MacKenzie Scott's $42 Million Donation Fuels 10,000 Degrees' Mission for Low-Income Students

MacKenzie Scott's Transformational Donation to 10,000 Degrees

In a significant move to bridge the educational opportunity gap in the United States, philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has generously donated $42 million to 10,000 Degrees, a California-based nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the academic futures of low-income students. This monumental contribution marks the largest amount the organization has ever received in its 45-year history.

Empowering Low-Income Students Through Education

10,000 Degrees aims to empower students from low-income backgrounds by providing them with the necessary resources and support to succeed in higher education. This new funding will not only supplement scholarships but also facilitate essential elements such as college and financial aid advising, mentorship, and academic resources. Kim Mazzuca, the organization's President and CEO, expressed gratitude for Scott's investment in their vision, affirming that this grant serves as a vital investment in communities where access to quality education can drastically alter life trajectories.

Addressing the Educational Opportunity Gap

Scott's transformative gift will enable 10,000 Degrees to extend its innovative programs further and maximize its impact on students. By focusing on a holistic approach that guides individuals from the moment they apply to college through graduation and into their careers, the organization is committed to ensuring students do not just attend college but also thrive until graduation and beyond. The enhanced funding will help implement new ideas while diversifying additional capital sources, ensuring long-term sustainability and broader outreach.

According to Mazzuca, “Our mission has always been to ensure that every student, no matter their background, has a real chance to achieve their potential and to live a healthy, happy, and prosperous life.” She emphasized how critical it is for families from underprivileged backgrounds to access opportunities that lead to viable career pathways and social mobility.

Recognizing the Importance of Higher Education

Prominent figures in the educational community, such as Kim Cook, CEO of the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), praised Scott's generous contribution by highlighting its alignment with NCAN's goals to foster economic mobility through higher education. Cook stated, “This transformative gift recognizes and invests in those who support students to access the power of postsecondary education.”

Long-Lasting Impact on Generations

The board chair Guy Lampard added that Scott’s donation positively impacts the organization’s capacity to support students from their initial steps toward college through graduation and into the workforce. With this backing, students have the potential to establish generational stability for themselves and their families, creating a ripple effect in their communities their entire lives.

Since its establishment in 1981, 10,000 Degrees has supported over 16,000 students and graduates every year, combining scholarships with comprehensive guidance to ensure favorable outcomes. Their remarkable success is underscored by an 80% graduation rate among 4-year college students, which is notably double the national average. Community college students also fare well, transferring and finishing their degrees at rates twice the norm.

This boost in funding not only reaffirms the efficacy of the 10,000 Degrees model—but also revitalizes hope and ambition in countless students eager to transform their futures.

Conclusion

With MacKenzie Scott’s generous donation, 10,000 Degrees is poised to expand its reach and deepen its impact as it continues its mission of fostering educational equity among students from all walks of life. As the organization capitalizes on Scott's philanthropy, it sets a remarkable precedent for the significant role that charitable giving can play in shaping future generations' educational and economic destinies.

To learn more about 10,000 Degrees and their initiatives, visit 10,000 Degrees.