With your partnership, the African American Thriving Initiatives is transforming the college experience for Black and African American students at Berkeley. As part of a robust network of Thriving Initiatives on campus, the African American Thriving Initiatives (AATI) is providing a community of belonging that supports our scholars and enables them to succeed at Berkeley and beyond. Your gifts are instrumental in creating a community that fosters intellectual, personal, and cultural growth, empowering our students with vital scholarships, academic resources, and meaningful programming designed to meet the unique needs of Black and African American scholars. As you read this report that details what your investment is building, we hope you will be inspired by these outstanding students who embody Black excellence, which is Berkeley excellence.
Scholarships that Make Berkeley a Reality
Central to AATI is the African American Initiative Scholarship Program. This past fall, Berkeley welcomed 30 distinguished and talented freshmen who comprise the 6th annual cohort of AAI scholars. A collaboration between the San Francisco Foundation, the Cal Alumni Association, the university, and partners like you, the AAI Scholarship Program is awarded to incoming first year students who demonstrate leadership qualities and a commitment to making a positive contribution to the Black community at Berkeley. Thanks to your meaningful giving, 171 scholars have received the scholarship since the program’s inception in 2018. Your generosity strengthens the AAI Scholarship Program, removing institutional barriers, expanding access, and ensuring our Black and African American students thrive and reach their full potential.
AAI Scholarship recipients are provided with resources and programming designed to instill a sense of belonging on campus while promoting scholars’ academic excellence, professional development, as well as cultural and community engagement. Activities such as attending Black Student Orientation, the AAI Scholarship Reception and Retreat, meeting with the AAI Academic Counselor, participating in workshops sponsored by the Cal Alumni Association, and living on the African American theme floor in the residence halls are just some of the scholarship requirements that nurture the creative, cultural, and academic expression of Black scholars at Berkeley.
"The African American Initiative Scholarship has been one of my main financial supports during my time at UC Berkeley. My family has been incredibly grateful to have the support of this scholarship each year of my undergraduate career. I feel very appreciative to the donors who helped fund the AAI Scholarship, as this has lifted a huge financial burden off of me and my family.
Upon receiving this scholarship, I felt called to give back to the Black campus community in a meaningful and unique way. Creating projects like a self-guided Black history tour of campus, as part of my work with Black Lives at Cal, a project under the African American Thriving Initiatives, was one of my most meaningful experiences as a UC Berkeley student and will forever be a part of my story."
—Daniella Lake '24, AAI Scholar; Media Studies
A Holistic Ecosystem of Support
The AATI is creating a thriving framework of support for our growing number of Black and African American students at Berkeley. In collaboration with African American Student Development (AASD), the Fannie Lou Hamer Black Resource Center, and other key campus programs, the AATI offers holistic and vital services and programming central to the health, wellbeing, and academic success of Black and African American students. The university’s Black community boasts more than 30 organizations that host over 200 events and activities throughout the year, serving academic, civic, social, and cultural life. Your commitment strengthens these organizations that furnish Black students with the equitable and inclusive college experiences they deserve.
"I'm honored to have received the African American Initiative Scholarship during my time as a Cal student. The generous support from AAI allowed me to dedicate more time to my studies and campus involvement, rather than work-study commitments. This invaluable opportunity not only facilitated my academic and extracurricular engagement but also empowered me to make history as the first UC Berkeley ASUC Student Body President to be re-elected for a second term. My heartfelt thanks go to the donors who invest in students' futures and create paths for remarkable achievements."
—Chaka Tellum '23, AAI Scholar; ASUC President; Political Economy, minors in Public Policy and Race & the Law; Yale Law '28
"The AAI Scholarship wholly influenced my experience at Berkeley and was the reason I was able to attend the university. With the scholarship, I was fortunate not to have to worry about tuition and was able to focus on school, extracurriculars and career planning. This led me to secure a job at UCSF four months before graduating, a position I've held for almost 2 years."
—Genevieve Akponye '22, AAI Scholar; Molecular Environmental Biology; Junior Research Specialist, Regenerative Medicine Center, University of California, San Francisco
The Afro Floor
The African American Theme Program (AATP), also known as the Afro floor, is part of the comprehensive network of resources for Black and African American students at Berkeley, providing a welcoming and vibrant living space where Black students begin to build their community. AATP residents include the freshmen AAI Scholarship award cohort as well as other talented Black and African American first-year students. As part of the rich tapestry of services available to Black students, AATP offers its residents programming and support designed to generate a sense of belonging the moment they step on campus.
