Why Bears on Boards?
Bears on Boards is a seven-month program matching Berkeley graduate students with local nonprofit boards to cultivate future leaders. By serving as a non-voting member, fellows have the chance to immerse themselves in governance, commit to board activities, and undertake strategic projects, fostering mutual growth to develop the next generation of board leaders
The Program
Bears on Boards participants commit to 8 to 10 hours per month towards nonprofit boards service. This includes attending board meetings, designing and implementing a board project, and potentially engaging in committees or task forces, meeting with board mentor, or other assigned projects.
In collaboration with the participating nonprofit, students create a project scope and design strategy proposals. Students implement finance, marketing, strategy, or governance plans. Completed projects are presented to the Board or committee for the completion of the program at the end of April or early May.
A point person from the nonprofit board is nominated as the board mentor to support the project and governance skills of participating Bears on Boards. The board mentor acts as the primary board resource for the duration of the service from October through April, integrating Bears on Boards to the nonprofit board. Mentors also field questions and provide feedback for students.
The program hosts two cohort events for the Bears on Boards program. The Bears on Boards Kickoff, held in early October, guides the start of the program as students and nonprofits begin discussing and developing the project and work plan for the year. The Bears on Boards Finale is held in late April to celebrate the leadership and excellence of participating students, and foster community connection.
Student Testimonials
Maria Tourtchaninova
Berkeley Board Fellow 2017-2018
Bears on Boards (Berkeley Board Fellows) demystified the workings of an NGO board and also provided a great example of a high functioning board which I still reference. The strong mentorship I received allowed me to grow as a professional and is a relationship I continue to uphold today. The project I undertook was challenging and as I later learned, was one of the reasons I was able to secure the next step in my career post graduation.
Diana Garcia
MPH, 2013
Working with Tandem has been an incredible experience to learn how a nonprofit board and a leadership team make decisions in partnership to advance organizational impact. Throughout my experience, I supported strategic decision-making that was inclusive, responsive, and centered Bay Area communities. I am excited to continue working alongside Tandem as a committee member to address the changing and emerging needs of families.