10,000 Degrees Stories

From alumni to our staff to donors - their stories show the impact of educational equity.

Show All Alumni Career Success Board Members Alumni Donors Students Volunteers Staff Corporate Partners School Partners Foundation Partners Scholarship Partners

Yelcin C.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Davis, 2024

"10,000 Degrees helped me with my financial aid, finding internships, and providing guidance, and if I had any questions, they never hesitated to help me answer them."

Yaquelyn C.

10,000 Degrees Alum & Fellow

University of California, Davis, 2023
Santa Rosa Junior College, 2021

"As a first-generation, low-income scholarship recipient, I always strived for academic excellence and am proud to call myself a 10,000 Degrees alumni and pay it forward."

Veronica T.

10,000 Degrees Student

San Jose City College, 2024

"My involvement with 10,000 Degrees had helped me tremendously throughout my college journey."

Vanessa O. C.

10,000 Degrees Student

Santa Rosa Junior College, 2024

"10,000 Degrees has been a great help to me throughout my time at Santa Rosa Junior College."

Tristan S.M.

10,000 Degrees Student

University of California, Berkeley, 2025

"10,000 Degrees has helped me in so many ways during my college journey."

Tram P.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Davis, 2024

"Without 10,000 Degrees support, college would have been really hard."

Stephanie F.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, 2024

"10,000 Degrees helped me more than I can even talk about."

Sophia C.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Sonoma State University, 2024

"10,000 Degrees has helped me during my college journey by always being a resource I can use when I’m unsure of what to do."

Seidy M.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, 2024

"My involvement with 10,000 Degrees helped me greatly during my college journey..."

Rosmery C.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, 2024

"When I didn't have any idea of how to fill out an application 10,000 Degrees was there ready to help students like me."

Princess J.F.

10,000 Degrees Alum

San Francisco State University, 2024

"As a first-generation college student from a low-income background, 10,000 Degrees provided me with invaluable resources, guidance, and mentorship..."

Monsy E.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, 2024

"With 10,000 Degrees by my side, it made my education path much more simple and I felt more supported."

Michael B.

10,000 Degrees Alum

San Francisco State University, 2024

"My involvement with 10,000 Degrees has been instrumental in shaping my college journey in profound ways."

Melanie S.V.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, 2024

"My involvement with 10,000 Degrees has helped me so much..."

Marcela M.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, 2024

"I am ONE Degree of Change because I am on my way to pursue higher education and make a change in my community."

Lorena A. A.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Davis, 2024

"10,000 Degrees helped me obtain the funding I needed to lessen my financial stress while pursuing higher education."

Leidy P. H.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, 2024

"My family said I did not have the luxury like my other classmates to continue my education. But someone at 10,000 Degrees said I do have the opportunity."

Laura J. V.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Davis, 2024

"I sincerely appreciate the assistance provided..."

Kimberly M.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, 2024

"10,000 Degrees is an amazing program because they always send information about internships, job opportunities, scholarships, and other resources."

Josselin C.

10,000 Degrees Alum

San Francisco State University, 2024

"From offering mentorship and academic assistance to providing financial aid and access to opportunities, 10,000 Degrees has been a cornerstone of my success."

Jessica S.

10,000 Degrees Alum

California State University, Sacramento, 2024

Santa Rosa Junior College, 2022

"Being connected to 10,000 Degrees has helped to reduce my financial anxiety around my education."

Jeane R.

10,000 Degrees Alum

San Francisco State University, 2024

"My involvement with 10,000 Degrees has been really beneficial to my college experience."

Jasmin G. E.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Santa Barbara, 2024

"Having direct support from 10,000 Degrees has made the first-gen experience at UC Santa Barbara much more smooth."

Isela S.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, 2024

"Receiving a 10,000 Degrees scholarship has been really helpful..."

Hannane D.J.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, 2024

"I am ONE Degree of Change because I will be the first person in my family to graduate college and pursue higher education to help my community."

Gordon C.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Davis, 2024

"10,000 Degrees helped to finance my college journey and teach me more about the transfer process."

Giselle E.

10,000 Degrees Alum

California State University, East Bay, 2024

"10,000 Degrees fostered a space, resources, and a lending hand that allowed me to contribute success to my achievements and time at Cal State East Bay."

Gerardo L.

10,000 Degrees Alum

San Francisco State University, 2024

"...having a community to go for help, for answers to questions and a support system that was cheering me on constantly is priceless."

