Everyone should have a chance at college.

Student Stories

Djajiijo Bola

Djajiijo Bola

Homeless at age 10, Djajiijo (DJ) Bola is now a college student and on track to success.

DJ is now in his third year at College of Marin thanks, in part, to financial support from Marin Education Fund. He is working to transfer to the University of California Berkeley.

“When I came out of high school, my math and English comprehension levels were at a 6th grade level. Coming out of high school, I should be at a college level. I wasn’t prepared.

“Mostly it had to do with attitude. Before, I just wanted to do the bare minimum, and I wasn’t really learning. I feel really proud of where I am today. I’ve worked really hard to get up to college level,” he said.

DJ went to college after attending Marin Education Fund’s Summer Application Institute, which has a 97% success rate of helping students get to college.

“Marin Education Fund told me exactly what I needed to do – study techniques, essays for college applications, options for degrees and programs, and resources for grants and loans,” he said.

DJ’s experience at Marin Education Fund’s Summer Application Institute has been so positive that last year he came back to help other students.

“Marin Education Fund has been behind me every step of the way telling me I can do it. I tell other students ‘You don’t have to be here. This is an opportunity and a privilege. Make the most of it. What you do here can change what you do with the rest of your life.’”

Other 10,000 Degrees Success Stories

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. Read her 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.