Giving Opportunities at Berkeley

Each summer, there are outstanding summer internship opportunities that are available to our Rausser College students that can greatly expand their future career and education paths. Many of these internships are with small non-profits and projects that provide great services to the community but are unable to provide stipends. Thus, these opportunities are often inaccessible to some students who must prioritize earning money over participating in projects that can be so important for their futures.

In the summer of 2019, we established a Summer Internship Grant to address University and College goals of equity and inclusion, by leveling the playing field for internship participation. A grant provides an opportunity for undergraduates who face financial and other barriers to participation in summer internships that advance their career or academic interests. It is meant to help them meet basic living expenses and is open to students who qualify for need-based financial aid during the current academic year. Internships are encouraged from any field or discipline. As part of the application, students identify the internship, describe how the grant would help them participate, and, in line with the College’s motto, “see bigger picture, make a better world,” reflect on how the internship project or field can contribute to supporting equity and inclusion in our society.

In our first summer, using a compilation of small funding sources, Rausser College supported 12 students for a total of $27,710. Internship grants ranged from $350-$3000 per student with an average grant $2,300. Many students stated that the experience gave them a much better idea of jobs they can pursue and that the experience provided motivation for their future career goals and service to society. Our goal of $200,000 annually will help to grow this program, potentially supporting up to 60 students who wish to pursue internships and to provide annual opportunities for these students.

Please note: The summer internship grants are funded through Berkeley Fund for Natural Resources (BFNR). Your gift will be recorded as a gift to BFNR. It is one of the dean's top priorities to fund the internship program as part of his Equity and Inclusion initiatives.

Pictured above: A recipient of our Summer Internship Grant, undergraduate Moe Sumino '23 took photos of students and their work with Berkeley Student Farms as part of her summer internship.