Students & Scholarships
Scholarship Eligibility & FAQs
Application Process
What is 10,000 Degrees?
10,000 Degrees is the leading, equity-focused scholarship provider and college success nonprofit in California that supports students from low-income backgrounds to and through college.
Is there a fee to apply for a 10,000 Degrees scholarship?
No. 10,000 Degrees does not charge a fee to apply for scholarships. Please be aware of scams- students should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship or receive support.
How do I apply for the 10,000 Degrees Scholarship?
Students must first create a 10,000 Degrees student portal account. Upon creating an account, students will be able to access and submit the application.
When is the deadline to apply to the 10,000 Degrees scholarships?
The priority deadline for applications is March 2nd. All supplemental materials must be uploaded to the online application at the time of submission. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Do I have to submit my scholarship application once I start it or can I save my progress and resume at a later time?
Students can save their progress and resume their scholarship application at a later time. Students can save their progress by clicking “save” after completing each section of the application.
Can applicants update their application after they submit it?
No, once students submit their application, they will no longer be able to update it. Please review all sections carefully before submitting. If students need to make an edit or change, please email scholarships@10000degrees.org
Will applicants receive a confirmation email that their application was submitted?
Yes. Applicants will receive a confirmation email from scholarships@10000degrees.org, to the valid email address associated with their application. (Check the spam or junk folder if not received).
How are scholarship awards determined?
Because overall funding is limited, all scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, including meeting eligibility requirements, financial need, and personal statements. Renewal applicants are a priority, but they must reapply to our scholarship every year and demonstrate continued financial need and academic progress.
When can a student expect to hear if they were awarded a scholarship?
Applicants will receive an email providing an update on their scholarship application status in the summer.
I was notified that I was not awarded. Is there anything I can do to contest the 10,000 Degrees decision?
All scholarship decisions are final. A denial is usually due to limited funding or a result of lacking financial need. We encourage applicants to visit our Outside Scholarships page and www.fastweb.com to access resources and information regarding financial aid and alternative scholarship opportunities.
Eligibility & Enrollment
Who is eligible for 10,000 Degrees scholarships?
To be eligible for a 10,000 Degrees scholarship, students must demonstrate financial need and work towards their first associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or technical certification program. Students must have graduated from a high school and/or currently live in one of the counties we serve in the Bay Area: Marin, Sonoma, San Francisco, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Napa, and Lake counties.
Is there a GPA requirement to apply for a 10,000 Degrees scholarship?
No. 10,000 Degrees does not have a GPA requirement to apply.
Are part-time students eligible?
Students must be enrolled in at least 12 academic units per semester or term during the current academic year.
Does 10,000 Degrees have scholarships for graduate students?
Yes! We offer scholarships for graduate students pursuing degrees in law, the health field, and teaching credentials. Learn more about the graduate student scholarships we offer, here.
Which colleges and universities are eligible?
Eligible colleges and universities must be located in the United States. They must also be accredited through an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and participate in the Title IX federal student aid program. These are typically nonprofit colleges. However, please note that a few scholarships we administer do support students enrolled in for-profit colleges.
Receiving Funds & Renewal
How much money can students receive?
Scholarship awards can be up to $1,500 per student, per academic year. Individual amounts depend on specific scholarship guidelines and student financial need.
How are scholarship funds disbursed?
Scholarship funds are made payable directly to the student. Funds are disbursed using the preferred method from the options below:
- Zelle
- Direct Deposit/ACH
- Mailed check
Can scholarships be renewed each year?
Yes, the scholarship is renewable each year until the student graduates with a bachelor’s degree.
How do students renew their scholarships?
Current students must complete and submit the Renewal Form directly through the 10,000 Degrees student portal. An email notification will be sent on December 22nd when the form is available for access.
Who do I contact if I have not yet received my payment?
Please contact the 10,000 Degrees Scholarship Department at scholarships@10000degrees.org.
How are colleges notified of awarded scholarships?
IMPORTANT: It is the responsibility of the student to notify the school’s financial aid office when they have been awarded a 10,000 Degrees scholarship.
Student Portal Access
How do I access and manage my 10,000 Degrees Student Portal account?
To log into your portal, visit the 10,000 Degrees Scholarship page on our website. Use the email address and password you created during your initial application. If you’ve forgotten your password, use the “Click here to reset your password” link to regain access.
If you have any trouble accessing your account after attempting a password reset, please email studentportaladmin@10000degrees.org for technical help.
What do I do if I can’t access my 10,000 Degrees student portal account?
If you are having login issues, please email studentportaladmin@10000degrees.org. You can also reach the 10,000 Degrees Scholarships department through email at scholarships@10000degrees.org.
How do I confirm that 10,000 Degrees has received all of my documents?
For scholarship recipients: The quickest way to confirm your status or to check that all documents have been received is by logging into your 10,000 Degrees Student Portal. This is where you can track all required materials, such as transcripts and your financial aid award letter.
If you see an ‘On Hold’ status, please know that your application is not yet complete and requires attention. You will also receive a separate email from the Scholarship Team if more documents are needed.
For any other inquiries, please reach out to the Scholarship department at scholarships@10000degrees.org.
Already received a 10,000 Degrees scholarship? Contact us today about renewing your scholarship.