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San Francisco Scholarships & Support

Since launching our partnership with San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) in 2017, we have expanded to seven SFUSD high schools—amplifying college access opportunities and college success outcomes for San Francisco students from low-income backgrounds. In addition, merging with the well-established Meritus College Fund in 2018 allowed us to further expand our four-year college success programs. Our College Access program helps under-resourced, understaffed schools serve more students in need, and our College Success program guides students matriculating to City College of San Francisco (CCSF) and those transferring to and graduating from four-year colleges. SFUSD has ranked us as a top collaborative partner.

Established in

2017

High School Students Served Annually

High School Participants
500
College & Financial Aid Workshops
0

Scholarships in FY23

Awarded to
$ 500
College Students
0

Partner Schools

High Schools

Balboa High
Burton (Phillip and Sala) Academic High
Downtown High
Abraham Lincoln High
Thurgood Marshall High
S.F. International High
Ida B. Wells High

Colleges

San Francisco City College
San Francisco State University

Bring 10,000 Degrees to Your School
Contact Your Fellow

The Opportunity in San Francisco

Meaningful change. Lasting impact.

San Francisco is one of the wealthiest cities in America with high-priced real estate and a median household income of $126,187. Yet even in this vibrant city of industry, innovation, and transformation, San Francisco’s education landscape is struggling to meet the increasing needs of its most vulnerable students. The college dream remains out of reach for many San Francisco high school students, as the troubling statistics at right demonstrate.

What we do: We work directly with San Francisco students from low-income backgrounds to:

  • Foster a college-going culture
  • Introduce 2- and 4-year college pathway options
  • Assist students with college applications and enrollment
  • Help students apply for and manage free financial aid (FAFSA & CA Dream Act)
  • Provide scholarships and near-peer mentoring to successfully navigate the entire college journey
  • Offer community college transfer support
  • and more!

Our support extends to, through, and beyond college: We offer paid internships and career development opportunities through our local business partners.

of San Francisco high school students are socioeconomically disadvantaged
0 %
of San Francisco high school seniors graduate without meeting the academic requirements to attend a four-year college
0 %
of San Francisco high school students did not submit applications for free financial aid
0 %

Your gift to 10,000 Degrees will allow us to help more San Francisco students from low-income backgrounds achieve their college and career dreams.

Support Our Program

What our partners, students, alumni, and staff have to say about 10,000 Degrees

Regional Stories

"A postsecondary education remains one of the greatest drivers of economic mobility, particularly among students of color. We're proud to support 10,000 Degrees in their expansion to additional schools in the San Francisco Unified School District. 10,000 Degrees was identified as a trusted partner among principals in SFUSD and intensively serves some of the most important students we have in our community—our 2-year bound students. The one-two punch of community trust and holistic, student centered support made 10,000 Degrees a natural partner."
Jennifer Nguyen
Jennifer NguyenDirector of Postsecondary Success
Stupski Foundation
"We have increased the numbers of students starting and finishing the community college enrollment process. The opportunity for students to work 1-1 with a fellow is priceless."
AnonymousSchool Partner
"Thank you so much, your work is invaluable. It's been so helpful in helping us serve our students!"
AnonymousSchool Partner
"I believe education is an important and critical tool to remove barriers; through our career mentoring program, we were able to match scholars with our colleagues to help facilitate personal growth and professional development—both for the mentees and mentors."
Alyssa Ng
Alyssa Ng10,000 Degrees Corporate Partner & Career Mentor
San Francisco Advisory Board Member
"I want to say thank you for all 10,000 Degrees staff who have helped me during high school until now. They are great people who pay attention to all needs, and questions I had in the past, things like financial aid, applying for classes, questions about college... I really appreciate all the things they did for me, they have supported me (despite the pandemic) and I have a new idea of what to do."
Elmer D.F.M.10,000 Degrees Student
City College of San Francisco
"My name is Mohamed, I go to San Francisco State University. This scholarship has been very supportive and it has repeatedly played a key role in my success in a recent accomplishment with my college. There is no way I can fully express my gratitude for your support. I'm currently a sophomore and have declared my major as computer science. My favorite class is computer science and I really enjoyed the class and my professor who makes the class enjoyable and interesting. I have struggled financially but because of your dedication and generosity to support students like me I can succeed without that burden. Again thank you for your support throughout this past year and coming years."
Mohamed A.
Mohamed A.10,000 Degrees Student
San Francisco State University
“As the Director of College Access in Silicon Valley and San Francisco for our high school program, I really enjoy building on our partnerships with our school and district partners. When we provide more resources for all our school partners, it ensures that all students have equitable education opportunities, especially during these uncertain times!”
Jose Jimenez
Jose JimenezDirector Of College Access, San Francisco & Silicon Valley
"10,000 Degrees helped me to and through college financially and emotionally. After college, they helped shape my professional journey when I became a fellow. Through my time working at College of Marin through 10,000 Degrees, it inspired me to get my master's in marriage family therapy with an emphasis in college counseling. And then I'm pretty sure that being involved in 10,000 Degrees boosted my resume when I applied for my current position due to the great reputation 10,000 Degrees has at the school I am working at now. I can see 10,000 Degrees' influence in almost every step of my educational and professional experience thus far!"
Morrakot O.
Morrakot O.10,000 Degrees Alum and former Fellow
University of California, Berkeley, 2017
San Francisco State University, 2021
"As the Chief of Staff at FiscalNote, I lead a team of sustainability professionals to enable companies around the world to become sustainability leaders. I'm dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion and am an active supporter and board member of several social impact initiatives in Washington DC where I live and work, and the Bay Area where I grew up. From deciding on my major to landing my first internship, Meritus, now merged with 10,000 Degrees, was with me every step of the way. I would not be where I am today without the generous support of all the staff, volunteers, and mentors who guided me through my college journey and career path. I'm excited to give back to this wonderful organization and uplift other 10,000 Degrees scholars."
Annie Xiao
Annie Xiao10,000 Degrees Alum
University of California, Santa Cruz, 2015
"10,000 Degrees has helped me tremendously during my undergraduate career. They supported me financially through scholarships and were never hesitant to help me apply to colleges, revise my resume, find a career path, and even encourage me to pursue my MBA. I am forever grateful for 10,000 Degrees."
Raymond P.
Raymond P.10,000 Degrees Alum
San Francisco State University, 2020
San Francisco State University, 2022
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Student Stories​

San Francisco County, Student Interview
San Francisco County, Student Interview
San Francisco County, Student Interview
San Francisco County, Student Interview

Regional Leadership Team

Christopher Gonzales - Chief Strategy Officer in 10,000 Degrees

Christopher Gonzales

Chief Strategy Officer

Contact
Jose Jimenez - Director of College Access in San Francisco & Silicon Valley

Jose Jimenez

Director of College Access, San Francisco & Silicon Valley
Contact
Lara Morgan Rush - Regional Director in San Francisco

Lara Morgan Rush

Regional Director, San Francisco
Contact

San Francisco Advisory Board

Mary Wolfe, Chair
Jacob Barrera
Arnav Bimbhet
Tomas Boatwright
Chris Boyd
Melinda Bradley
Carmen Castro-Franceschi
Vanessa Holton
Derek Ku
Matt Kugler
Margy Lowdermilk
Kevin Lowry
Cameron Monfared
Rick Moreno
Cindy Morton
Alyssa Ng
Roshani Pandey
Aaron Price
Alicia Raisinghani
Robert Retana
Ellie Shephard
Vicki Tang
Jon Xu
Laura Young
Mona Zhao

Get in Touch.

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