2026

🎉 DAF day is here! 🎉

Did you know that billions of dollars sit unused in Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) accounts across the country?

Today, on October 8, 10,000 Degrees joined nonprofits, DAF sponsors, and donors nationwide for a single day of action to unlock those funds and put them to work for local students.

You can also create a lasting legacy by naming 10,000 Degrees the beneficiary of the entire account or a percentage of the fund at our DAF page here: https://10000degrees.planmylegacy.org/donor-advised-funds

Together, we can turn sitting dollars into an active impact for our scholars this DAF day!! 🎓✨

10/06/2026

Ready to make a real difference in your community? 📚✨

Join 10,000 Degrees as an Academic Success Volunteer! Spend just ~2 hours a week in a local K-12 classroom helping students build foundational skills in reading, writing, and math, guiding college essays, or assisting with financial literacy workshops.

💡 Why volunteer?

✔ ️ Support students K-12 through their educational journey

✔ ️ Work directly with dedicated teachers and small student groups

✔ ️ Open to anyone 16+ (no prior experience needed!)

✔️ Flexible weekly options during the school year

Give back and help empower the next generation of scholars! 🎓🙌

🔗 Ready to sign up? The link to register can be found at 10000degrees.org/volunteer

10/05/2026

The Votes Are In! 🗳️

We're excited to announce our five Alumni Changemaker Honorees who will share their stories at the live event!

🌟 Jaden Dreher (Rising Star Honoree)
🌟 Jorge Hernandez
🌟 Alison Paxtor
🌟 Brian Phan
🌟 Alondra Quiles

🎉 Congratulations to all our Honorees and Semi-finalists!

Get your 🎟️ tickets and join us for an exclusive celebration at the historic Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco on November 12! ⚡Don't delay—this event sold out last year!

https://10000degrees.org/get-involved/alumni-changemakers/

10/02/2026

At a time when many are questioning the value of higher education, 10,000 Degrees is taking a clear stand: a college degree changes everything. 🎓✨

In her latest blog post, President & CEO Kim Mazzuca breaks down why expanding opportunities—not narrowing them—is critical for students from low-income backgrounds and first-generation students.

▶️ Read Kim's full post and watch our new short video:
👉 https://10000degrees.org/power-of-education/a-college-degree-changes-everything/

10/01/2026

10,000 Degrees was proud to partner with BigFuture and other leading college access organizations like National College Attainment Network to provide our perspectives and student voices to shape this report.
We often hear how college decisions are heavily influenced by prestige, pressure, or incomplete information. Perhaps you’ve seen it happen in your life.

When we talk about encouraging teens to find their personal fit, is there a universal approach? In BigFuture’s new publication, you’ll find four conditions that can help every teenager find a personal fit based on their unique goals, aspirations, and priorities.

The best part? A better fit leads to college completion.

Read the publication and share the helpful action guides for students, families, and K-12 leaders.

Link to the full report and helpful action guides for students, families, and K-12 leaders here: bigfuture.org/fitimperative

09/30/2026

🎉 Mark your calendars. DAF Day is coming on October 8!

Did you know that billions of dollars sit unused in Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) accounts across the country? This October, 10,000 Degrees joins nonprofits, DAF sponsors, and donors nationwide for a single day of action to unlock those funds and put them to work for local students.

You can also create a lasting legacy by naming 10,000 Degrees the beneficiary of the entire account or a percentage of the fund at our DAF page here: https://lnkd.in/gTcE98T2

Together, we can turn sitting dollars into active impact for our scholars on Oct 8! 🎓✨

Address

1401 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 205
San Rafael, CA
94903

Website

http://www.10000degrees.org/, https://donate.10000degrees.org/give/506789

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