Esmeralda V.

10,000 Degrees Alum

California State University, Chico, 2024

"10,000 Degrees supported me during my college journey by helping me apply for financial aid..."

Eduardo R.

10,000 Degrees Alum

California State University, Sacramento, 2024

"10,000 Degrees has been instrumental in guiding me when I was unsure how to navigate the college admissions process."

Dulce V.

10,000 Degrees Alum

San Francisco State University, 2024

"With 10,000 Degrees support, I did not feel alone during my college journey."

Desiderio X.C.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, 2024

"10,000 Degrees helped me with financial aid, so I could be focused on my classes."

Citlally C.

10,000 Degrees Alum

San Francisco State University, 2025

Santa Rosa Junior College, 2020

"10,000 Degrees guided me when I applied to colleges out of high-school and supported me when I wanted to transfer to SRJC from Sacramento State to start new."

Christina P.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Berkeley, 2024

"10,000 Degrees helped me during my college journey by providing internship and networking opportunities..."

Breiner R.

10,000 Degrees Alum

San Francisco State University, 2024
College of Marin, 2022

"My involvement with 10,000 Degrees helped me during my college journey..."

Adyson P.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Berkeley, 2024

"10,000 Degrees helped me feel supported during my college journey."

Lizbeth J.R.

10,000 Degrees Student

Santa Rosa Junior College, 2024

"10,000 Degrees prepared me for college and gave me funds that will help support the path I’m taking."

Maria D.J.R.G.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Mendocino College, 2024
Santa Rosa Junior College, 2024

"Getting an education and becoming a college graduate is important because I want financial independence."

Nayeli C.

10,000 Degrees Student

Santa Rosa Junior College, 2024

"My family is proud of me, just for simply attending college and working hard."

Betsy R.C.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Sonoma State University, 2024

"The impact of me attending college has been instrumental for my family..."

Luciana O.A.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Sonoma State University, 2024
Santa Rosa Junior College, 2020

"As an undocumented student, the path was challenging, but the support I received from 10,000 Degrees had a great impact on my academic journey."

Giovanni G.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Sonoma State University, 2024

"10,000 Degrees has helped during my college journey by just being there whenever I felt stuck in any way..."

Angelina L.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Dominican University of California, 2024

"Attending college has deeply transformed my life."

Giselle H.V.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Sonoma State University, 2024

"Being a first-generation student has also inspired my sisters, who look up to me and ask me about school and different careers they wish to pursue."

Claudia M.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Sonoma State University, 2024
Santa Rosa Junior College, 2020

"Remaining engaged with my peers through organizations such as 10,000 Degrees was instrumental in maintaining my focus on my goals..."

Lizbeth O.

10,000 Degrees Alum

California State University, Chico, 2024

"10,000 Degrees provided me with so much support since high school through my four college years."

Kayla P.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, A.A., 2024
College of Marin, A.S., 2024

"Attending community college and soon, a four-year university, brings my family pride."

Rodrigo Vasquez Lopez

10,000 Degrees Alum & Staff

University of California, Davis, 2024

"I have motivated many people to pursue something bigger than themselves and to realize that anything is possible."

Oscar Loyola

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Berkeley, 2023
Napa Valley Community College, 2021

"Without 10,000 Degrees, I would not be where I’m at right now."

Finance

Jacob Barrera

10,000 Degrees San Francisco Advisory Board Member

Associate at Holland & Knight LLP

"My education was a stepping stone to something bigger than I could ever imagine, and now I use that to give back not only to my family, but to my community."

Janelle Walker

10,000 Degrees Sonoma Advisory Board Member

Supporter Since 2023
Public Finance Lawyer, Nixon Peabody

"Education leads to knowledge which leads to more control and power in your life."

Anthony Garcia

10,000 Degrees Fellow, San Jose

San Jose State University, 2025
University of California, Davis, 2019

"Education is a unifying force that can never be taken away from someone"

Isela Carreras

10,000 Degrees Alum

10,000 Degrees Fellow, City College of San Francisco
San Francisco State University, 2020

"I came back to work for 10,000 Degrees to both grow and to help students achieve their own educational dreams."

Deborah Freed Goldman

10,000 Degrees Board Member

Chair, Napa Advisory Board
Generous Supporter & Donor Since 2005

"10,000 Degrees makes sure that any student who dreams of obtaining a college education can do so"

Charan & Sylvia Singh

10,000 Degrees Generous Supporters Since 2022

"We first became interested in 10,000 Degrees because of the students and their determination to succeed."

