Incoming Cal Students

Alumni House with banner reading Welcome Cal Students

Congratulations on your admittance to UC Berkeley! On this page, you can learn more about the Berkeley Hope Scholars program and how you can join our community!

How to join the Berkeley Hope Scholars

Follow these simple steps:

  • Visit our Eligibility page and learn about our eligibility requirements
  • Complete our Program Registration Form 
    • If you do not have verification documents at this time, please do not let this be a barrier and complete the form to the best of your ability. You can schedule an appointment with our staff who can support you obtaining these documents OR complete the California Foster Youth Ombudsperson Verification Form or contact your state's ombudsman office.
  • Monitor your email for your welcome letter and next steps

Orientation and Transition Support

  1. Schedule an appointment with our Academic Acheivement Counselor 
    1. Your first step is to meet one-on-one with our team to receive an in-depth program overview and a personal welcome to the Berkeley Hope Scholars community. This is a chance to connect with us, experience the warmth and support we provide, and learn how our strategic advising will help you thrive at Berkeley.
  2. Schedule an appointment for Financial Aid Advising
    1. Berkeley Hope Scholars is proud to have a dedicated Financial Aid Advisor who works exclusively with our community members. We highly recommend that every student connect with them to discuss financial aid options, understand their award packages, and explore additional funding opportunities.
  3. Attend our New Student Orientation
    1. Our New Student Orientation takes place once at the beginning of each semester. If you join the program during the academic year, you’ll be invited to attend the next scheduled orientation session. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow scholars, learn about key resources, and start building a supportive network within the Berkeley Hope Scholars community.
  4. Enroll in the BHS Transition Course, Ensuring Success for Foster Youth in Higher Education
    1. Students are encouraged to enroll in our transition course designed to promote and facilitate a successfull transition to UC Berkeley. This course supports students develop a strong foundation by exploring available resources, strengthening study skills, understanding the nuances of a research university, and embracing the role a supportive community plays in student success. To support your learning experience, students who enroll and actively participate in this course will receive an iPad as a necessary resource for the course.
  5. Sign up to recieve mentorship

BHS offers two types of mentorship to support your journey: Professional Mentors, who provide guidance on academics, career development, and personal growth, and our Berkeley Hope Buddies Program, a peer mentorship program connecting you with fellow students for support and community your first year.

Additional Transition Support

Summer programs can support you as you transition to college life at Cal and help you to build confidence, community, and a sense of belonging - factors that are critical to academic success. Consider enrolling in on of the following:

  • Summer Bridge serves a globally diverse community of entering undergraduates in a six-week academic program. Scholars take a full course load, including two academic courses and a mentorship program, to gain early and deep exposure to the rigor and expectations of the #1 public research university.

  • Transfer Edge is a program for newly admitted transfer students to get a head start on their Berkeley experience by allowing students to take summer courses online or in person, explore campus resources through orientations and workshops, and build community through social events. 

  • Freshmen Edge is a program for newly admitted first year students to get a head start on their Berkeley experience. It allows students to take summer courses online or in person, explore campus resources through orientations and workshops, and build community through social events.

You may be eligible to participate in other Centers for Educational Equity and Excellence (CE3) Programs! Complete the following questionnaire to learn about other programs you may be eligible for.

UC Berkeley Golden Bear Orientation

Whether you are an incoming undergraduate first-year or a transfer student, your transition to Berkeley begins online as soon as you accept your offer of admission!

Berkeley SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan)

We encourage all students to explore Berkeley SHIP for comprehensive medical and mental health coverage. This plan provides preventive care at no extra cost, access to counseling and psychiatry services, and worldwide coverage for injuries and accidents, helping reduce out-of-pocket expenses

Free Money for Foster Youth for College or Career Training

The California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth awards up to $5,000 annually to eligible foster youth. Apply Today!

BHS Resource Guide

New Student FAQs

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Is it time consuming to participate in BHS (Berkeley Hope Scholars)?

Students are required to meet with our advisor once a semester for a 45-minute appointment, but it’s ultimately up to the individual student to determine how involved they want to be in our program. Many of our students find that the more they are involved in attending workshops and events, the more support, guidance, and opportunities they get.

Does my current age impact my eligibility?

No, your current age does not impact eligibility. If you a re-entry student (25 or older), student parent, or tranfering you may be eligilbe to participate in other CE3 programs, as well.

How long should I have been in foster care to qualify for this program?

Just 1 day in foster care qualifies you to be part of the program. All of our students have their own unique experiences in foster care and were placed for different lengths of time and at different ages.

What is the Office of Foster Care Ombudsperson & how do they help with acquiring verification?

The Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson is an office in the State of California that solves problems and complaints about care, placement, and services of children and youth in foster care. For students who were previously in care in the State of California and have exited foster care, they may contact this office to receive a verification letter at 1-877-846-1602. The office will request the student’s name while in care, date of birth, and the recent county they were in care. If located in the system, a letter will be emailed directly to the student shortly after the call ends.

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Are there year-round housing options available?

Yes! Berkeley Hope Scholars have priority for year-round housing in Martinez Commons, New Sequoia, Enclave, and Panoramic. Additionally, new housing is now available for transfer students at Anchor House

What can I do if I am not able to pay for the housing fee?

If needed, you can request to defer most of this fee until your financial aid is disbursed at the start of the semester or have it reduced to $10–$25. To request a deferment, contact the housing department at reshall@berkeley.edu

Do I get credit for attending the transition course? If so, how many?

You receive 1 unit for the course.

How can I enroll in the transition course?

To enroll in the transition course, first complete the registration process and wait for your welcome email with instructions on scheduling your orientation meeting with an advisor. During this meeting, you will receive the course number needed for enrollment.

Does BHS operate in the summer?

Yes! The BHS Community Space remains open during the summer with reduced hours, however access to the Cesar Chavez building may be limited. If you have trouble entering the building, call our office at (510) 664-7187, and a peer advisor can assist you.

Our advisors are still available for one-on-one holistic advising, please visit their specific page to find their booking link. Plus, community events and workshops continue throughout the summer, so stay connected!

Do I have to talk about my foster care experience?

No. Many students do not disclose their foster care experience to staff or to other students, but they are welcome to share their experience if and when they feel comfortable.