Become a College Access Mentor!!

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Become a Mentor! Make a Difference in the Life of a Student

10,000 Degrees believes that everyone should have a chance at college-but not everyone does and we are working hard to change that. Futures have been changed by mentors who merely talked to students about opportunities that they never knew existed. Sometimes it takes only these small words, "You CAN go to college," to change someone's future.

Who We Are

Through the generous support of donors and volunteers, 10,000 Degrees provides scholarships and support to motivated students who demonstrate significant financial need, are often from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education and are often the first-generation of their family to attend college.

The students we serve face extraordinary challenges in accessing higher education. We need your leadership to ensure that all students have a chance at college. Please join us in increasing access to higher education by becoming a mentor to a high school student.

Our Mentor Program

Volunteer mentors are paired with students who participate in the 10,000 Degrees Summer Institute - a nationally recognized college access program that prepares high school students for college. Our mentor program is designed to assist high school juniors and seniors with the college and financial aid application process. Mentors meet one-on-one with students at least once per month to provide critical support during the transition from high school to college.

What It Takes

10,000 Degrees invests in the personal and professional development of our mentors by providing on-going training and support throughout the year. Training topics include: Mentoring; Cultural Competency; Working with Special Populations; College Admissions and Financial Aid & Scholarships.

The length of the program is from fall of our students junior year through graduation. We recruit mentors throughout the year.

All mentors are screened through an interview and background check.

Feedback

"Mentoring a high school student through 10,000 Degrees has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me. Working one-on-one with a highly motivated, financially needy teenager who is the first generation in her family to go to college, helping her through the often daunting challenge of sifting through college options and hearing about her acceptance and rewards is very special"
- Alexandra, Mentor

"My mentor is one of the nicest people that I ever met and he has made my college dreams come true. I really admire and respect him."
- David, Summer Institute participant