Berkeley Law offers a diverse range of gift aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants, and fellowships. These awards reflect Berkeley Law’s commitment to fostering diverse talents and aspirations while addressing financial barriers. Students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and apply early to maximize their gift aid potential.
These awards are based on a combination of factors such as academic merit, professional promise, leadership potential, commitment to a specific field, and/or financial need. For more details, see the section “What Factors Does Berkeley Law Consider for Gift Aid?” in the FAQ.
- Berkeley Law Opportunity Scholarship (BLOS): Provides full tuition assistance for first-generation college graduates. Each year, 10 students are selected. For details, visit the BLOS webpage.
- Public Interest Scholarship: Covers full tuition and fees for students committed to public interest work. Each year, 10 recipients benefit from this scholarship. Learn more on the Public Interest Scholars page.
- Leadership Academy: Designed for students hoping to serve society in an array of leadership roles, from government officials and judges to nonprofit executives and startup founders. The initiative provides an extra $10,000 scholarship per year on top of the student’s existing gift aid award. Visit the Leadership Academy page to learn more.
- Berkeley Center for Law and Business (BCLB) Scholarship: Offers $10,000 annually for students with demonstrated financial need and a focus on business law. This award can be combined with other gift aid, and up to 10 recipients are selected yearly.
- Berkeley Center for Law & Technology (BCLT) Scholarship: Provides $10,000 annually for students interested in technology and intellectual property law. Up to 10 recipients are selected each year.
- Human Rights Center (HRC) Scholarship: Awards $10,000 annually to students focusing on human rights law and the mission of the Human Rights Center. Up to 8 students receive this scholarship annually.
- Thelton E. Henderson Center Scholarship: Grants $10,000 annually to students passionate about social justice law. Recipients benefit from mentorship within a close-knit cohort. Up to 10 students are selected each year.
- Center for Law, Energy & the Environment (CLEE) Scholarship: Provides $10,000 annually for students focused on environmental and energy law. Up to 8 recipients are chosen annually.
- Center for Indigenous Law & Justice (CILJ) Scholarship: Launched in 2024, this $10,000 scholarship supports students interested in indigenous law. Up to 5 students are selected each year.
- Berkeley Law & Society Scholars: Supports students pursuing interests in domestic or international policy, including areas like environmental law, education law, and comparative legal studies.
- Berkeley Builders Fellowship: For students passionate about business and corporate law, including corporate sustainability, startup law, and entertainment and sports law.
- Berkeley Scholars in Law: Designed for students aiming to publish legal scholarship, enter an academic career utilizing legal training, or pursue a J.D. and Ph.D. simultaneously.
- Berkeley Justice Fellows: Supports students dedicated to social justice in areas such as civil rights, criminal justice, tribal law, reproductive justice, and immigration law.
- Berkeley Innovation Scholars: For students exploring the intersection of law, technology, and society, including intellectual property and emerging technology regulation.
- Native American Opportunity Scholarship (NAOP): California residents who are enrolled in a federally recognized Native American, American Indian, or Alaska Native tribe will receive an award that covers the systemwide tuition, student services fees, and Professional Degree Supplemental Tuition (PDST). Visit the NAOP page to learn more about this program.
- U.S. Military Promise Program (MPP): Active duty U.S. military and honorably discharged veterans are eligible to receive a scholarship of $10,000 per year for three years.
- Graduate Opportunity Program (GOP) Fellowship: Designed for students from non-traditional educational backgrounds who have demonstrated academic excellence despite significant barriers. Typically, we select up to 3 students annually. Recipients of the Graduate Diversity Program award receive gift aid that covers full tuition, fees, and health insurance, plus a $15K stipend for the first year.
- Buxbaum Scholarship: Recognizes exceptional academic distinction. Awarded to up to 2 students each year.
- John B. Hall Scholarship: Supports students committed to careers in public interest or public service. Up to 2 recipients annually.
Through the generosity of donors, Berkeley Law provides a variety of scholarships tailored to specific student backgrounds and aspirations. These awards not only provide vital financial support but also help foster a deep connection between students and the broader Berkeley Law community. Examples include:
- Hyundai & Kia Scholarships: Awarded to 2 students annually, these $10,000 scholarships support students demonstrating academic merit and an interest in law and technology, particularly automotive-related policy.
- Berkeley Law Active Duty Military and Veterans Scholarship: Supports active duty U.S. military members and honorably discharged veterans.
- Sho & Masako F. Sato Fellowship: Awarded annually to a deserving student based on academic merit and financial need.
- Pahlke Trial Advocacy Scholarship: Recognizes students with a strong interest in civil or criminal trial advocacy or trial competitions.
- Logan Harriet Scholarship: Provides financial support for blind students with demonstrated need.
Interaction with Alumni and Donors
The Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) office may request students to share insights about their law school experiences as part of its donor stewardship efforts. These stories highlight the transformative impact of donor contributions and ensure the continued growth of financial aid opportunities. Opportunities to engage with donors may include:
- Sharing Your Story: Students may be invited to share their experiences for the school magazine Transcript, or the Berkeley Law website, as a way of expressing gratitude and illustrating the benefits of donor generosity.
- Alumni Events: Formal opportunities to interact with donors or alumni, such as networking receptions or recognition events, may arise.
- Personalized Connections: For students interested in meeting the donors behind their scholarships or learning more about them, DAR can facilitate individual introductions.
Participation in these activities is entirely voluntary. These interactions not only honor the donors’ contributions but also build lasting connections within the Berkeley Law community, fostering a culture of gratitude and support that benefits future generations of students.
By engaging with donors, students play a vital role in strengthening the partnership between Berkeley Law and its supporters, ensuring that financial aid resources continue to expand for years to come.