The Berkeley Connect fellowship and mentoring program currently operates in 15 academic departments in five colleges at UC Berkeley. Each department appoints a faculty member to design the program content—following the proven Berkeley Connect model, with support from the central Berkeley Connect administration—and mentor the graduate fellows. The primary cost associated with Berkeley Connect is the fellowships awarded to the graduate students. Funds that departments raise for Berkeley Connect fill a dual purpose: they provide research support to outstanding graduate students and provide academic mentoring and community-building to undergraduates. In some instances, matching funds may be available.
Long-range plans call for Berkeley Connect to expand to additional departments in order to serve more students across campus. If you are a chair or faculty member interested in exploring the possibility of creating a Berkeley Connect program in your department, please contact Berkeley Connect Associate Director Shana Love. We’re always happy to speak with you!