College Access
Wammy, from poster
“My mentors at 10,000 Degrees are my inspiration. They gave me the tools needed to shape my life, and I want to make them proud by using what I learned to the best of my ability.”
Most of our students will be the first in their family to graduate from college. They have the dreams, the drive, and the determination to succeed but are often lacking the knowledge, advising, or resources they need to move forward.
Our College Access team fills those gaps for high school students and families throughout the North Bay. Last year alone, we had nearly 2,300 participants in the following programs.
- College & Financial Aid Advising
- FAFSA & Financial Aid Assistance
- Workshops & hands-on help with college planning, research and application
- Year-round advising and support
- Mentoring
- College Tours
- 10,000 Degrees Institute (arrow to next panel)
10,000 Degrees Institute
“We have been given the chance and opportunity to change where our stories will lead.”
— Institute graduate Ariana Meza-Elliott, now attending Sonoma State University
Last year marked the 15th Anniversary of the 10,000 Degrees Institute, which has been named a national model by the Lumina Foundation. Students selected for the Institute begin the summer before junior year by taking part in the Summer Intensive, a weeklong residential course held on a college campus. This kicks off the Institute’s comprehensive college-prep program, which includes college awareness & exploration, college and financial aid counseling, mentoring, college tours, as well as scholarships and financial aid management.
100 percent of Institute students successfully enter college. They then become part of the College Success program, which stays with them until they graduate from college.