Program Overview
For nearly 20 years, the Berkeley Board Fellows program has been shaping future board leaders by offering hands-on experience in social impact through nonprofit board service. This seven-month experiential learning program places pairs of MBA students on local Bay Area nonprofit boards as non-voting members.
Fellows commit 8-10 hours per month towards attending 3-4 board meetings, designing and implementing a board-related project, engaging in subcommittees, and meeting with their board mentor.
Fellows complete a strategic project for the board. Past examples of projects include:
- Board orientation materials and assessments to review board composition and practices, ensuring the board has all needed resources
- Dashboards and program assessments to review important indicators and evaluate organizational effectiveness
- Feasibility studies, marketing plans, and landscape analyses to help the board consider new sources of revenue generation
- Board recruitment plans (with a focus on diversity)
- Board self-assessment tool
Fellows are expected to complete a non-profit board governance course offered at UC Berkeley, to enhance their fundamental knowledge about key governance concepts.
2025 Fall Deadlines Coming Soon!
