• 2012 Richard K. Lashoff High Hopes Scholarship recipient
• University of California, Santa Cruz

At this point in my life, I know that I want to find a way to make a living while helping people and being a positive force. That may mean that I write books and become a professor as I plan to now; or find another field that I will be more effective in, and pursue that. I am not exactly sure what career my goals will coincide with, but I am sure that college is the next step to take. This, like many of my beliefs and opinions, can be traced back to the way I was raised. My parents, though very different in their methods, each taught me valuable lessons as a small chilled that shaped me into the person I am now.  My mother, tended to lead by example. My earliest memories of her come from a time when she was a single parent, raising two children while earning a bachelors degree and working.  My father also taught me that living in a spiritually healthy way is the most important thing I can do. This is why I make a conscious effort to stay positive and feel an obligation to help those who I have the ability to help.

“Robbie’s immediately noticeable characteristic traits are his integrity and confidence. He is one of the most inspiring and humble students that I have worked with in my five years of teaching.”

Teacher, Berkeley High School

• 2012 Carolyn Yee High Hopes Scholarship recipient
• University of California, Los Angeles

Growing up in a neighborhood on the border of San Pablo and Richmond, where gunshots are a frequent occurrence, my dad tried to protect me from this reality. He called the gunshots, “fireworks” to make me less scared, and tried to block out their sound with the TV. I was not allowed to go outside other than with family or close friends that my dad had met. My parents helped me to attend Berkeley High so that I could be safe at school and have better opportunities that what a high school in Richmond, where I live, could offer. Most of my friends in Richmond are now pregnant or in gangs. My father, like my mother, an immigrant form El Salvador, never graduated from high school. He made sure that from the time I was little, I had all the books I could possibly read. The sacrifices my family has made, have motivated me, but it’s my inner drive that’s given me the motivation to succeed. What I am seeking is the opportunity to study literature and fulfill not only my family’s dreams but my own dream of learning as much as I can, in an environment that would be challenging, raising my own standards. I want to help other first generation students, and other students who have faced obstacles to education.

“Yesenia is persistent and always finds ways to get the support she needs. She also won’t stop asking till she gets the answers. She knows that this kind of persistence will allow her to achieve her dream of becoming a surgeon.”

Teacher, Berkeley High School

• 2012 Ask.com  High Hopes Scholarship recipient
• University of California, Berkeley

In my community environment I witness everything from fights to death. On a daily basis I see more and more girls running down the path of failure due to pregnancy, drugs and alcohol and getting involved with the wrong crowd. Most people in my community carry such aggressive and negative attitude, that I feel my safety is sometimes challenged. The life lessons learned form observing my community members fail to live to their fullest potential motivates me to succeed. I have realized that he only way out of the destitute predicament is to gain more knowledge through my position as Leadership President of my high school; I try to be a role model and encourager to my fellow student body to perform to the best of their academic abilities. I plan on using the negatives I see in my everyday life not only to better myself, but be a role model to my community and demonstrate the power in an educated African American young woman.

“Dariane is driven to be successful. She has high self esteem and expectations for herself and does not make excuses, regardless of the tragedy in her life.”

Teacher, Berkeley High School

• 2012 Berkeley Community Fund High Hopes Scholarship recipient
• San Francisco State University

Living my childhood in Mexico and growing up as a teenager in the U.S. has made me the person I am today. The experiences and obstacles I have faced made me determined to pursue my dreams of being the first one in my family to graduate from college and make them proud. I know I will face a lot of challenges but I know they will not be as difficult as seeing your own family doubt you. I will keep working hard, not to prove anyone wrong but to prove to myself  I’m able to do anything I set my mind to as well as to show the American Dream is possible to fulfill with perseverance and determination. With the education I hope to obtain, I plan to be a future economist who will better my community by giving financial advice to families who have never had access to such resources. What I hope everyone remembers about me is that I have never given up on my goals, no matter how great the challenges.

“Juan is able to collaborate with all types of people towards his goals and is committed to producing the highest quality of work based on intrinsic motivation. Juan leads through his actions and example in the classroom, where he is extremely well liked and respected by his peers.”

Teacher, Berkeley High School

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Please note that the date of our annual dinner has been changed to Thursday, October 11 at H’s Lordships Restaurant. We hope this change does not affect your attendance and support, for we look forward to having you join us in the celebration of Susan Medak, who will receive the 2012 Benjamin Ide Wheeler Medal. Our early sponsorship deadline also has been extended to August 22, 2012. Please complete the form below and return it to us by Wednesday, August 22 so that you may be acknowledged in our dinner invitation. Thank you!

2012 Sponsor Form_October 11

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.

Berkeley Community Fund has reached a point where we are poised to expand our
Capacity – financially, organizationally, and programmatically. We are seeking an
entrepreneurial Executive Director who is ready to lead this growth.

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.

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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.

