Everyone should have a chance at college.

Student Stories

Ana Escobar

Ana Escobar

Six years ago Ana Escobar was a junior at San Rafael High School who wasn’t sure where she was headed. Today, she’s a college graduate.

As the first in her family to graduate from college, Ana wasn’t even sure college was a possibility before attending Marin Education Fund’s Summer Application Institute. There, she worked with trained Marin Education Fund advisers and mentors who taught her how to write her college application essay, how to succeed on the SATs and, perhaps most importantly, how to access the money she would need to pay for college. The experience gave her hope and made her realize that college was a real possibility for her.

“I wasn’t prepared at all. Marin Education Fund believed in me and was there with me through the whole process,” she said.

With financial support from generous supporters who contribute through Marin Education Fund, Ana pursued a double major at Sonoma State University. “As a Latina, my college success sets a good example for my community. I want to be a role model for kids in the Canal District, and I want to help others,” she said.

Ana recently graduated with degrees in psychology and Spanish and has now been accepted into a masters program in counseling.

“My personal message to students is that I think anything is possible. It’s easy to give up, but there are organizations like Marin Education Fund. If you’re really determined to go to school, there are people who can help you do it.”

Other 10,000 Degrees Success Stories

Djajiijo Bola

Homeless at age 10, Djajiijo (DJ) Bola is now a student at College of Marin where he plans to transfer to the University of California Berkeley by the Spring 2008. Read his story »

Perla Solares

From the time she was young girl, Perla Solares wanted to be a Nurse, but with a young family and developmentally disabled son that dream seemed financially impossible. Read her story »

Paul Tran

Paul Tran of San Rafael immigrated to the United States from Saigon with his family when he was eight years old. With a family of four living on limited financial resources, Paul didn’t see how his family could afford to send him to college. Read his story »

Fact: $3,400 was 10,000 Degrees’ average scholarship award this year.