Mount Tamalpais College Alumni Scholarship Program

We’re pleased to announce the opening of this year’s call for applications to the Mount Tamalpais College Alumni Scholarship Fund, which provides financial support to MTC alumni in continuing their education. The next round of funds will be awarded for the Fall 2025 semester; the deadline is March 3rd, 2025. The scholarship program application is administered by the organization 10,000 Degrees. Upon request, 10,000 Degrees will also assist MTC alumni in finding other grants and scholarships to support their educational pursuits. Read our FAQs and apply.
2024 ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
My greatest challenge was juggling a full-time job, a rigorous academic load, and raising two children. My year has been a constant test of my ability to adapt and manage my time effectively, as I have faced rising education costs and growing concern about accumulating student loan debt. However, I succeeded by practicing strict time management, prioritization, and mastering the art of multitasking. The realization that each completed quarter brings me closer to graduation and my goal of becoming a social worker is a constant source of motivation.

David Le

I really enjoyed graduate school and what I've learned. From what I've learned, shows me that the position of a social worker is an influential and powerful position and can help disadvantaged and poor people on a micro, macro and messo level.
I really enjoyed graduate school and what I've learned. From what I've learned, shows me that the position of a social worker is an influential and powerful position and can help disadvantaged and poor people on a micro, macro and messo level.

Forrest Jones

My 2023 college experience has been truly remarkable. Recently, I was honored to be awarded the John Garner Fellowship, which will open doors for me to work in either a for-profit or non-profit organization specializing in public service post-graduation in the upcoming spring semester. The sense of community has been a significant highlight, fostering an environment of support and collaboration. Looking ahead, I am excited about the prospect of applying to graduate school, particularly at the esteemed Goldman School of Public Policy.
My 2023 college experience has been truly remarkable. Recently, I was honored to be awarded the John Garner Fellowship, which will open doors for me to work in either a for-profit or non-profit organization specializing in public service post-graduation in the upcoming spring semester. The sense of community has been a significant highlight, fostering an environment of support and collaboration. Looking ahead, I am excited about the prospect of applying to graduate school, particularly at the esteemed Goldman School of Public Policy.

John Lam

I have had a very positive experience as a full-time student here at San Francisco State University. Academia has opened a whole new world to me. It was an enriching experience, and I hope my classmates and instructor gained something from having, a giant-sized, Mount Tamalpais College graduate participate in our shared learning process.
I have had a very positive experience as a full-time student here at San Francisco State University. Academia has opened a whole new world to me. It was an enriching experience, and I hope my classmates and instructor gained something from having, a giant-sized, Mount Tamalpais College graduate participate in our shared learning process.

Louis Calvin

My motivation to pursue higher education stems from a deep-seated desire to transform my life and break free from the systemic barriers that often hinder the success of formerly incarcerated individuals. As an African American male who has navigated the complexities of the criminal justice system, I am acutely aware of the societal challenges and biases that can limit opportunities for people with backgrounds similar to mine. Higher education represents a crucial pathway to overcoming these obstacles and achieving long-term success.
My motivation to pursue higher education stems from a deep-seated desire to transform my life and break free from the systemic barriers that often hinder the success of formerly incarcerated individuals. As an African American male who has navigated the complexities of the criminal justice system, I am acutely aware of the societal challenges and biases that can limit opportunities for people with backgrounds similar to mine. Higher education represents a crucial pathway to overcoming these obstacles and achieving long-term success.

Timothy Long

I am struggling with my college experience. I work full time and study for my degree and there is very little breathing room for much else including bills or emergencies. Maintaining a positive mind frame is hard, but I persist because I want to better myself and be the good man my family sees me as.
I am struggling with my college experience. I work full time and study for my degree and there is very little breathing room for much else including bills or emergencies. Maintaining a positive mind frame is hard, but I persist because I want to better myself and be the good man my family sees me as.

Joseph Krauter

In addition to coping with the loss of my friends, I also faced challenges related to the balance between school, work, and my professional life. Juggling these responsibilities were at times overwhelming, I had to reach out to my professors and let them know what was happening with me. I am grateful for the support that I was given. I am hopeful that the upcoming semester will bring with it a renewed focus on my part.
In addition to coping with the loss of my friends, I also faced challenges related to the balance between school, work, and my professional life. Juggling these responsibilities were at times overwhelming, I had to reach out to my professors and let them know what was happening with me. I am grateful for the support that I was given. I am hopeful that the upcoming semester will bring with it a renewed focus on my part.

James JC Cavitt

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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 a copy of the resulting Student Aid Report (SAR) available before applying for the MTC Alumni Scholarship.
  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).

 

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR APPLYING FOR A MOUNT TAMALPAIS COLLEGE ALUMNI  SCHOLARSHIP?

The deadline for applications is March 3, 2025; 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 in fall, with funds awarded the following year. You will be able to apply for a 2025 scholarship any time after November 18, 2024.

WHAT IS 10,000 DEGREES?

10,000 Degrees is a non-profit 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.

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, at (415) 233-4573, or mmagana@10000degrees.org. If your last name begins with N-Z, reach out to Bryan Lopez Gonzales, at (415) 726-2074, or bryan.lopez-gonzales@10000degrees.org.

PAST SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Somdeng

Somdeng Danny Thongsy is an MTC alumnus who was formerly incarcerated, low-income, and a first-generation college student at UC Berkeley majoring in Sociology. I served 19 years of a prison life sentence as a youth offender. Read more

James

James JC Cavitt has dedicated his career to addressing educational disparities and inequalities among people directly impacted by mass incarceration. A tireless advocate for communities impacted by the criminal justice system.... Read more

John

John Lam is a first-generation Chinese-American, born and raised in Sacramento, California. At the age of 17, he was sentenced to serve 26 years-to-life. After 14 years of incarceration, his life sentence was commuted by Governor Brown. Read more

APPLY NOW