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 to apply for the Bachelor’s Degree High Hopes Program scholarship funds of up to $8,000.

The 2025 Application will open in December

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 $2,000 scholarship during your time in community college (up to $500 per term)
  • 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 throughout your time in the program
  • 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

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 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 as well as how to be a strong candidate.

Dates:
To be announced

Have questions about the program?

Check out our High Hopes Application FAQ

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

BCS Partners through 2020 Vision and Berkeley Promise