Alumni Scholarship Program

WHAT IS THE MTC ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP FUND?
The purpose of the MTC Alumni Scholarship Fund is to help MTC alumni continue their education in trade schools, community colleges, 4-year colleges, and graduate schools.

WHAT IS 10,000 DEGREES?
10,000 Degrees is an organization that administers scholarships and provides college advising. Their mission is to achieve educational equity and support students from low-income backgrounds to and through college to positively impact their communities and the world.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR AN MTC SCHOLARSHIP?
At present, all students who have successfully completed at least six full courses with Mount Tamalpais College (formerly Patten College at San Quentin, Patten University at San Quentin, or the Prison University Project), any time from 1996 to the present, are eligible to apply.

ARE UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS ELIGIBLE?
Yes.

HOW DO STUDENTS  APPLY FOR A MOUNT TAMALPAIS COLLEGE ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP?
1. Complete the  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or, if you are an undocumented student, the California Dream Act Application. Students must have available a copy of the resulting Student Aid Report (SAR) before applying for the MTC Alumni Scholarship.
             a.  FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
             b.  California Dream Act Application: dream.csac.ca.gov
2. All MTC Alumni Scholarship applications must be submitted online. Visit 10000degrees.org/scholarships  and select “Apply Now.”  Students will need to create an account to apply. On page 5 of the application, you’ll have the chance to note that you attended Mt. Tamalpais College (formerly known as Patten College, Patten University, or the Prison University Project).

NOTE FOR 2024 APPLICANTS: Due to federal delays in FAFSA processing, some students may not receive their SAR before the scholarship application’s due date. In order to complete your application without the SAR, please submit a statement describing your current financial situation: annual income, household size, employment status, living expenses, or any other information you may believe is relevant. Once the FAFSA delays are over, you will receive your SAR, which you will then add to your scholarship application..

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR APPLYING FOR A MOUNT TAMALPAIS COLLEGE ALUMNI  SCHOLARSHIP?
The deadline for applications is March 2nd, 2024; however, the application will remain open until all scholarship funds are distributed.

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP IN FUTURE YEARS?
The application is made available each year starting on October 15, with funds awarded the following year. You will be able to apply for a 2024 scholarship any time after October 15 of 2023.

HOW MUCH MONEY CAN STUDENTS RECEIVE?
Award amounts will vary each year based on available funds, and students’ needs. The maximum amount a student will receive in a single year is $10,000.

HOW ARE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS SELECTED?
The MTC Alumni Scholarship Fund is administered by 10,000 Degrees. Scholarship award recipients are selected based on applicants’ meeting eligibility requirements, their financial needs, and information provided in their personal statements. Applicants who wish to renew the scholarship for an additional year must reapply and must demonstrate continued financial need and academic progress.

WHOM SHOULD I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED FURTHER ASSISTANCE?
For assistance with the application, please contact the staff at 10,000 Degrees:
If your last name begins with A-M, contact Marisol Magaña Bright, (415) 233-4573, or mmagana@10000degrees.org. If your last name begins with N-Z, reach out to Bryan Lopez Gonzales, (415) 726-2074, or bryan.lopez-gonzales@10000degrees.org.