Bachelor’s Degree High Hopes Program

The Bachelor’s Degree High Hopes Scholarship Program (BDHH) is a college success program designed to provide advising, mentorship, career readiness, community support, and resources to motivated and resilient college-bound seniors from Berkeley public high schools. Scholars receive a scholarship of up to $16,000.

Scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated financial need, community involvement, and academic and personal achievement. Funds awarded may be used for tuition, books, room and board, and incidental expenses in connection with the recipient’s college education.

The 2025 Application will open in December

Application Details and Criteria

Who can apply:

  • 2025 graduates of Berkeley High School or Berkeley Technology Academy
  • Confirmed attendance to a four-year university in Fall 2025
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA in A-G requirements

BCS will prioritize students who:

  • Are Pell Grant eligible based on FAFSA/Dream Act or demonstrate financial need
  • Are first-generation to college
  • Are part of a group historically underrepresented in college degree completion

What scholars receive:

  • Up to $16,000 scholarship, awarded over four years (up to $4,000 per year)
  • Dedicated College Success Advisor to provide support and help identify resources
  • Individual mentoring from a community member
  • College counseling, life skills training, a supportive community during their time in college
  • Professional development training and career preparation

Scholar requirements:

  • Attend Summer Orientation events
  • Participate in BCS programming such as LevelUp – our career readiness program, workshops, internship info sessions, and more
  • Give back to BCS community
  • Communicate with mentors and BCS staff on a consistent basis
  • Attend BCS events/programs during summer and school breaks
  • Attend college full time
  • Submit updates twice a year
  • Meet with College Success Advisor on a consistent basis

Key Dates

Application Opens: December 2, 2024
Application Due Date: March 6, 2025 at 11:59PM PST

Information Sessions

In these sessions, we will present an overview of the scholarship program as well as how to be a strong candidate.

Dates:

To be Announced

Application Workshops

Come get help on your application from BCS staff. All sessions will take place in the Berkeley High library computer room (unless otherwise updated) from 3:30-4:30pm.

Dates:

To be Announced

Have questions about the program?

Check out our High Hopes Application FAQ

Contact College Success Manager Lynn Walker at lynn@berkeleyscholars.org