Local Nonprofit 10,000 Degrees Receives Meaningful Grant from MacKenzie Scott
A Marin County-based nonprofit, 10,000 Degrees, has been awarded a substantial grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, signaling a major boost for its college access and success programs. While the exact amount of the grant hasn’t been disclosed, the organization’s leadership anticipates significant expansion as a result.
According to Kim Mazzuca, Executive Director of 10,000 Degrees, Scott’s organization had been evaluating the nonprofit’s performance for some time, with a particular focus on student outcomes.
10,000 Degrees currently supports 12,000 high school students and 4,300 college students across eight Bay Area counties – Marin, Napa, Lake, Sonoma, Contra Costa, San Mateo, San Francisco, and Santa Clara. The organization provides a comprehensive suite of services including peer support, financial aid guidance, workshops, small group instruction, and scholarships.
In the past year alone, 10,000 Degrees distributed $10 million in scholarships to college students, and assisted them in securing an additional $73 million in financial aid. college students also benefit from a paid peer mentor who provides support navigating challenges related to housing, academics, transportation, and healthcare.
The nonprofit’s high school program focuses on guiding students toward attending community college for two years before transferring to a four-year university. Mazzuca highlighted the success of this model, noting that 10,000 Degrees students demonstrate improved outcomes by beginning their higher education journey at a community college.
The new funding will allow 10,000 Degrees to broaden its impact, both within existing communities and by expanding into new areas. Mazzuca stated the grant will ”catapult” the organization to a “much greater impact.” A portion of the funds will be allocated to hiring additional staff to facilitate this expansion, and another portion will increase scholarship opportunities. the organization also plans to explore the potential of artificial intelligence programs to further support student success.
10,000 Degrees serves 300 high schools throughout the region, with a especially strong presence in Marin County, where it operates in all high school districts – even surpassing its reach in San Francisco and Sonoma. The organization specifically serves students from low-income families, with 92% being first-generation college students and 92% identifying as students of color.
Founded in 1981, 10,000 Degrees has supported over 80,000 students and awarded more than $113 million in scholarships.The organization boasts an 80% four-year college graduation rate for its students, double the national average. Similarly, its community college transfer students graduate from four-year institutions at twice the national rate.
The grant comes from MacKenzie Scott, who has a net worth of approximately $34 billion (according to Forbes) following her divorce from Jeff Bezos. Scott pledged to donate more than half of her wealth to charitable causes through the Giving Pledge, an initiative started by Bill and Melinda French Gates and Warren Buffett, and has already given away approximately $19.2 billion,including a recent $70 million donation to UNCF,the United Negro College Fund.
