UC Berkeley attracts the best and brightest students, but our university’s size and complexity can be overwhelming for new students, especially those who are the first in their families to attend college. To help ease the transition to college life and Berkeley academics, the College of Letters & Science launched the First-Year Pathways program in fall 2023.
L&S First-Year Pathways allows students to:
Based on positive feedback from last year's cohort, we expanded the program to include a cluster of courses around democracy and a full-year cluster designed specifically for pre-med students. We try to bring these students outside of the classroom for experiential learning opportunities, which tend to cost around $3,000 for a full class.
The L&S First-Year Pathways is one of several key initiatives carried out through the L&S Leadership Fund. Your gift will broadly support L&S's efforts to improve the new student experience and supports the top priorities for the College of Letters & Science. Uses of funding also include, but are not limited to, Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships, Big Ideas Courses, and additional advising resources. Funding that surpasses the goal will continue to support the operations of the College of Letters & Science.
The first semester of college is often the most challenging time for our undergraduates. Tilt the scales toward success with a timely gift to the L&S Leadership Fund.
L&S First-Year Pathways students curated a BAMPFA art exhibition in December 2023 (Photo by Brian Wollitz)
We will thank you by name from the College of Letters & Science’s social media accounts (unless you choose to remain anonymous).
We will send you a photograph from one of the First-Year Pathways classes signed by a faculty leader.
Jennifer Johnson-Hanks, the executive dean of the College of Letters & Science, will send you a video thanking you for your contribution.