Berkeley Community Scholars

“Board reviews and approves 990 prior to filing.”

“Conflicts and potential conflicts are disclosed annually.”

“Compensation is reviewed by board annually.”

“Documents are available upon request.”

“Book/Tax Depreciation Difference”

“Mission: Berkeley Community Scholars bridges the opportunity divide for Berkeley youth from lower-income families by providing scholarships, connections, and other support instrumental to success in college and beyond. Our scholars are primarily from households in the lowest economic quartile, are in the first generation of their family to attend college, and from an ethnic/racial group underrepresented in higher education.”

“In response to the Global Pandemic, we created an Emergency Fund to provide compassionate assistance to current BCS Scholars who encounter an unforeseen financial hardship or catastrophic event that disrupts their progress toward obtaining a college degree. The need must be urgent in nature; the funds are not intended for use as a consistent supplement to a scholar's education funding sources.”

“Program Accomplishments: Our program is a need-based college success program for Berkeley public high school graduates who attend a bachelor's degree-granting institution immediately after high school or who advance on a path to earn a bachelor's degree that begins at community college. We provide 3-tiers of service to program participants: 1) Scholarship dollars ($500 - $2000/semester) to help close the gap between the true cost of college and financial aid received; 2) Case management and coaching by professional college success advisors who support students through academic, socio-emotional, and financial decisions; and 3) Mentorship from community volunteers who provide moral support and share their social capital and connections. As of FY2020, 86% of our scholars have succeeded in earning a bachelors degree or are persisting in their work towards a degree.”