Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan
The Need For Our Work Has Never Been Greater
As students from low-income backgrounds face a more hostile and uncertain educational landscape shaped by shifting policies, financial aid changes, and growing opportunity gaps, our proven model offers the guidance, resources, and support they need to succeed.
Today, 10,000 Degrees is better positioned than ever to close this opportunity divide with strategic focus, urgency, and creative solutions. Building on 46 years of proven impact, experienced leadership, a strong network of partners and supporters—and leveraging our recent $42 million gift and philanthropic momentum—we are embarking on a bold 2027-2031 Strategic Plan to help more students from low-income backgrounds reach their full potential.
Strategic Goals
01 Grow College Success: Significantly Increase College Graduation and Career Attainment for Students From Low-Income Backgrounds
02Â Embed Innovation, Technology & AI Across Our Programs and Organization to Drive Deeper, Faster Impact
03Â Expand Our State and National Influence on College Completion Equity
04Â Build Organizational Adaptability and Resiliency Powered by Strong Systems, People & Culture
05Â Ensure Long-term Financial Stability and Growth
To achieve these goals, the Strategic Plan provides an ambitious, data-informed roadmap to strengthen our college success model by:
- Deepening our high school, community college, and Fellowship programs
- Increasing scholarships and financial aid support
- Expanding our reach in existing and new communities
- Leveraging innovation, technology, and partnerships to improve student outcomes, increase efficiency, and build long-term organizational and financial sustainability
This plan is a call to action for our supporters, partners, and institutions to assure the future health, wealth, and well-being of our students, their families, and our nation.
National and State Recognition
Reputation, Reach & Influence
- Charity Navigator Four-Star Rating for 14 consecutive years, placing 10,000 Degrees in the top 9% of evaluated charities.
- We’ve earned a 2026 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency.
- Featured in Associated Press, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Inc., EdSource, Forbes, Fortune, The New York Times, Telemundo, and others, such as CBS, ABC and NBC.
Transformational Unrestricted Investment
- $42 million unrestricted gift from MacKenzie Scott and Yield Giving to accelerate our strategic plan, deepen impact in existing regions, and expand our reach.
Major Investor Support
- Significant support from 2,000+ individual and 100+ scholarship donors.
- One of only 14 financial aid assistance grant recipients selected by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.
Seasoned Leadership
- 35% of our staff are alumni, with a growing number advancing into leadership roles.
- Long-tenured executive team with national sector leadership, including college board roles with NCAN and NSPA.
- 100+ volunteer leaders across our Board of Directors and six Regional Advisory Boards.
Why Invest in 10,000 Degrees?
The smartest investment you can make to transform lives, strengthen communities, and create lasting change for generations.
Transformational Momentum
The $42 million MacKenzie Scott-Yield Giving gift affirmed our scalable model and impact, and is accelerating our ability to reach more students in more communities.
Education Multiplies Impact
Every graduate strengthens a family, community, and future generation—making education one of the most powerful investments in lasting change.
Local Investment. Lasting Change.
Your investment helps students in your community earn college degrees, launch careers, and contribute their talents where they live and work.
The Time to Invest is Now
This is a rare opportunity to build on that momentum and expand educational opportunity at scale to shape the future.
Talent is Everywhere.
Opportunity Isn't
As the path to college grows more difficult, too many talented students are being left behind because of circumstance, not potential.
Proven Result Inspire Confidence
For 46 years, 10,000 Degrees has turned investment into measurable impact through exceptional outcomes, personalized support, and continuous adaptation.
10,000 Degrees gave me the confidence to seek help, and went above and beyond in supporting me in ways that range from counseling to networking opportunities. I am transferring to a 4-year university at the end of this semester. I felt I finally found my footing at community college, and was nervous for the transition. I went to a one-on-one meeting with my Fellow, and she helped me discover resources at the school I am transferring to. I find comfort in knowing that 10,000 Degrees is situated there as well and will continue to support me every step of the way.
I was able to land my first summer internship through the resources that 10,000 Degrees provide for their scholars. After multiple meetings with my Fellow, I was able to decide which summer internship program would be best for me. With 10,000 Degrees’ support, I applied and was able to get into the program. I hope to impact my community by sharing the resources and opportunities that have helped me succeed. 10,000 Degrees’ belief in my college journey has helped me believe in myself.
As a former scholarship recipient, I am intricately aware of the transformative impact that 10,000 Degrees has on the students and communities they support. Having served on the Board from 2005 to 2015, I saw firsthand how effectively this organization unlocks life-changing educational equity. Rejoining the board now, I am inspired by the organization’s momentum. 10,000 Degrees has a proven track record of scaling deep, lasting impact. Talia and I have unwavering confidence in 10,000 Degrees’ leadership and vision to successfully execute this audacious new strategic plan. The work has never been more urgent for our community and our society. We implore you to join us in supporting 10,000 Degrees as they work tirelessly to empower the next generation of leaders.
As 10,000 Degrees supporters for more than 16 years, Susan and I have seen firsthand its unwavering commitment to educational equity and its extraordinary impact on students, families and entire communities. Its exceptional leadership, proven model, strong track record and ability to scale leave no doubt that 10,000 Degrees will achieve the ambitious goals of this Strategic Plan. For anyone committed to making a meaningful impact, 10,000 Degrees is one of the smartest investments you can make and should be part of your core philanthropic portfolio.
OMW Corporation is a contract manufacturer focused on the New Space and Defense industries. While manufacturing faces a shortage of skilled labor and questions about the value of college degrees, recruiting and developing young people with degrees in engineering, supply chain, economics, and other disciplines has made us a better company. Through 10,000 Degrees’ internship program, we’ve developed a pipeline of bright, ambitious students—three alumni work with us, and several former interns now work for our customers. Their contributions to our growth and culture will continue to help us improve for years to come.
Our strategic partnership with 10,000 Degrees is a highlight in UCSF’s work to expand health career pathways. What began a decade ago with one summer intern, has since grown to 16 paid, multi-year internship positions through collaborative grant-writing and program development. 10,000 Degrees identifies entering college students who are overcoming barriers to opportunity, and UCSF employs those students as healthcare navigators helping patients overcome barriers to health care. Together, we are advancing patient care and launching promising healthcare careers—two outcomes we are deeply proud to achieve simultaneously through this partnership.
