Rooted in Joy Scholarship

What is the timeline of the Scholarship?

Applications Open: September 18th, 2026

Applications Close: Friday October 16th, 2026

Awardees Finalized by: Late November 2026

Scholarships Processed by: Late December 2026

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.

Who sits on the Scholarship Review Committee?

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

Who can I contact if I have any questions?

You can email serc@berkeley.edu with any and all questions.

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!

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

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

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.

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.