Community College High Hopes Program
A college success and matriculation scholarship for Berkeley public school graduates on a path to a bachelor’s degree that begins at community college.
Overview
CCHH scholars receive monetary support for community college expenses, with the prospect of additional aid through the Bachelor’s Degree High Hopes Program after transfer.
Award
Up to $8,000 during your time in community college (up to $4,000 per year), plus dedicated college success advising, counseling, professional development, and community resources.
Eligibility
Current Berkeley High / B-Tech students: enrollment at a local community college in Fall 2025, minimum 2.5 GPA in A-G coursework, and plans to transfer to a four-year institution by Fall 2027.
Current community college students: 2021–2024 graduate of a Berkeley public high school, currently enrolled, minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, with transfer plans.
Key Dates
- Applications open: December 1, 2025
- Deadline: February 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST
- Interview Day: Saturday, April 25, 2026
After you transfer
CCHH is a pathway to a bachelor’s degree. CCHH Scholars in good standing who complete a transfer application and are admitted to a bachelor’s-degree institution are eligible to apply for Bachelor’s Degree High Hopes Program scholarship funds of up to $8,000 upon transfer — bringing the total potential award to $16,000.
Detailed eligibility
Current Berkeley High / B-Tech seniors: attending Berkeley City College or a local community college in Fall 2025; minimum 2.5 GPA in A-G requirements; plan to transfer to a four-year college by Fall 2027.
Current community college students:
- 2021–2024 graduate of Berkeley High School, Berkeley Technology Academy, or Berkeley Independent Studies
- Currently enrolled at a local community college and planning to continue for the academic year
- Plan to apply for transfer to a four-year college
- Minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA
- Complete a minimum of 12–15 transferable units per year
- Enroll in a minimum of 15 transferable units in the spring term
We prioritize
BCS will prioritize students who:
- Are Pell Grant eligible based on FAFSA/Dream Act or demonstrate financial need
- Are first-generation to college
- Are part of a group historically underrepresented in college degree completion
Scholar requirements
Scholars are active members of the BCS community. As a High Hopes Scholar, you agree to:
- Attend Summer Orientation and Celebration events
- Participate in BCS programming, including our career readiness program and events
- Give back to the BCS community
- Communicate with BCS staff on a consistent basis
- Attend BCS events and programs during summer and school breaks
- Attend college full time
- Submit scholar updates twice a year
- Meet with your College Success Advisor on a consistent basis
Information sessions & application workshops
Join us at the Berkeley High School College and Career Center to learn more and get help with your application:
- Information Session: December 10, 2025, 2:35–3:33 PM
- Application Workshop: January 14, 2026, 10:43–11:41 AM
- Application Workshop: February 4, 2026, 3:39–4:37 PM
- Application Workshop: February 26, 2026, 3:39–4:37 PM
Questions?
Have questions about the program? Reach out to Emily Maciel, College Success Advisor, at emily@berkeleyscholars.org.