Known as a living-learning community, AATP residents engage in activities and events that support both social and academic needs. Community service projects, tailored programs, weekend retreats, and a seminar in African American Studies are just a few ways AATP fosters unity among Black students from diverse backgrounds, nurturing a comprehensive awareness of social issues within the worldwide African diaspora.
In 2022, contributions from donors like you helped AATP increase its housing capacity, accommodating more students within its supportive community. Initially serving 50 students, the program expanded to house 83 students, marking a significant 66% increase in dedicated housing for Black students. Your dedication creates tangible opportunities that cultivate community-building, academic success, and personal growth within Black spaces at Berkeley.
“My decision to attend Berkeley was heavily influenced by receiving the African American Initiative Scholarship. The scholarship has enabled me to forego worrying about the financial aspects of college, and allowed me amazing opportunities: becoming the Black Community Endorsed ASUC Senator, joining a Black Greek sorority, participating in a study abroad program, and gaining an internship in Senator Cory Booker's office after my freshman year, an opportunity I would not have been able to secure without the AAI Scholarship bringing me to Berkeley.
My college experience has been enriched by the scholarship, curating connections with Black faculty, alums, and peers dedicated to supporting my success. Living on Afro floor with fellow black freshmen fostered an atmosphere of cultural diversity for me. The people I lived with have become my best friends and confidants. Living on Afro floor was a vital part of my experience at Cal, giving me the opportunity to live and grow in a space where everyone looked like me, and that is not something common at Cal.
To the donors, I am deeply grateful for your contribution to the AAI scholarships. You play a vital role in supporting Black students and increasing the Black student recruitment and retention at Cal. I am immensely thankful for all of the opportunities you’ve given to me, and it is something that I will value forever.”
—Skyelar Montgomery '25, AAI Scholar; Legal Studies
A Commitment to Equity of Experience
As Chancellor Christ steps away from her role at Berkeley, she leaves a legacy that continues to support and embrace justice, equity, inclusiveness, and a sense of belonging for the Black and African American campus community. An early advocate and supporter of the AAI Scholarship program, Chancellor Christ engaged donors for the first $1 million dollar gift to the initiative, galvanizing additional leading donors. Her efforts inspired campus leaders and alums to actively champion the endeavor, ensuring its ongoing success.
“We must assure that every student thrives at Berkeley, not just survives. To achieve this goal, we must guarantee what I call equity of experience — the commitment that all students have equal access to Berkeley’s extraordinary opportunities.”
—Carol T. Christ, Chancellor Emerita
Chancellor Christ’s steadfast dedication to AATI leaves a lasting impact that enables students to reach their full potential, and her deep commitment to fostering a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus, will continue to build a better Berkeley for generations to come.
"The African American Thriving Initiatives at UC Berkeley serve as a beacon of empowerment, inclusivity, and academic excellence. By addressing economic barriers and fostering a supportive community, opportunities like the African American Initiative Scholarship program not only cultivate a nurturing environment for African American students but also propels them towards remarkable academic achievements and leadership roles to reach their full potential. Comprehensive programming, mentorship, and community engagement ensure students have the resources and support needed to navigate their academic journeys and beyond. Its impact resonates beyond the confines of Berkeley, empowering scholars to make significant contributions to their communities and fields of study, and embodying the principle that diversity strengthens and enriches us all.”
—Karl Brooks, Inaugural AAI Program Manager
A Thriving Community of Access & Achievement
In 2025, the African American Thriving Initiatives will celebrate 10 years of strengthening Black life and joy on Berkeley’s campus. As we look to the future, this program aims to increase the number of AAI scholarship recipients, while boosting the enrollment and retention of Black and African American students. Further, AATI plans to expand the capacity of the African American Theme Program, creating more space for Black and African American students to live in community.
Your gifts enable the African American Thriving Initiatives to remove financial barriers for Black and African American students, provide them with a dynamic community of support, and equip them with the resources to achieve their academic goals. Thank you for your partnership that allows us to be brilliant together, helping Berkeley’s Black and African American students shine their brightest. Fiat Lux, and Go Bears!