Please review the High Hopes Scholarship Application Guide to prepare you for the process of applying. Good Luck, Class of 2013!

APPLICATION POSTMARK DEADLINE: MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2013

INFORMATION

The Berkeley Community Fund’s scholarship programs are designed to provide financial and personal support for deserving and resilient Berkeley public high school students attending 4-year colleges on a full-time basis. This year, between 12 and 15 scholarships of $16,000 – payable in installments of $4,000 per year for four years – will be awarded, based on demonstrated financial need, academic and personal achievement. Funds awarded by the Berkeley Community Fund (BCF) may be used for tuition, books, room and board and incidental expenses in connection with the recipient’s college education. In addition to the scholarship award, recipients are partnered with a personal mentor for four years.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

A) High Hopes Scholarships: Four-year need-based scholarships ($4,000 per year) awarded to Berkeley public high school students who will begin attending a 4-year college full-time in the
Fall of 2013. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA over 2.5 in high school.
Two of our scholarships have specific requirements:

1.  1. The Berkeley High Class of 1951/BCF Scholarship: Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 in high school. **

1. 2. The Arts High Hopes Scholarship: Applicants must be continuing their artistic studies in college. This includes music, art, studio, dance, drama, etc.**

**If you apply for these specifically, it does not mean that you don’t qualify for
our general scholarship (at 2.5 GPA). Also, this doesn’t mean that only one art
student will get a scholarship.

SELECTION CRITERIA

BCF evaluates applicants based on financial need, the application package, personal statements, and recommendations. We look for: academic achievement reflected in the required GPA in a challenging mix of courses throughout high school; other activities, including in-school positions, particularly those that reflect leadership and initiative; community service activities and/or work experience. All finalists will be contacted and interviewed before the final awards are made.

1. Senior attending Berkeley High School or B-Tech during the 2012-13 academic year.

2. Demonstrated:

• Academic preparation to attend college;

• Ability to overcome obstacles to achieve academic and personal goals;

• Quality involvement with others through work, school, family and/or community.

3. Documented financial need.

4. Will be a full-time student at a four-year accredited college or university in the U.S. in Fall 2013.

5. Cumulative minimum GPA over 2.5 in high school.

6. Must be available for an interview on May 8, 2013.

7. Must be available to attend BCF Awards ceremony on Monday, June 3, 2013.

 APPLICATION PROCEDURE

1. Complete and submit an online application.

2. Submit letters of recommendation from two adults: One familiar with your academic achievement and one (not a relative) familiar with your activities outside the classroom. NOTE: The letters of recommendation will be submitted electronically; therefore you will need to request the contact information of your recommenders (email and daytime telephone number) so that the BCF may contact them, separately. It is also your responsibility to ensure that they respond to our request. If we do not receive their response, your application will be incomplete and ineligible for review.

3. Mail or e-mail the following required documents:

a. Transcripts from all schools attended from 9th to 12th grade (official or unofficial) with GPA.

b. Financial Information Form

c. Copy of parent(s), step-parent or guardian 2011 or 2012 Federal 1040 Income Tax Return – see Section D or other requested information on financial need.

d. A copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR) showing expected family contribution (EFC) from the FAFSA or explanation of its unavailability.

e. Certifications Document with your Parent or Guardian’s signature (required on all applications, regardless of age) and College Advisor’s signature.

f. ONLY for those applying to The Arts High Hopes Scholarship: you also need to include your art work. You can do so by submitting a flash drive.

ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY APRIL 8, 2013.

AND MAILED TO:

OR: E-mailed to: scholarship@berkfund.org

OR: Delivered BY HAND no later than NOON on APRIL 8, 2013 to:

AWARD SELECTION PROCEDURE

• The scholarship committee will review all applications that are submitted by the deadline of Monday, April 8, 2013.

• Finalists will be invited for an interview in May (between the 8th and 15th).

• Recipients will be notified of BCF’s decision no later than May 20, 2013 *subject to confirmation of other financial resources, including scholarships and loans.

• All scholarship recipients (High Hopes Scholars) will be honored at an Awards Ceremony, with their friends and families, on Monday, June 3, 2013.

HIGH HOPES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Once part of this program, High Hopes Scholars receive:

• A $16,000 scholarship, awarded over four years ($2,000 per semester per year).

• A personal mentor through four years of college.

• College counseling, life skills training, and a supportive community.

