10,000 Degrees Scholarship

10,000 Degrees is the leading, equity-focused scholarship provider and college success nonprofit in California. The organization provides scholarships to students with significant financial need who exhibit a strong desire to go to college and accomplish their educational goals.

Award Information:

• Last year awarded $8.8 million in scholarships to over 4,300 college students
• Many scholarships are renewable
• No GPA requirement

Geographic Scope: Primarily serves the Bay Area (Contra Costa County, Lake County, Marin County, Napa County, San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Sonoma County) and Utah

Eligibility:

• Students from low-income backgrounds
• First-generation college students preferred
• Must complete FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) before applying
• Current high school seniors or currently enrolled full-time in a four-year college/university, junior college, or accredited trade school
• 100% of students come from low-income backgrounds; 93% are BIPOC; 92% are first in their family to attend college

Focus Areas:

• College pathways and awareness
• Financial aid advising and navigation
• Scholarships for debt-free degrees
• College success support
• Community college transfer support
• Career and graduate school readiness

Contact:

• Headquarters: 1401 Los Gamos Dr., Suite 205, San Rafael, CA 94903
• Phone: 415.459.4240
• Email: info@10000degrees.org
• Website: 10000degrees.org

Application Process

Prerequisites:

1. Complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) OR California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
   • FAFSA for: US citizens, permanent residents, T-Visa holders, or other eligible noncitizens
   • CADAA for: Students with or without DACA, temporary protected status, U-visa holders, or those meeting AB540 requirements

Steps to Apply:

1. Submit FAFSA or CADAA application
2. Create a WebGrants for Students CSAC Account to manage state financial aid (Cal Grant)
3. Complete the 10,000 Degrees Scholarship application through Student & Alumni Portal

Materials/Information Needed:
For FAFSA/CADAA completion:

• Prior year W-2 forms (if applicant or parents worked)
• Prior year tax forms (if applicant or parents filed)
• Student's Social Security Number
• Parent's Social Security Numbers (if applicable)
• Student and Parent Legal Permanent Residency Cards (green card) if applicable
• Parent's marital status and marriage/divorce date (month/year)
• Parent's date of birth (month/day/year)
• Record of untaxed income (social security benefits, welfare benefits, etc.)

Timeline:

• Priority deadline for 2025-26 school year: March 3, 2025
• Next priority deadline: March 3, 2026