Community College High Hopes Program

The Community College High Hopes Program (CCHH) is a college success and matriculation scholarship designed to help Berkeley public school graduates advance on a path to earn a bachelor’s degree that begins with community college. Through the CCHH Program, BCS awards scholarships that support educational costs during their time in community college. CCHH Scholars who are in good standing, have completed a transfer application, and have been admitted to an institution that provides a bachelor’s degree will be eligible for the Bachelor’s Degree High Hopes Program scholarship funds of up to $8,000.

Applications for 2026 are now open!

Application Details and Criteria

Eligibility criteria:

  • Attending Berkeley City College or a local community college in Fall 2025
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA in A-G requirements
  • Plan to transfer to a 4-year college by Fall 2027

  • 2021-2024 graduate of Berkeley High School, Berkeley Technology Academy, or Berkeley Independent Studies
  • Currently enrolled at a local community college and plan to attend community college for the 2025-2026 academic year
  • Plan to apply for transfer to a 4-year college in Fall 2025 or Fall 2026
  • Minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA
  • Complete a minimum of 12-15 transferable units by the end of the Fall 2024 semester
  • Enroll in a minimum of 15 transferable units for Spring 2025

What scholars receive:

  • Up to $8,000 scholarship during your time in community college (up to $4,000 per year)
  • Dedicated College Success Advisor to provide support and help identify resources
  • College counseling, connection to resources, a supportive community throughout your time in the program
  • Professional development training and career preparation

Scholar requirements:

  • Attend Summer Orientation events
  • Participate in BCS programming, our career readiness program, events, and more
  • Give back to BCS community
  • Communicate with 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

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

Key Dates

Application Opens: December 1, 2025
Application Due Date: February 26, 2026 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. These sessions will all be held at Berkeley High School College and Career Center.

Dates:

  • 12/10/2025 – 2:35-3:33pm

Application Workshops

Come get help on your application from BCS staff. All sessions will take place in the Berkeley High School College and Career Center.

Dates:

  • 1/14/2026 – 3rd period, 10:43 – 11:41am
  • 2/4/2026 – 3:39 – 4:37pm
  • 2/26/2026 – 2:39 – 4:37pm

Interview Day

To be eligible for consideration you must be able to attend an in-person, 30 min interview. All interviews will take place on one day – Saturday April 25th 2026.

Have questions about the program?

Check out our High Hopes Application FAQ

Contact College Success Advisor Emily Maciel at emily@berkeleyscholars.org