Once part of this program, High Hopes Scholars must attend college full-time and maintain a 2.25 GPA to continue to receive funds. They also have an obligation to give back to the community, communicate with their donor and mentor and attend BCF events during summers and school breaks.

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To download this guide, click here.

January

•    Applications are updated

February

•    Presentations are made by Berkeley Community Fund  representatives to targeted schools
•    Application forms are posted for completion and online submittal

April

•    Applications are due and  reviewed

May

•    Finalists are invited to an interview
•    Decisions are made and recipients notified

June

•    Awards are presented at a scholarship ceremony

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To learn more about how to apply, review the High Hopes Scholarship Application Guide.

Here is the complete job description:

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: BERKELEY COMMUNITY FUND

Mission: The Berkeley Community Fund (BCF) provides 4-year scholarships and mentoring support for academically-talented and resilient Berkeley public high school students attending four-year colleges. We grant partial scholarships – $4,000 per year for a total of $16,000 – and connect recipients with a dedicated volunteer mentor. Many recipients are the first in their families to attend college.

*****

We are seeking a non-profit leader with the ability to work collaboratively according to the mission set by an active Board of Directors. The Executive Director will be responsible for the fiscal health of the organization, consistent high quality delivery of programs and services, fund-raising and community outreach.

The Fund has reached a point where we are poised to expand our capacity—financially, organizationally and programmatically.   The Executive Director will be entrepreneurial and ready to lead this growth.

The successful candidate will be action-oriented and creative with a proven track record of fund-raising, developing collaborative working relationships, and effective operational management.
This position is a unique opportunity for a culturally competent, articulate, and inspiring individual committed to leading a well-respected and effective organization.

Duties and Responsibilities

Fund Development
Assure that the organization has long-range and diverse funding strategies to support the successful implementation of programmatic and long-term goals. Identify and pursue grant opportunities and institutional funding sources. Develop, maintain, and nurture connections with donors. Lead expansion of fund-raising efforts.

Overall Program Management
Work in close collaboration with the Board to ensure that program objectives are clear and that activities are focused and consistent with the overall tone for the program. Serve as the primary contact and nexus for our Scholars and Mentors.

Community and Public Relations, Events Management and Marketing
Serve as the “face” of the organization, representing the programs and point of view of the organization to agencies, organizations, and the general public. Increase the awareness, visibility, influence and impact of the organization. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Berkeley High School, community groups, and related organizations. Develop robust website and online social network presence. Work closely with the BCF Events Committee in planning, promoting and staging the annual scholarship awards ceremony, the Benjamin Ide Wheeler Award Dinner, the holiday party, and other events during the year.

Board Relations & Support
Lead the organization in accordance with Board direction.  Work with Board leadership to further develop a diverse, effective and energized Board. Provide Board with adequate information to help members reach sound decisions and establish necessary and required policies. Prepare agenda for Board meetings; prepare and disseminate meeting minutes. Engage and support Board subcommittees.

Financial Oversight
Ensure that the organization is fiscally sound and that the budget supports implementation of the strategic plan. Recommend yearly budget for Board approval and manage organization’s resources within those budget guidelines. Monitor appropriate investment strategy for funds.  Maintain relationship with fiscal sponsor agency. Annual budget is approximately $400K, including scholarship grants.

Competitive Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess many, if not all, of the following skills and experience:

•    A strong commitment to the mission, goals and work of Berkeley Community Fund.
•    3-5+ years of experience as an entrepreneurial leader — launching, managing and expanding programs, and managing people, preferably in a nonprofit or social enterprise.
•    Proven (3+years) fundraising ability — developing, managing, and executing varied approaches to fundraising.
•    Strong strategic, analytical and planning skills.  Maintain a view of the overall business and financial situation when making decisions.
•    Strong management and administrative skills, given growth goals.  Flexibility to address evolving plans.
•    Comfortable prioritizing tasks in a resource-constrained environment.
•    Great organization skills — able to coordinate a number of activities with multiple components, requiring independent follow through and attention to detail.
•    Excellent oral and written communications skills.
•    Strong interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with Board, staff, and constituents (scholars, mentors and parents).

