For Graduate Students

What the Fellowship Offers Graduate Students

• A competitive research fellowship with a meaningful service component.

• One full year of funding, tuition, and fee remission so you can advance your own scholarship.

• A structured opportunity to mentor undergraduates while receiving faculty mentorship yourself.

• A professional development experience that strengthens your teaching profile and mentoring skills

Your Role as a Berkeley Connect Fellow

• Mentor two groups of 20 undergraduates per semester.

• Facilitate small‑group discussions every other week on topics connected to your discipline.

• Hold 1:1 meetings with students to support their goals.

• Help guide students through special events, panels, and excursions

• Support students’ sense of belonging—without teaching responsibilities, grading, homework, or exams.

Professional Growth

• Meet regularly with faculty mentors who help you refine your mentoring approach, strengthen facilitation strategies, and advance your research.

• Make significant dissertation progress with dedicated time, structure, and support throughout your fellowship year.

• Build a strong mentoring portfolio grounded in empathy, communication, and inclusive practice—experience that translates directly to academic and non‑academic job markets.

How to Apply

• Each Participating Department has their own selection process. 

• If you are in a participating department, contact your department for details on the application process, timeline, and selection criteria. This may be the

• Berkeley Connect faculty director

• Department chair

• Graduate student advisor

Departments begin accepting applications as early as February for the following academic year.