Rooted in Joy Scholarship

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About The Scholarship

In May 2021, SERC secured funding from The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF) to establish a $10,000 recurring scholarship for three years to help bridge institutional gaps in support of environmentalists working at the intersection of communities of color and the environmental field. This scholarship fund was renewed in May 2023 through 2026.

$2,000 scholarships will be awarded to 5 students selected by the Scholarship Review Committee.

Scholarship Goals

  • Bridge institutional gaps in resources and funding for students to increase retention, and build radically inclusive social and environmental justice spaces on campus

  • Financially support passionate students working in the intersection of communities of color and the environmental field at UC Berkeley

  • Re-envision what a community scholarship can look like by eliminating barriers to entry and focusing on healing, joy, and growth rather than trauma. We recognize that students are frequently asked to exclusively call upon their experiences with trauma and violence in applications. We aim to resist that tokenization by making space for applicants to consider their identities from the lens of radical healing, joy, and growth.

Applying to the Scholarship

This scholarship has a one-round application and deliberation process. Please use the timeline below to stay up-to-date with your application! 

  • Applications Open:  Septemember 26, 2025

  • Applications Close:   October 31, 2025

  • Winners Finalized by:  Late November 2025

  • Scholarships Processed by:  Late December 2025

Eligibility

  • Registered UC Berkeley student (both undergraduate and graduate)

  • Passionate about Environmentalism (this does not have to be your field of study)

  • Any student who meets the above criteria is welcome to apply.  This includes undocumented, formerly incarcerated, and reentry students, among others.

FAQ

Do I have to be a US Citizen?

No, applicants need not be a US Citizen or have a social security number to apply or to receive the scholarship award.

Can we use old pieces of work to answer prompts, such as an essay I wrote for another scholarship or class?

Yes! Previous work used for other scholarships, other classes, or anywhere else will be accepted.

Can I still apply if I am not majoring in an environmental field?

Yes! We encourage anyone who is passionate about environmentalism to apply.

Who sits on the Scholarship Review Committee?

The Scholarship Review Committee is comprised of individuals from campus departments and registered student organizations.

How will the scholarship be administered?

The SERC Team will administer the scholarship through CalLink. You will receive the scholarship as a check. Expect payment delays up to 1-2 months after scholarship award confirmation. Please contact us if you have any questions!

Who can I contact if I have any questions?

What is the timeline of the Scholarship?

The 2024-25 application period is closed. The 2025-26 applications will open in September 2025. Below is the timeline for the 2024 program for your reference.

2024 Timeline

Applications Open: Monday, September 30, 2024

Applications Close: Friday, November 1, 2024

Winners Finalized by: Late November

Scholarships Processed by: Late December

Can I apply to this scholarship and other TGIF scholarships/funding opportunities?

Yes! All students are eligible to apply for any and all SERC/TGIF funding opportunities, including scholarships, and can receive multiple awards within one academic year. You are also welcome to use the same essays or answers in both applications as seems fit.