Everyone should have a chance at college.

Frequently Asked Questions

Undergraduate Scholarships

Who is eligible to apply?

One application allows you to apply for the over twenty scholarships offered through 10,000 Degrees. Most scholarships require Marin County residency, but some do not. The basic criteria are that a student will:

  • Be enrolled in a regionally accredited college or university during the 2012-13 academic year,
  • Be pursuing an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree or a teaching credential in the 2012-13 academic year,
  • Be enrolled at least one semester or two quarters during the 2012-2013 academic year, and
  • Be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units per semester/term.

Priority will be given to:

  1. Participants of 10,000 Degrees’ 10KD Institute Program
  2. Renewing scholarship recipients
  3. High school seniors entering college
  4. Other entering freshmen
  5. Second year students
  6. Third year students transferring from a community college to a four-year college

Most scholarships are not available for:

  • New applicants in their 3rd, 4th, 5th year or beyond at a four-year college,
  • Students pursuing their 2nd or more bachelor’s degree,
  • Graduate studies,
  • Students who already have a graduate degree,
  • Enrollment in schools located outside the United States (except study-abroad programs of accredited schools located within the United States),
  • Students who have been funded by 10,000 Degrees through the Undergraduate Scholarship Program for six or more years, or four or more years at a community college,
  • Summer enrollment, or
  • Students who hold a F1 or F2 student visa, a J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa, or a G series visa

Please see scholarship information for the requirements for specific scholarships.

How do I apply for the Undergraduate Scholarship?

The application will be available on the 10,000 Degrees website in early January 2012. All applications must be submitted online.

When is the deadline to apply?

The deadline for the 2012-13 academic year is March 2, 2012.

The application deadline has now passed for the 2011-2012 academic year.
How much money can I receive?

Scholarships range from $500 to $5000 per academic year. Amounts depend on the scholarship being awarded and the student’s financial need.

How are scholarship awards determined?

Undergraduate scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. New recipients are chosen from those who meet the basic eligibility requirements, demonstrate financial need and by their personal statement score. Renewal applicants must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress and financial need. Specific scholarships may require additional documents.

What college does this scholarship cover?

Colleges and universities must be regionally accredited in the United States.

Are part-time students eligible?

Students must be enrolled in a least 12 units per semester or term during the 2012-2013 academic year.

What happens if I need to drop classes or reduce my enrollment?

Students are only eligible to receive funding if they are enrolled in a minimum of 12 units. If you must drop below 12 units, contact 10,000 Degrees immediately, as it will affect your eligibility in the future.

When do I get my check and where does it go?

If you were awarded a scholarship for the 2011-12 academic year, 10,000 Degrees will ask you to return required documents by October 1, 2011. Once we receive those documents, your fall award will be released. You must submit additional materials in the winter (for schools on a quarter system) and the spring to receive those awards. All checks are made payable to the student and sent to the mailing address provided.

Required documents are:

Can I renew my scholarship?

Many scholarships are renewable, although some are not. Please check with 10,000 Degrees to determine if your scholarship is renewable. Many scholarships are renewable for up to four years, and the 10,000 Degrees Undergraduate Scholarship is renewable for up to six years at a four-year college and four years at a community college.

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Child Care Scholarships

Who is eligible for the child care scholarship?

Marin County residents enrolled in an accredited school pursuing their first bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, license or certificate who demonstrate financial need and have children under the age of 11 attending a licensed child care facility.

How do I apply for the child care scholarship?

Applications are available through our website or in our San Rafael office.

When is the application deadline?

The application deadline for Fall 2011 is September 1, 2011. The Spring 2012 deadline is January 1, 2012.

When will I know if I'm awarded?

You will be sent a letter in early September outlining your award.

How much money can I receive?

Child Care Scholarships range from $500 - $9,000, depending on the parents enrollment status and the cost of child care.

When do I get my check and where does it go?

Checks are issued each month at the beginning of the month. Checks are sent to and made payable to the child care provider.

Do I have to have a 10,000 Degrees Professional and Technical Training Scholarship or Undergraduate Scholarship in order to apply for a 10,000 Degrees Child Care Scholarship?

No, receiving our other scholarships is not a requirement to receive child care funding.

Who qualifies as a child care provider under your guidelines?

Any child facility licensed by the state.

If I already have a scholarship, do I have to apply again next year?

You must re-apply each year.

What if I drop out of school or change enrollment?

You must notify 10,000 Degrees immediately if your enrollment status changes. Awards are enrollment-based, and your enrollment status will affect your eligibility in the future.

What if I change my child care provider, what do I need to do?

Contact us in the event that you change child care providers. You will need to submit a new “provider verification form”, a copy of the provider’s child care license and a W-9 form.

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Fact: 100% of students who attended the 10KD Institute in 2010 went to college that fall.