MTC Alumni Scholarship Application Guidelines

We’re pleased to announce the opening of this year’s call for applications to the Mount Tamalpais College Alumni Scholarship Program, which provides financial support to MTC alumni continuing their education in trade schools, community colleges, 4-year colleges, and graduate schools. This year’s scholarship awards will be distributed for the Fall 2026 semester..

The scholarship program application process is administered by the organization 10,000 Degrees. Upon request, 10,000 Degrees will also assist MTC alumni in seeking other grants and scholarships to support their educational pursuits.

Application Deadline

Applications for the 2026 academic year are due March 9, 2026. The application will remain open until all funds are distributed, but early submission is encouraged.

Please review the following Application Guidelines before applying. If you have additional questions, please view the Scholarship FAQs to learn more and get support.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

You are eligible to apply if you:

  • 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.
  • Plan to enroll in and complete a minimum of six units per term at a trade school, community college, four-year college, or graduate school.
  • Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA while receiving funding.
  • NOTE: Both documented and undocumented students are eligible to apply.


Step 2: Prepare Your Financial Aid Application

Before starting your MTC Alumni Scholarship application, complete one of the following and keep a copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR):


Step 3: Complete the Online Application

  • Go to 10000degrees.org/scholarships and click "Create a Student Portal" (if you're are a new student applicant) or "Access Your Portal" (if you are a returning student/alumnus).
  • Once you are logged in, you can proceed with completing the application.
  • On page 5 of the application, select or note that you attended Mount Tamalpais College (formerly known as Patten College, Patten University, or the Prison University Project).
  • Fill out all the required sections, including your personal statement and financial information.
  • Submit your completed application by March 9, 2026.


Step 4: Renewing Your Scholarship (if applicable)

To continue receiving support, recipients must reapply each year and demonstrate:

  • Continued financial need
  • Satisfactory academic progress (minimum 2.0 GPA and 6 units per term)

 


Selection and Notification

Awards are based on:

  • Confirmation of eligibility (See “Confirm your eligibility” under Application Guidelines above)
  • Financial need
  • Strength of the personal statement
  • Academic progress


Funding Amounts

Funding amounts vary each year and are based on financial need, overall demand, and available funds. Students may receive up to $10,000 per year for up to four years.

Get Help or Ask Questions

If you need help with your application:


About 10,000 Degrees

10,000 Degrees is a nonprofit organization that partners with Mount Tamalpais College to manage the Alumni Scholarship Fund. They also assist MTC alumni in finding other grants and scholarships and provide college advising and support to help students complete their degrees.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS