Erick Tobar

10,000 Degrees Student
University of California, Davis, 2023
College of Marin, 2020

Erick Tobar was featured recently in the New York Times. Read on for more of his inspiring story. 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.

“I want to get into a UC,” he recalled thinking, “so I can prove to myself I have the capacity to do it”
(New York Times, July 31).

Thanks in part to a 10,000 Degrees scholarship and support, Erick is now UC-bound!

“I am so thankful to 10,000 Degrees for giving me the scholarship and mentorship I needed when it mattered most. I’m so excited to be transferring from College of Marin to UC Davis starting this fall! Saul Pimentel, a 10,000 Degrees Fellow, and the entire 10,000 Degrees' team supported me all along the way.” Erick hopes to become a certified public accountant, continue to graduate school, and eventually start a business with his brother.