Caren & Nick Orum

Generous 10,000 Degrees Napa Supporters Since 2017

Co-Founders, Arborum Napa Valley Winery

“Hearing the success stories of 10,000 Degrees graduates is nothing short of inspiring."

Maria Valle

10,000 Degrees South Bay Advisory Board Member

10,000 Degrees Career Success Mentor
Program Performance Auditor, City of San José

"I am a firm believer that given the support and resources, low-income, first-generation college students can succeed and that’s why I support 10,000 Degrees."

John A. Kouns

10,000 Degrees Legacy Donor

Social Justice Photographer’s Legacy Lives on Through Scholarship

Sandy Donnell

10,000 Degrees Honorary Board Member & Former Board Chair

Generous Supporter for Over 25 Years

"I choose to support 10,000 Degrees as it is an investment in people and our collective futures."

Josue Castillo

10,000 Degrees Alum

Dominican University of California, 2025
Sonoma State University, 2018
2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

“I firmly believe that everyone should have access to an education regardless of their circumstances.”

Dayane Mendoza Solis

10,000 Degrees Alum

Sonoma State University, 2017
2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

“I choose to be deeply involved in my community because through my involvement, I have the opportunity to share my experiences and offer my support to individuals on the path to creating the life they desire for themselves.”

Celina Del Toro Moreno

10,000 Degrees Alum

Sonoma State University, 2019
College of Marin, 2018
2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

“I have been proud to be the example for my younger siblings by going through the college process and acting as a resource for them.”

Ashley M. Blanco

10,000 Degrees Alum

Brown University, M.A., 2009
Howard University, B.A., 2008
2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

“My biggest impact has been consistency in the lives of children and youth who have not had adults show up for their holistic development across their ages and stages.”

Genesis Vasquez

10,000 Degrees Alum

California State University East Bay, 2022
San Francisco State University, 2020
2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

“I have made a significant impact within my community by becoming part of the 5.5% of Latin Spanish-speaking therapists in the U.S.”

Edgar Jose Velasquez

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Davis School of Medicine, 2022
San Francisco State University, 2016
2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

“I am proud to be working as a physician at a hospital that allows me to serve the community that raised me, always working to advance community health through my research focused on mitigating health disparities.”

Aimee Little Sanchez

10,000 Degrees Alum

Dominican University of California, 2017
2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

“I came to realize my life’s work and passion was to utilize my accounting skills to help my community in a deeper and more impactful way.”

Victoria Chan

10,000 Degrees Alum

Golden Gate University School of Law, 2024
University of California, Davis, 2015
2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

“I made a difference in the lives of others by pursuing a career in public interest law.”

Efren Oxlaj

10,000 Degrees Alum

College of Marin, 2020
Santa Clara University, 2019
2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

“I am dedicated to driving impactful change by advocating for education and fostering equitable inclusion.”

Adriana Ascencion Cisneros

10,000 Degrees Alum

Santa Rosa Junior College Nursing Program, 2025
Mills College, 2019
2023 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

“I take pride in being able to help my family with the education and opportunities I have gained.”

Willy Lepori

10,000 Degrees Alum

10,000 Degrees Fellow
Sonoma State University, 2021
Santa Rosa Junior College, 2019

"Working with 10,000 Degrees has really come full circle for me."

Mark Zerrudo

10,000 Degrees Alum

10,000 Degrees Fellow
University of California, Berkeley, 2020
College of Marin, 2018

"The students will always be the most inspiring aspect of working at 10,000 Degrees."

Lupe Calvillo

10,000 Degrees Alum

10,000 Degrees Fellow
Sonoma State University, 2018

"As time passes, trust is built, and 10,000 Degrees becomes more than just a program."

Colten R.

10,000 Degrees Alum Story

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, 2023

"Thanks, 10,000 Degrees, for your financial support."

Sibling Grads: Jose Jimenez & Yesenia Jimenez

A Brother & Sister's Story

"Just like many of our students, I’m humbled to be the first in my family to attend and graduate from college, creating a pathway for my sister and cousins to pass this on to future generations." — Jose

Mark Mokelke

10,000 Degrees Marin Advisory Board Chair

Bank of America Market Executive, Greater Bay Area
Bank of America

"Bank of America supports 10,000 Degrees' view that education is the foundation of a just and equitable society."

