Center for Nonprofit and Public Leadership

Berkeley Board Fellows

Founded by Haas MBA students in 2003, Berkeley Board Fellows is an exceptional nine month (October – May) experiential learning program that places Haas MBA as well as Goldman Public Policy and Public Health graduate students as non-voting members on Bay Area nonprofit boards of directors. Fellows have the opportunity to attend board meetings, serve on subcommittees, and complete a project that leverages the Fellow’s expertise to address a strategic need of the board. The goal of the program is to develop students’ governance and leadership skills, while they contribute their time and talent to select nonprofit organizations. Berkeley Board Fellows brochure (pdf)

Apply and Participate

Nonprofit applications are now being accepted for the 2012-2013 Board Fellows Program. Applications are due August 3, 2012.
(Student applications will open to UC Berkeley graduate students in September.)

Benefits for Nonprofit Boards

The Berkeley Board Fellows Program enables nonprofit boards to:

Gain new skills and a fresh perspective
Leverage Haas MBAs’ skills to complete a crititcal board project
Learn how to recruit and work with young, professional board members
Mentor future social sector leaders
Forge partnerships with UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business

Benefits for Board Fellows

The Berkeley Board Fellows Program enables students to:

Obtain an invaluable leadership experience
Actively engage with and contribute to the local community
Gain insight into the challenge of governing an organization for social change
Develop relationships with business and community leaders

Matching Process

Nonprofits and students are selected to participate in the Berkeley Board Fellows program through a competitive application process. Once accepted, the Center for Nonprofit and Public Leadership matches nonprofits and Fellows to align each student’s professional skills, industry experience, and personal interests with that of the nonprofit organization and its specific board-related project. If you have questions about the application process, please email us at socialimpact@haas.berkeley.edu. We are currently looking for Berkeley-Haas Alumni with nonprofit board experience to share their expertise and guidance with current Board Fellows. Please contact us if you are interested.

Program Timeline

Application Process
Nonprofit Board Applications Due	Spring/Summer
Fellow Applications Due	Mid September
Fellow / Nonprofit Matching	End of September

Program Year (Oct-May)
Fall Semester
Kick-Off Event at Haas School of Business	Mid October
Project Scope Due	Mid November
Mid-Year Evaluation	December
Nonprofit Boards Course (for students)	Fall - 2 Sundays (MBA292B)
Spring Semester
Ongoing Support from CNPL	January-April
Final Deliverable to Board/CNPL	Mid April
End of Year Evaluation	May
Nonprofit Boards Course (for students)	Spring - 2 Sundays (MBA292B)

Program Resources

Click here for program resources including: best practices guides for Board Fellows and Mentors, online resources, articles, and more.

Projects and Photos

Click here to see past projects, photos, and partner nonprofit organizations.

2011 - 2012 Board Fellows and Mentors

Questions

For additional information, please email socialimpact@haas.berkeley.edu