$3 million for Marin college readiness

NOVATO -- Marin Community Foundation announced $3 million in grants to 11 organizations offering college readiness and scholarship programs to Marin students preparing for college.

Thomas Peters, the foundation’s president, said the reason for the donation is to increase the number of students who enroll in college 10 percent in each year in the five-year initiative.

“We are focusing on students who often struggle to succeed beyond high school, especially low-income students and students of color,” he said. “Having a college degree means much more to the graduates than increasing their probability of being employed or earning higher incomes, although that’s certainly one important outcome. It also means being able to reach their potential, lead more fulfilling and productive lives, and serve as a role model for their children and other young people in their lives.”

The programs receiving the grants help students complete graduation requirements, learn about the college admissions process and select an appropriate school, become informed about financial aid programs, receive scholarships and prepare for the personal challenges of attending college.

“Collectively, the programs we are funding will help students while they are still in middle and high school all the way through college,” said Mr. Peters. “By ensuring support throughout this process, we are confident that more students will be more prepared and motivated to continue their education and, importantly, receive the support they need to succeed.”

The grants are:

-- 10,000 Degrees (formerly Marin Education Fund): college awareness, scholarship, and college access programs: $1.8 million

-- Bridge the Gap: after-school academic and personal readiness programs for middle school students in Sausalito-Marin City: $50,000

-- Canal Alliance: after-school academic and personal readiness programs for middle and high school students in the Canal neighborhood of San Rafael: $150,000

-- College Dream Team: academic support, personal readiness, and college awareness programs for San Rafael High School students: $50,000

-- Hannah Project: academic support, personal readiness, college awareness, and scholarship programs for high school and college students in Sausalito-Marin City: $50,000

-- Huckleberry Youth Programs: academic support and college awareness programs focusing on the health care field: $200,000

-- Marin Academy’s Crossroads Program: after-school and summer academic programs for middle and high school students in San Rafael: $100,000

-- Next Generation Scholars: academic support, personal readiness, and college awareness programs: $75,000

-- Summer Search: academic support and college readiness programs for West Marin students: $25,000

-- University of California’s MESA Program: academic support in math and science for middle school students: $80,000

-- Youth Leadership Institute: academic preparation, personal readiness, and college awareness programs for students in San Rafael and Novato: $250,000

Additionally, a grant of $150,000 will support the coordination of a range of college readiness and awareness programs by providers working in Marin County.

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