For DonorsFor Applicants

Net Impact Berkeley Social Impact Scholarship

$3,000
3 winners, $1,000 each
Awarded
Application Deadline
May 14, 2023
Winners Announced
Jun 14, 2023
Education Level
High School
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior
Background:
Underrepresented minority or first generation college student

Net Impact Berkeley is a student-run social impact strategy consulting group at UC Berkeley consisting of undergraduates who are passionate about driving positive social change in the world. They help companies anywhere from global Fortune 500 for-profit companies to small local non-profits integrate social impact into their business operations, product, and strategy.

Making a difference in the world is possible in a wide variety of ways, from working to improve environmental sustainability to driving food equity to supporting minority rights. Individuals, companies, nonprofits, and more all have the potential to create a better world for future generations in so many diverse ways, and they are offering this scholarship to support these future change makers during their college journey.

Any high school senior who is an underrepresented minority or will be a first-generation college student may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us about a time when you made a difference of any scale and what making an impact means to you.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published February 14, 2023
Essay Topic

One of the key values at Net Impact Berkeley is creating “Impact Across Many Domains,” and they primarily achieve this by working on consulting projects that make an impact in spaces like education, environmental sustainability, healthcare, human rights, clean energy, and more. Tell us about a time when you made your own Net Impact. This could be of any scale, whatever it is, don't be afraid to let your passion shine! What does creating an impact mean to you?

400–600 words

Winning Applications

Schnolder Montour
Valencia CollegeKissimmee, FL
Creating an impact is at the core of my values and aspirations. It is about making a meaningful difference in the world and leaving a positive imprint on the lives of individuals and the communities we inhabit. While I may not have been involved with Net Impact Berkeley specifically, I have had experiences where I have made my net impact, and I believe in the power of small actions to drive change. One of the instances where I made my net impact was during my time volunteering at a local community center. The center provided educational and recreational opportunities for underprivileged children in the area. Witnessing the potential of these young individuals and recognizing the importance of education in shaping their futures, I felt a strong sense of responsibility to contribute to their development. In collaboration with the center's staff, I initiated a mentorship program aimed at fostering academic growth and personal development. I recruited a team of dedicated volunteers who shared the same passion for empowering young minds. Together, we created a structured curriculum that focused on academic support, life skills development, and career exploration. Over several months, I worked closely with a group of enthusiastic and eager students. We organized study sessions, facilitated discussions on various topics, and organized field trips to expose them to different career paths. The impact of these interactions was tangible, as the students exhibited increased motivation, improved academic performance, and greater self-confidence. Creating an impact, to me, means recognizing the power we hold as individuals to influence the lives of others positively. It means taking initiative, stepping outside of our comfort zones, and investing our time, skills, and resources in causes that resonate with our values. It is about embracing empathy, understanding the unique challenges faced by individuals or communities, and working collaboratively towards sustainable solutions. The impact is not measured solely by the scale or magnitude of our actions but by the profound changes they bring about in the lives of others. It is about fostering empowerment, resilience, and growth. Impact can be achieved through both small and large endeavors, as long as they are driven by a genuine desire to make a difference and guided by principles of fairness, equity, and justice. Through my experiences, I have come to realize that creating an impact is not a one-time event but a continuous journey. It requires ongoing commitment, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from the challenges we encounter along the way. It is about being open to collaboration, embracing diverse perspectives, and leveraging the collective power of individuals and organizations to tackle complex problems. As I continue my academic and professional journey, I am committed to making my net impact by pursuing a career in law and political science. I believe that by advocating for justice, championing human rights, and shaping policies that promote equality and sustainability, I can contribute to creating a more just and equitable world. Whether through my work in legal advocacy, policy research, or community engagement, I am determined to leave a positive impact on society and inspire others to do the same. In conclusion, creating an impact means taking meaningful action to address societal challenges and empower individuals and communities. It is about leveraging our skills, knowledge, and resources to drive positive change, no matter the scale. Through my own experiences and future endeavors, I am committed to making my net impact and fostering a world where justice, equality, and sustainability prevail.
Robert Portillo III
University of MississippiClarksdale, MS
Camryn Beathley
University of New OrleansZachary, LA
Creating an impact has always been a driving force in my life. For me, it means using my skills and abilities to make a positive difference in the world, no matter how small or large the impact may be. I have been fortunate enough to have several opportunities to create my own Net Impact, but one that stands out to me was my involvement in a community service project in my hometown. As a high school student, I was the vice president of my school's beta club and we focused on improving the lives of people in our community. We organized various service projects throughout the year, from volunteering at local food banks to community clean-ups. One year, we decided to tackle a larger project: renovating a local community center that had fallen into disrepair. The community center was an important resource for the people in our town, particularly for those who couldn't afford to join a gym or other recreational facilities. However, the building had not been maintained for several years, and it was in dire need of a facelift. Our volunteer group worked tirelessly for several months to clean up the space, repaint the walls, and install new equipment. The impact that we created through this project was significant. Not only did we improve the physical space of the community center, but we also created a renewed sense of community among the people who used it. People who had previously felt disconnected from the center began to use it more frequently, and new programs and activities were implemented to meet the needs of the community. To me, creating an impact means making a positive difference in the lives of others, whether that be through volunteering, donating to a cause, or using my skills and abilities to create something new. It means recognizing that my actions have the power to create change and using that power to make a difference. Net Impact Berkeley's focus on creating impact across many domains aligns with my own values and goals. I believe that by working together and pooling our skills and resources, we can make a greater impact than we could individually. The consulting projects that Net Impact Berkeley takes on are particularly inspiring to me, as they allow for the application of business skills to create real-world solutions to complex problems. In the future, I hope to continue creating my own Net Impact in whatever way I can. Whether that be through volunteering, advocating for important causes, or using my career to make a difference, I am committed to using my skills and abilities to create positive change in the world. One of my long-term goals is to open a hospital or clinic that is accessible to those who are less fortunate. I believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their economic status. By creating a space that is specifically designed to meet the needs of those who are most vulnerable, I hope to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of my community. I am excited about the potential for collaboration and impact through Net Impact Berkeley and am eager to contribute to this community of changemakers.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is May 14, 2023. Winners will be announced on Jun 14, 2023.