Our Impact: 84% of Our Students Graduate

In 2012, we helped students leverage an additional $6 million in free financial aid.

10,000 Degrees is proving that college success is possible for all students. 84% of the 10,000 Degrees students have not only gained acceptance to college but have graduated. 10,000 Degrees is transforming low-income, underperforming and minority students from a potential burden on society to a substantial economic stimulus. With college graduates earning an average of $1 million more during their lifetime than those without a degree.

Since 1981 we've awarded more than $54 million in scholarships to low income students. We help students leverage an average of $16,458 in additional free financial aid per year. We were awarded the honor of "National Scholarship Provider of the Year" by the National Scholarship Providers Association.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN for 10,000 DEGREES of COLLEGE ACCESS PROGRAMS In the RICHMOND/WEST CONTRA COSTA COUNTY AREA by The TCC Group
January 2, 2012

The environmental scan assessed the need for additional college access programs in the Richmond/West Contra Costa area of the East Bay. In conducting the assessment, 10 organizations currently operating in the area where identified and interviewed by telephone. In addition, demographic, economic, and educational data about the community and the public high schools was collected and analyzed. Key findings included:

  • The four high schools in Richmond (De Anza Senior High School, Kennedy High School, Richmond High School, and the Samuel Gompers Continuation High School) perform below state and county averages in academic achievement, as measured by state standardized tests.
  • There is a high level of poverty and deprivation in the area.  The area’s median household income and per capita income are below state and county averages. The poverty level in the City of Richmond exceeds state and county averages. Furthermore, the percentage of students in the four area high schools who receive free or reduced-cost meals is also higher than the state and county averages.
  • All the individuals interviewed indicated that existing college access programs in the area do not meet the need for such services. In addition, the services currently offered are neither coordinated nor aligned to maximize resources, avoid duplication, and amplify the potential impact.
  • The most commonly provided programs are assistance with college and financial aid applications, scholarships, and post- high school support. There are few programs providing college advising, tutoring, and mentoring, and relatively few of the existing scholarship programs currently provide renewal scholarships.

This preliminary environmental scan strongly suggests that the Richmond/West Contra Costa area offers fertile territory for 10,000 Degree’s programs.  There is great need for proven comprehensive college access programs in the area, and there are ample opportunities for collaboration with other college access service providers already working in the community.