03 Jul Showing Grace Under Pressure

When Gracie Francisco joined 10,000 Degrees full-time in 2015 as part of our Fellowship Program, she was already well aware of how important and demanding her new role would be. A 10,000 Degrees scholarship recipient in 2011, Gracie first began working for 10,000 Degrees moderating an online program while still at UC Santa Cruz. She later became involved in our Success Starts Here orientation for rising college freshmen. She also served as an advisor during our Summer Intensive. By then, Gracie was eager to help more students manage the process of getting to college.

Promoted to a full-time College Advisor in 2016, Gracie understands the challenges her students face, because no one in their immediate family has experienced the process of applying for and attending college. “We work with students to help them build their confidence,” she explains, “to continue navigating the college process.”

“Many of our college advisors are just like Gracie ‒‒” says Kim Mazzuca, 10,000 Degrees President & CEO, “‒‒ an alumnus who first served as one of our Fellows and is now a full-time College Advisor.”

Gracie currently works with a group of about 75 students, meeting with them as well as their teachers and counselors at three San Rafael high schools: San Rafael, Madrone, and Terra Linda. Gracie’s work includes helping students research and explore colleges, compose resumes, apply for scholarships, and write personal statements.

“I love this work,” Gracie adds, “and feel very fortunate to be doing it.” 10,000 Degrees students and staff are fortunate to have you as part of our family!

From article in Northbaybiz, May 2017