Óscar Chávez

President & CEO

Community Foundation Sonoma County

"10,000 Degrees works to make college accessible for thousands of students in Sonoma County every year."

Pat Andry-Jennings

Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Division

Napa Valley Unified School District

"Our partnership with 10,000 Degrees is one way we support our students now and as they transition into college.”

Vikki & Derek Ku

10,000 Degrees San Francisco Advisory Board Members

Supporters & Donors since 2021

"We're proud to support 10,000 Degrees"

Jennifer Nguyen

Foundation Partner

Director of Postsecondary Success, Stupski Foundation

"The one-two punch of community trust and holistic, student-centered support made 10,000 Degrees a natural partner."

Alyssa Ng

Associate Director, Inclusion and Diversity and Interim Global I&D Lead, Intercontinental Region

Gilead Sciences
San Francisco Advisory Board Member

"I believe education is an important and critical tool to remove barriers..."

Robert Fischbach

Corporate Partner

Head of the San Francisco Office, BlackRock

"BlackRock is proud to partner with 10,000 Degrees, an organization who shares our commitment to equity"

Tate Barend

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of San Francisco, 2026
University of California, Berkeley, 2020
Santa Rosa Junior College, 2017
2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist

"My experience as a dyslexic motivated me to establish the Lift Off Scholarship"

Isabela De Souza

10,000 Degrees Alum

Index Strategist at BlackRock
University of California, Berkeley, 2019
College of Marin, 2017

"I’m grateful for the wonderful staff and mentors who pushed and believed in me along the way."

Rhea Suh

Foundation Partner

President & CEO, Marin Community Foundation

“10,000 Degrees is an equity champion."

Pepe Gonzalez

10,000 Degrees Alum

Former Board Chair & Honorary Board Member
Director of Community Partnerships, San Rafael City Schools
Sonoma State University, 2008
Dominican University of California, 2002

"Having a degree has truly opened up endless opportunities for me..."

Bhupinder “Sonu” Singh Chandi

10,000 Degrees Board Member & Sonoma Advisory Board Chair

Supporter & Donor since 2016

"With 10,000 Degrees, I love how much engagement we provide through the Fellows, as well as putting a focus on career success."

Eli Weinzveg

10,000 Degrees Director of College Pathways, Sonoma, Napa & Lake Counties

M.A., Sacramento State University, 2012
B.A., Sacramento State University, 2008

"I feel I’ve honored my family in prioritizing education in my life and it’s a value my wife and I have also instilled in our children."

Amanda Cornell

10,000 Degrees College Access Program Manager, Lake County

Southern New Hampshire University, 2021
Yuba Community College, 2017

"As a Fellow Lake County resident, former student at LLHS, and first-generation college graduate it’s truly humbling to be able to work with students."

Will Hayes

Co-Chair, Contra Costa Advisory Board

COO, Bestomer

"The 10,000 Degrees model of how they engage the student community is incredibly organic to creating success."

Eslly Hernandez

10,000 Degrees Alum

2023 One Amazing Community Keynote
Executive Assistant, Industry Ventures
San Francisco State University, 2022
College of Marin, 2019

"Continue to fund programs like 10,000 Degrees so they can continue to support future generations of students like me and my siblings."

Finance

Tashi Sherpa

10,000 Degrees Alum

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 2021

"10,000 Degrees started as just a program, but now I see them more as a family."

Graham Brandt

10,000 Degrees Alum

Former Board Chair & Honorary Board Member
Vice President, Goldman Sachs
University of California, Los Angeles, 1999

"For more than 25 years, my family and I have supported 10,000 Degrees."

Britney N.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Santa Rosa Junior College, 2022
University of California, Davis, 2024

"Over the years, 10,000 Degrees had my back, encouraging me to be self-motivated."

Yuliana M.G.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Sacramento State University, 2024
Santa Rosa Junior College, 2022

"Tashi (my 10,000 Degrees Fellow) really helped me strive forward, continually saying 'you're almost there.'"

Yesenia J.

10,000 Degrees Alum

California State University, Sacramento, 2023

"Earning my Bachelor’s degree is something that no one can take away from me."

Gaida A.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of Washington, 2023

"My children are inspired by me."

Su Z.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California Santa Cruz, 2023

"10,000 Degrees gave me amazing support and advice."

Reeti J.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Sonoma State University, 2025
Santa Rosa Junior College, 2023

"I loved the 10,000 Degrees resources I was provided."

