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- EIN 94-3264327
- info@berkeleyscholars.org
- (510) 542-2126
- P.O. Box 680 Berkeley CA 94701 USA
- www.berkeleyscholars.org
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- berkscholars
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Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Education, Financial Counseling, Human Services, Student Services
Mission: Berkeley Community Scholars (formerly known as Berkeley Community Fund) bridges the opportunity divide for college-bound Berkeley youth by providing need-based scholarships, connections, and other support instrumental to success in college and beyond.
Results: Since starting our program in 2008, 86% of our scholars have graduated with a bachelor's degree or are persisting in bachelor's degree programs.
Target demographics: Motivated, college-bound Berkeley High School graduates who are living in the lowest economic quartile, are in the first generation of their family to attend college, and/or are in a group that is underrepresented on college campuses today.
Direct beneficiaries per year: 150 students pursuing their bachelor's degree, whether they start their path at community college or at a 4-year school.
Geographic areas served: Berkeley, CA and surrounding East Bay cities
Programs: Our High Hopes Scholarship Program provides 3-tiers of support to ensure students succeed in earning a bachelor's degree: (1) Scholarship dollars to help close the gap between financial aid and the true cost of attending college; (2) Case management and coaching by professional college success advisors who support students through academic, socio-emotional, and financial decisions; and (3) Individual mentoring by a community volunteer for our bachelor's degree scholarship recipients and group mentoring for our community college scholarship recipients. BCS also has a Finish Line Fund, which allows our scholars to apply for funding beyond their original scholarship grant. The purpose is to help reduce obstacles that might prevent them from completing their undergraduate degree and/or allow them to participate in educational opportunities that would enhance their preparedness for post-baccalaureate careers or educational pursuits. In 2020, when many of our scholars were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, BCS established an Emergency Fund to help them overcome the economic shocks of the pandemic and continue their focus on school. We expect the Emergency Fund to become a permanent part of our program.