The moment we learned about Alex Pretti…
KTVU, our local Fox news channel recently asked me to appear on live television to share how the current administration’s education policies were affecting our students. As I was in the Zoom waiting room for the two minutes prior to my interview, I watched the breaking news of the shooting of Alex Pretti unfold in real time.
The interview was cut short as I, like many others, were left in shock and disbelief. So many of our neighbors, friends, students, and families are now living in fear—at their schools, in their neighborhoods, workplaces, community spaces, and even at their front doors. Their future has never been more uncertain. Many of our students are second- and third-generation youth who were born in the U.S. Their parents may be “undocumented,” but they have lived, worked, volunteered, and contributed to the community and our economy for decades. And now, they are targets.
We must all act in this moment. At 10,000 Degrees we will continue to do everything in our power to help our students get their degrees, including protecting their safety as they exercise their right to an education. Our mission is clear—the pathway to opportunity—we will continue to provide the resources, support, and guidance to students from low-income backgrounds so they can achieve their college degree and career goals.
And we are doubling down. We will launch our new 5-year Strategic Plan this summer with the goals of expanding and deepening our reach in existing and new regions, accelerating student impact, and helping thousands more college students to graduate and start their careers.
Because we know that when our students graduate, they will lead us into a future of prosperity, equality, and justice for all.
Watch my Fox interview here.
Thank you for being part of our movement.
With deepest gratitude,
Kim Mazzuca
President & CEO