The California-based nonprofit 10,000 Degrees has received a $42 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The organization, which supports students from low-income backgrounds through college and into their careers, described the contribution as a transformational gift that will significantly expand its programs.
Key Takeaways
- Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated $42 million to the nonprofit 10,000 Degrees.
- The organization provides college advising, financial aid support, and scholarships to students from low-income families.
- This donation is the largest in the nonprofit's nearly 50-year history and will be used to expand its services.
- The funding aims to help more students achieve higher education and break cycles of generational poverty.
A Major Investment in Educational Equity
Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has made a significant contribution to a California nonprofit focused on improving educational outcomes for underserved students. The $42 million donation to 10,000 Degrees will be used to enhance and broaden the organization's comprehensive support system for students navigating the path to a college degree.
Kim Mazzuca, the President and CEO of 10,000 Degrees, commented on the importance of the gift. She stated that the funds will directly address the educational opportunity gap by allowing the group to serve more students.
"We are deeply grateful for Ms. Scott’s confidence and investment in our mission and proven college success model," Mazzuca said. "This extraordinary gift is not only a bold affirmation of the power of education, but it is a vital investment in our communities at a time when it’s needed most."
The funding will be directed toward key areas, including college and financial aid advising, direct scholarships, and mentorship programs that connect current students with recent college graduates.
The Mission of 10,000 Degrees
For nearly five decades, 10,000 Degrees has worked to create pathways to success for students facing economic barriers. The organization's model provides consistent support from high school through college graduation and into the early stages of a career.
By the Numbers
- 80,000+ students served throughout its history.
- $113 Million+ awarded in scholarships.
- Nearly 50 years of operation.
The core mission of the nonprofit is to ensure that a student's background does not determine their future. "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," Mazzuca explained.
The organization's efforts are designed to create a positive ripple effect. By helping one student succeed, the goal is to improve the economic stability of their family and, by extension, their entire community for generations.
How the Donation Will Be Used
The $42 million grant is expected to have a profound and lasting impact on the nonprofit's operations. Guy Lampard, chair of the board of directors for 10,000 Degrees, outlined the strategic importance of the funding.
"Ms. Scott’s gift will have a profound and lasting impact – significantly increasing support for our students from their first step toward college through graduation and into meaningful careers," Lampard said.
Expanding Proven Programs
The new resources will allow 10,000 Degrees to scale its existing programs. The organization plans to increase the number of students it serves through several key initiatives:
- College Advising: Offering more one-on-one guidance to high school students on college applications and selection.
- Financial Aid Support: Helping families navigate the complex processes of applying for federal, state, and institutional aid.
- Scholarship Distribution: Increasing the amount of direct financial support available to students to reduce loan burdens.
- Mentorship: Expanding its near-peer mentoring program, which pairs college students with recent graduates who can offer relevant advice and support.
Lampard emphasized the long-term vision for the investment. "With this support, our students can build generational stability for themselves, their families and their communities, forever," he added.
The Philanthropic Work of MacKenzie Scott
A History of Giving
MacKenzie Scott, an author and the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has become one of the world's most prominent philanthropists. Since 2019, she has donated billions of dollars to hundreds of organizations across the United States and globally. Her giving strategy often focuses on grassroots nonprofits and organizations that address systemic inequality, including those in education, racial justice, and public health.
Scott's approach to philanthropy is notable for its trust-based model. She typically provides large, unrestricted grants, allowing organizations the flexibility to use the funds where they are needed most. This donation to 10,000 Degrees is consistent with her pattern of identifying and supporting organizations with a proven track record of community impact.
Her contributions have provided critical funding to numerous educational and youth-focused groups. Previous recipients of her generosity include Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, which received $122 million, and the Girl Scouts of the USA, which was given $84 million.
According to public announcements, Scott has given away more than $16.5 billion to over 1,900 nonprofit organizations. Her investment in 10,000 Degrees signals a continued focus on education as a key driver of social and economic mobility.