2013 Scholarship Application_Financial Information Form

2013 Scholarship Application_Certifications Document

Berkeley Community Fund grants High Hopes Scholarships to students who graduate from Berkeley High School and Berkeley Technology Academy in the Spring and attend four-year colleges/universities the following Fall.

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.

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.

The 2013 High Hopes Scholarship application is now available, here.

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

Joleen Ruffin

BERKELEY, CA, May 20, 2013 – The Berkeley Community Fund (BCF) Board of Directors has appointed Joleen Ruffin as its new Executive Director to lead the growing organization in its mission to provide four-year college scholarships and mentoring support to academically talented and resilient Berkeley High School students.

Joleen brings a rich background in operations management and student development to her new role.  Her experience includes work with several nonprofit organizations and private foundations, including the Community Development Institute, David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and Stuart Foundation. She comes most recently from the University of California, Berkeley where she was a part of the Office of Student Development. Joleen has also been a successful entrepreneur. She was named “Entrepreneur of the Year” by the Tracy Chamber of Commerce in 2010 after she conceptualized, designed, and launched a community-based online network in Tracy, California.

“I’m looking forward to leveraging my experience in the nonprofit world, my educational background, and my passion for the work to build an organization that leaves a positive mark on the lives of many,” said Joleen.

“Joleen’s experience in philanthropy and in higher education is particularly relevant to what we do, but her personal qualities made us sure that she was the right person for the job, after we have reviewed many candidates as part of our nationwide search. She is creative and committed to our mission and will be a wonderful representative for our organization in Berkeley and the broader community,” said board president, Jessica Pers.

Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Joleen has been a California resident for the past 15 years. She first came to the United States to attend the University of Oregon, where she earned a degree in Business Administration. Like many BCF scholarship recipients, Joleen and her husband were both first generation college students. They have three children who attend Berkeley public schools.

About BCF

The Berkeley Community Fund (BCF) is a charitable nonprofit organization founded in 1991 by a group of people whose love for Berkeley and for a community of hope and equity inspired them to set up a fund that would reflect their goals. Since 2008, it has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships and helped 92 “High Hopes Scholars” attend public and private universities throughout the country.  The scholarship funds bridge the gap between financial support provided by government and educational institutions and the cost of attending four-year colleges.  The related mentoring program provides personal support to the scholars, helping them navigate the college experience and connecting them to future opportunities.

Aisha Eisenberg
Anais Azul Arias-Aragon
Daniel Hernandez-Tijero
Elizabeth Cho
Evan Ho
Jalena Keane-Lee
Jeannel Poyaoan
Lychou Phey
Meriem Osman
Miguel Guiza
Mohammed Aledlah
Negar Esfandiari
Paola Alonso Franco
Semhall Gessesse
Sienghuy Hort
Tenzin Dechen
Van Tran
Willie Scott
Yenenesh Belachew
Yoseline Escalante-Buendia

BCF congratulates all our new scholars and thanks all students who applied for their interest and their commitment to higher education.

All Berkeley public high school graduating seniors with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater who are attending a 4-year college or university are eligible to apply for a High Hopes Scholarship.  BCF also considers leadership, resiliency, and financial need. Finalists are interviewed by BCF’s Scholarship Committee and dedicated volunteers who participate in the interview process.  Visit the BCF web site at www.berkfund.org or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/berkfund if you would like to learn more about BCF and its programs or make a donation to support future High Hopes Scholars.

About BCF

The Berkeley Community Fund is a charitable nonprofit organization established in 1991 by a group whose love for Berkeley and for a community of hope and equity inspired them to set up a fund to reflect their goals. Since 2007, it has focused on providing opportunities to promising public high school students in Berkeley college scholarships and mentoring support. It envisions a future when all the young people of our community succeed in fulfilling their aspirations, developing their full potential, and sharing positive, enriched lives with the world.

There are multiple parking options around the Berkeley City Club including the following:
-First Presbyterian Church, 2420 Channing (between Telegraph and Dana)
- Sather Gate Public Garage, 2450 Durant
- UC Berkeley Parking on Bancroft and Fulton and Bancroft and Dana

Please consult signs for hours and fees prior to entering the parking facilities.

Miguel Guiza
2013 BCF High Hopes Scholar
University of California, Merced

Miguel is a proud graduate of the Y-Scholars program and served as co-President of the Minorities for a Change club. Passionate about sports, he was sidelined from active participation by a soccer injury.  But that time made him think seriously about becoming an athletic trainer, coach or sports broadcaster. Miguel’s other passion is cars. He would love to build cars and may pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

“Juggling Advanced Placement Courses, IB courses, and his club soccer commitment outside of school, I have no doubt in my mind that if he can manage all of these activities, the possibilities are infinite once he reaches his college destination.” Abel Castillo, Academic and College Counselor, Y-Scholars Program

“Miguel is striking for his level of commitment to both academics and soccer. He balances both and his duties at home while remaining upbeat and easygoing.” Molly Offermann, BHS Academic Counselor