10,000 Degrees was established in 1981 to distribute college scholarship funds to deserving students. But by 1999, it was apparent the services weren’t reaching those students who needed them most: A major change was needed. “We made a significant shift to focus on very low-income students and provide access to programs to carry them to and through college,” says Kim Mazzuca, president of the organization.
“We provide a continuum of support, beginning with elementary school students visiting a college campus—just to show them what’s possible—to a system of counseling, mentoring and, ultimately, college financial aid for high school juniors and beyond.”
Two hallmarks of the 10,000 Degrees program are its Institute and its College Success program. The Institute includes participation in a summer intensive (a six-day dormitory experience on a college campus) and college advising and mentoring program throughout high school. The success program supports students while they’re in college with continued counseling and mentoring until graduation. Many of the volunteer counselors, advisors and mentors are former 10,000 Degrees students. “Part of our vision is for our alumni to establish a legacy by taking over this work in their communities,” says Mazzuca.
There are currently almost 3,300 students involved in the program’s various stages, 900 are currently in college and approximately 100 students graduate from college every year. In 2009, 10,000 Degrees expanded its reach into Sonoma County by partnering with Sonoma State University for a pilot institute that included 15 students. It’s grown via community partnerships and generous donors to 120 students now in the institute and more than 250 in college.
10,000 Degrees currently works in close partnership with 13 high schools in Marin County and six in Sonoma County and seven Bay Area colleges and universities. It welcomes more, as well as community involvement from individuals, service organizations and financial donors. To find out more, contact Mazzuca at kmazzuca@10000degrees.org.
Founded a decade ago by Napa Valley Vintners and Napa County Office of Education, Adopt-a-School Napa County brings together local businesses and organizations with Napa County public schools in need of resources. Initially targeted only at wineries, the scope of opportunity has since widened to include any Napa Valley professional group looking for a way to involve themselves in their communities.
While the overall objectives of each partnership are flexible, today’s business partnerships may include volunteering and mentoring in a school, technology assistance and subject matter expertise, or help organizing a school event.
"The Adopt A School program gives local business leaders the opportunity to help support public schools and enhance the educational experience of students in Napa County,” says Karen Zimolzak, program coordinator. “Our successful business-education partnerships have come from mutually beneficial relationships and continue to make a positive impact in Napa County."
At press time, at least 10 Napa Valley schools were still available for adoption, and the organization is hoping to expand to multiple sponsors per school to offer added support. For more information, contact Zimolzak at (707) 948-6484 or adoptaschool@napalearns.org.
Back to school means fall season sports, and as so many student athletes take the field, the growing concern over long-term, concussion-related injury and debilitation should be forefront in all of our minds. The numbers don’t lie: The average high school football lineman takes between 1,000 to 1,500 hits to the head each season, some at forces equivalent to or greater than a 25-mile-per-hour car crash; and between 4 and 20 percent of college and high school football players will sustain a brain injury over the course of one season.
The Guardian Cap (pictured) is at the forefront of helmet technology. The lightweight, soft shell fits both lacrosse and football helmets and reduces impact up to 33 percent. That doesn’t mean a concussion won’t happen, but it does help keep young players safer on the field. Guardian caps are permitted for high school practice and games by the NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) and are now available online at www.sportsauthority.com as well as at www.guardiancaps.com (where team discounts may be available).