•    Must have ability for computer use, including use of a computer keyboard and reading a computer screen.
•    Microsoft Office skills and strong technological competency. Comfort with blogging, email newsletters, social network tools and database management.
•    Willingness and ability to work some weekends and evenings.
•    Must have ability to work in an office environment and visit locations in the community. Occasional lifting and/or moving objects of up to 20 pounds may be required.
•    Cross-cultural competency.  Comfortable working with older youth of varied ethnicities from low socio-economic backgrounds.
•    Knowledge of Bay Area donor and education community.
•    Education:  Bachelor’s Degree required.

This is a full-time position.  Salary and benefits are competitive. To learn more about Berkeley Community Fund, please visit us at www.berkfund.org.

To apply, email cover letter, salary requirements and resume by Friday, March 1, 2013 to:  EDSearch[at]berkfund.org.

Resumes without a cover letter will not be considered.

No phone calls, please.

About BCF

The Berkeley Community Fund was founded in 1992 as a 501c3 nonprofit organization by a group whose love for Berkeley and for a community of hope and equity inspired them to establish a fund that would reflect their optimistic, activist goals. In 2007, it changed its focus and has since that time directed all donations to scholarships and mentoring support for Berkeley High School students who have demonstrated academic commitment and the ability to overcome significant hardships in their lives to succeed.

Join us in celebrating Susan Medak, Managing Director of Berkeley Repertory Theatre, as she receives the  2012 Benjamin Ide Wheeler Medal at our 19th Annual Dinner.

On Thursday, October 11, 2012

At H’s Lordships Restaurant

No Host Cocktails 5:30 p.m.

Dinner 6:30 p.m.

2012 Sponsor Form_October 11

Berkeley Rep’s Susan Medak  to receive the 2012 Wheeler Award

BERKELEY, CA – August 2, 2012 – The Berkeley Community Fund announced it will award the 2012 Benjamin Ide Wheeler Medal to Susan Medak, managing director of Berkeley Repertory Theatre. The prestigious award, established in 1929, honors a person who has made significant, long-term contributions to the greater Berkeley community. The Medal will be granted to Ms. Medak at the Fund’s annual awards dinner on October 11.

In announcing the award, BCF president Jessica Pers said, “Susan Medak has profoundly affected life in Berkeley since she first arrived in 1990. Berkeley Rep has become an internationally respected cultural resource under her guidance, but even more important, her creative vision, persistence, and leadership have paved the way for significant growth of cultural life in Berkeley.”

Ms. Medak’s contributions extend well beyond the theater. She was instrumental in revitalizing downtown Berkeley into a vibrant arts district with live theater, music, and arts education. She was also the founding chair of the Berkeley Arts in Education Steering Committee for the Berkeley Unified School District, founding chair of the Berkeley Cultural Trust, and is the current president of the Downtown Berkeley Association.

The Benjamin Ide Wheeler Medal, established by the Service Council of Berkeley in 1929, is named after one of the most admired presidents of the University of California.  Dr. Wheeler always thought in terms of value to human life, no matter what issue he tackled.  He led and fostered a close, supportive relationship between the campus and the community.  The Berkeley Community Fund has had the responsibility of granting the Wheeler Medal since 1994 and is proud to have honored individuals from many segments of the Berkeley community, including Alice Waters of Chez Panisse, Judge Thelton E. Henderson, Robert Cole of Cal Performances, Helen and John Meyer of Meyer Sound and most recently, radio personality and philanthropist, Narsai David.

The Berkeley Community Fund is a charitable non-profit organization founded in 1991 by a group whose love for Berkeley and for a community of hope and equity inspired them to set up a fund that would reflect their goals. BCF now provides four-year college scholarships and mentoring support for academically talented and resilient Berkeley High School students. Through generous donations from businesses and individuals, it has been able to help 62 “High Hopes Scholars” attending public and private universities and colleges throughout the country. Many are the first in their families to attend college.  In view of the ever-increasing cost of attending college, BCF’s scholarship funds bridge the gap between financial support provided by government and educational institutions and the cost of attending four-year colleges.

In addition to awarding the Wheeler Medal, the Fund will showcase its High Hopes Scholarship program at the October 11 awards ceremony and dinner. The dinner brings together a cross section of people from Berkeley and surrounding cities, dedicated to the public good, who understand the importance of sharing their good fortune with others.  Proceeds from the dinner support the scholarship program. For invitations and tickets, contact Laura Olivas, Director, at  info@berkfund.org or call 510-542-2126.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

2012 Dinner Press Release