Jacqueline O.M.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California Riverside, 2023

"My involvement with 10,000 Degrees was amazing and so beneficial to me."

Emma N.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Berkeley, 2025
College of Marin, 2023
College of Marin Commencement Speaker

"10,000 Degrees has provided a strong structure in my education."

Lan H.N.

10,000 Degrees Alum

City College of San Francisco, 2023

"I never thought I could transfer to UC Berkeley."

Jessica A.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Sacramento State University, 2023

"My education is something that no one can take away from me."

Aurora C.T.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Sonoma State University, 2023

"10,000 Degrees helped me start my journey and transition from high school to college."

Julian Toro Solis

School Partner

Director of Outreach and Partnerships
College of Marin

"10,000 Degrees continues to be an invaluable partner for College of Marin."

Imani L.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Grambling State University, 2021
2022 Alumni Changemaker Honoree

"My experience with 10,000 Degrees helped me become an ambassador for change."

Emily G.

10,000 Degrees Alum

San Diego State University, 2026
Contra Costa College, 2023

"10,000 Degrees has been one of the only people who have supported my transfer journey."

Jessica Mena Flores

10,000 Degrees Alum

Contra Costa Advisory Board Member
Iowa State University, 2019
Sonoma State University, 2017

"Higher education didn't seem like a possibility for me..."

Cinthya Cisneros

10,000 Degrees Alum

Scholarship Partner
Sonoma State University, 2012

"10,000 Degrees helped me with scholarships and provided a mentor who believed in me."

Amanda D

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Santa Barbara, 2023

"I feel grateful that I am in a position where I can pursue my boldest dream..."

An H.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Santa Barbara, 2023

"It let me focus more on my studies while it helped pay for my tuition and living expenses."

Ryan Y.

10,000 Degrees Alum

San Jose State University, 2023

"Thank you 10,000 Degrees for believing in me and supporting me throughout my journey, even through the hard times. I wouldn’t have done it without all of you.”

Arts

Hana Ma

Program Officer, Postsecondary Success

Sobrato Philanthropies

"Sobrato Philanthropies is honored to partner with 10,000 Degrees."

Glenn Vander Zee

School Partner

Silicon Valley/Peninsula Advisory Board Member
Superintendent, East Side Union High School

“We are proud to partner with organizations like 10,000 Degrees..."

Luz H.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Davis, 2022

"10,000 Degrees is the reason why I was able to go to college."

Kristopher M

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Riverside, 2022

"My career path has been greatly helped by 10,000 Degrees and their mentorship program."

10,000 Degrees Stories

From alumni to our staff to donors - their stories show the impact of educational equity.

Yelcin C.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Davis, 2024

Yaquelyn C.

10,000 Degrees Alum & Fellow

University of California, Davis, 2023 Santa Rosa Junior College, 2021

Veronica T.

10,000 Degrees Student

San Jose City College, 2024

Vanessa O. C.

10,000 Degrees Student

Santa Rosa Junior College, 2024

Tristan S.M.

10,000 Degrees Student

University of California, Berkeley, 2025

Tram P.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Davis, 2024

Stephanie F.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, 2024

Sophia C.

10,000 Degrees Alum

Sonoma State University, 2024

Seidy M.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, 2024

Rosmery C.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, 2024

Princess J.F.

10,000 Degrees Alum

San Francisco State University, 2024

Monsy E.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, 2024

Michael B.

10,000 Degrees Alum

San Francisco State University, 2024

Melanie S.V.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, 2024

Marcela M.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, 2024

Lorena A. A.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Davis, 2024

Leidy P. H.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, 2024

Laura J. V.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Davis, 2024

Kimberly M.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, 2024

Josselin C.

10,000 Degrees Alum

San Francisco State University, 2024

Jessica S.

10,000 Degrees Alum

California State University, Sacramento, 2024 Santa Rosa Junior College, 2022

Jeane R.

10,000 Degrees Alum

San Francisco State University, 2024

Jasmin G. E.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Santa Barbara, 2024

Isela S.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, 2024

Hannane D.J.

10,000 Degrees Student

College of Marin, 2024

Gordon C.

10,000 Degrees Alum

University of California, Davis, 2024

University of California, Davis, 2023
Santa Rosa Junior College, 2021

California State University, Sacramento, 2024

Santa Rosa Junior College, 2022

San Francisco State University, 2025

Santa Rosa Junior College, 2020

San Francisco State University, 2024
College of Marin, 2022