Impact Stories

Your Gifts At Work

We are thankful for those who have made an estate gift to 10,000 Degrees. Learn more about how their gifts have made an impact.

Tania Requenes

I first got involved with 10,000 Degrees as a high school student in 2005. I’m the oldest in my generation, and no one in my family had any knowledge about the college experience. I was a strong student, but not getting the support that I needed. Being accepted into the 10,000 Degrees Summer Intensive was life-changing.

Ivan Macedonio

At a young age, my parents would always insist on the importance of higher education. As an immigrant to this country, I was constantly denied from other college readiness programs because of my immigration status.

James D’Haiti

I’m so proud to be a member of the 10,000 Degrees community. 10,000 Degrees has had a big impact on my life, first when I was a student and now as a 10,000 Degrees Fellow.

Erick Tobar

Erick Tobar immigrated to the Bay Area from Guatemala after his father’s untimely death. When his mother’s health prevented her from working, Erick had to take two jobs to keep his family afloat while finishing high school and community college.

Joseph Garcia

I grew up in a single-parent household. I’m the third out of six siblings. I really looked up to my older siblings, but I also knew that I didn’t want to have their same challenges in life. Neither my parents nor my older siblings graduated from high school.

Makayla Mouton

I am a recent graduate from San Jose State University who was selected to receive a 10,000 Degrees scholarship over four years ago. Coming from a low-income neighborhood and being a first-generation college student, I needed all the help I could get.