BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

RESOLUTION 21-035 IN RECOGNITION OF THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF

BERKELEY ROTARY CLUB COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

WHEREAS, The Rotary Club of Berkeley has, since 2001, provided four-year college scholarships to deserving Berkeley high school graduates; and

WHEREAS, the Berkeley Rotary Club scholarship of $3,000-$5,000 per year is awarded to 3-4 students each year who, in most cases, are the first in their families to attend college; and

WHEREAS, Berkeley Rotary college scholarships support students who have demonstrated academic achievement and potential, served their community, and would likely, without additional financial support, not be able to attend college; and

WHEREAS, each student who receives a Berkeley Rotary Club scholarship is also paired with a Rotarian mentor who guides the student through four years, helping them navigate college issues and procedures, offering a sympathetic ear and advice and, in the process, forging a strong and lasting bond; and

WHEREAS, over the past two decades 54 BHS graduates have received Berkeley Rotary scholarships with a college graduation rate of 83%, compared to a 15% graduation rate for other students with similar circumstances. Currently, there are 15 Berkeley Rotary Scholars attending college; and

WHEREAS, Berkeley Rotary Scholars have attended and graduated from some of the most prestigious and demanding universities in the country, including those in the UC system, Stanford, and Harvard. Many are now engaged in professional careers and give back to their communities; and

WHEREAS, since 2015, the Berkeley Rotary Club has partnered with Berkeley Community Scholars to coordinate recruitment and selection of scholarship recipients while maintaining its own fundraising and mentorship program; and

WHEREAS, Berkeley Rotary Club additionally provides financial support to students attending Berkeley City College; and

WHEREAS, the Berkeley Rotary Club will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of its college scholarship program on April 14, 2001, as it looks forward to continuing and expanding its scholarship efforts in the future;

RESOLVED, BY THE BERKELEY UNIFIED PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, we thank and commend the Berkeley Rotary Club for its service to Berkeley students and its success in supporting and mentoring Berkeley Rotary Scholars through their college experience, and congratulate the club on the 20th Anniversary of its scholarship program.