Mission Level Playing Field Institute promotes innovative approaches to fairness in higher education and workplaces by removing barriers to full participation.
96 undergrads participated in IDEAL at UC Berkeley in 2007 – 2008
19 IDEAL Scholars have now graduated
100% of scholars agreed that IDEAL helps scholars set high expectations for themselves in academics.
94% of IDEAL Scholars stay in the program until graduation
56% of graduates are now seeking advanced degrees
40% of IDEAL scholars have had at least one summer internship
Program Goals
Increase the number highly qualified students from underrepresented populations who attend and graduate from UC Berkeley.
Support students in their collegiate endeavors so that they can take full advantage of the opportunities available to them as a UC Berkeley student
Exemplify the benefits of diverse leadership on campus and in the community.
Prepare students to graduate with skills and experiences that benefit them in future graduate school or career pursuits.
Allow students to graduate debt-free
How to Apply
Students do not apply directly to become an IDEAL scholar. Once a high school or community college applicant has been accepted to UC Berkeley, IDEAL staff obtain the names of eligible students from the UC Berkeley Admissions Office.
To qualify to participate in IDEAL, students must:
Be accepted to UC Berkeley as a first-year or community college transfer student; and
Self-identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, or Native American; and
Graduate from a high school or community college in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Solano county*; and
Be eligible to receive student aid as determined by the UC Berkeley Financial Aid Office.
After receiving eligible names from the UC Berkeley Admissions Office, IDEAL staff members contact eligible students to invite them to apply to participate in IDEAL. Scholars are selected through a competitive application and interview process in the spring of each year.
IDEAL Scholars have a desire to make an impact on campus or in the community through student leadership or academic pursuits. They possess a strong sense of character, provide a culturally representative voice on campus, and share a willingness to actively participate in a community of scholars.
*Native American students who graduate from any high school in Northern California are eligible to apply.
About the Program
The Initiative for Diversity in Education and Leadership (IDEAL) Scholars program assists exemplary underrepresented students to maximize their educational, service, and career opportunities.
IDEAL Scholars receive resources including:
Renewable scholarships (awards average $8,500 per year)
Summer internship placement (Click here for more information)
Annual leadership retreat
Computer loan program
Tutors
Student advising
In exchange, we ask Scholars to maintain a minimum GPA and participate in monthly IDEAL scholars meetings.
