01 May Bay Area Nonprofits 10,000 Degrees And Meritus Joining Forces To Serve More College-Bound Low-Income Students
San Rafael, CA, April 28, 2018– 10,000 Degrees, a leading college success nonprofit in California, and Meritus College Fund, a San Francisco-based college scholarship and success nonprofit, are joining forces to scale the impact of their college success model in order to increase the baccalaureate degree attainment rate of first generation college students from low-income backgrounds in the Bay Area. The organizations will officially come together on July 1, 2018, and operate as 10,000 Degrees led by President and CEO, Kim Mazzuca.
“10,000 Degrees staff, partners, donors, and Board are thrilled to team up with Meritus,” says Mazzuca. “I’m especially excited to work with the many passionate leaders who have helped the organization grow, including the Board, Advisory Council, and Young Professionals Council – together, we are well-positioned to support even more educational opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds in San Francisco and beyond.”
The 10,000 Degrees Board will include Directors from both organizations, and Meritus staff will be integrated into the expanded day-to-day operational structure. Likewise, both organizations will continue awarding scholarships to participating students, including donor-advised scholarships for students in San Francisco.
“10,000 Degrees and Meritus share common missions and common values, so teaming up just makes sense,” says Meritus Board Chair, Mary Wolfe. “Together, we can combine the best practices of each organization to help even more students in the Bay Area make their college dreams come true.”
ABOUT 10,000 DEGREES:
10,000 Degrees combines personal support, college advising, scholarships, and financial aid management to help students from low-income backgrounds get to and through college. More than 80% of 10,000 Degrees four-year college students earn bachelor’s degrees, compared to 31% of their peers nationally. Headquartered in San Rafael, California, 10,000 Degrees works with students in 21 area high schools, 11 community colleges, and over 50 four-year colleges and universities in California and across the nation. Since 1981, 10,000 Degrees has awarded more than $65 million in scholarships.
ABOUT MERITUS:
Founded in 1996, Meritus College Fund helps Bay Area youth from low-income backgrounds succeed in college and prepare for career opportunities by providing scholarships, individualized coaching, and professional development. To date, Meritus has supported nearly 750 students and provided close to $9.5 million in scholarships.