Unlock new skills in data analytics, project management or business administration with our Career Excelerator Award! With career-focused coursework, you'll learn from industry experts, develop in-demand skills and earn academic credit along the way. Prior industry experience is not required.
UC Excelerator increases access to UC Berkeley Extension. Our scholarships support those who have faced adversity in pursuing education, including but not limited to financial difficulties, social or systemic barriers, or personal hardships. A UC Excelerator scholarship can open the door to help you build the future you've been working for.
With a Career Excelerator Award, you'll receive:
- COURSE SCHOLARSHIP Enroll in an eligible course from one of our three areas of study without paying the course fee.
- ACADEMIC ADVISING An adviser will support you throughout your academic journey, including developing a study plan to meet your goals.
- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Participate in no-cost Career Foundations workshops designed to help you develop skills needed for success in any job or industry.
Areas of Study
UC Excelerator scholarships make it easy to invest in yourself—whether you're taking just one course or completing a full certificate program.
Business Administration
Business administration is a versatile field that equips you with a diverse skill set, applicable across a wide range of industries—from retail and health care, to technology and government. Study business administration to build foundational knowledge and sharpen the essential business skills needed to thrive in today's ever-evolving organizations.
Courses in the Certificate Program in Business Administration are eligible for this award. We recommend starting with the Essentials of Business introductory course.
Construction Management
Build a rewarding career in construction management by learning the skills needed to lead teams, estimate costs, manage schedules, navigate contracts, and deliver projects on time and on budget.
Courses in the Professional Program in Construction Management are eligible for this award. Start with the Introduction to Management in the Construction Industry course.
Data Analytics
Data is everywhere. Talented analysts are needed to transform the vast amounts of data we generate on a daily basis into valuable insights in every industry, including finance, marketing, health care, IT, logistics and nonprofit organizations. Join the growing field of data analysts or add this critical modern skill to your résumé.
Courses in the Professional Program in Data Analysis are eligible for this award. We recommend starting with the Introduction to Data Analytics course.
Project Management
Project managers oversee the planning, execution and delivery of various projects by developing project objectives, managing resources and solving problems. Learn valuable and diverse project management skills, including how to develop a detailed project plan, tracking progress, adapting to changes, ensuring successful completion and communicating with stakeholders throughout the process.
Courses in the Professional Program in Project Management are eligible for this award. We recommend starting with the Project Management introductory course.
Pathway to a UC Berkeley Extension Certificate
You can apply for the Career Excelerator Award for each course required to complete a designated certificate program. Limit of one course per semester for new students and two courses per semester for returning students. Eligible students will receive an additional scholarship to cover the certificate registration fee. To maintain eligibility, you must:
- Successfully complete each course with a letter grade of C or better
- Stay in good academic standing at UC Berkeley Extension
Who Should Apply?
This award is open to those who have faced adversity in pursuing education, including but not limited to financial difficulties, social or systemic barriers, or personal hardships. You are a priority applicant if you have:
- A high school diploma and five or more years of full-time work experience in a professional setting, or
- Some college experience (12 or more units completed) and relevant work experience, or
- An associate's degree
You must apply for and receive the Career Excelerator Award prior to enrolling in the course. If you have already enrolled in and/or completed the course, you are not eligible for this award. Course materials are not included in the award.
How to Apply
Before applying, be sure to review the eligible course, including prerequisites, materials, and available class schedules and modalities. In addition to class time, you should plan to dedicate an average of six to nine hours per week to homework, projects and studying outside of class.
You can preview the application here. As part of the online application, you will need to submit:
- Your résumé
- Transcripts from all institutions attended (unofficial is okay)
- Statement of purpose (200–300 words) that addresses:
- Goals: Your personal, academic and professional goals and how the Career Excelerator Award will help you achieve your goals
- Overcoming Barriers:
- A personal story about a significant barrier you've encountered in pursuing education, such as, but not limited to, financial, personal, family-related, systemic or other barriers
- How receiving this award would help you continue your academic and career journey
Application Deadline: August 17
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Questions?
Please contact us at excelerate@berkeley.edu.
About Us
UC Berkeley Extension is the continuing education branch of UC Berkeley. Our courses and certificate programs can be taken part time and are offered online, making them ideal for adults looking to enhance their professional skills. Whether you want to find a new career, move up in your current position or further your education, we're here to help you achieve your goals.
UC Excelerator scholarships are funded by a generous gift from professor, author, entrepreneur and UC Berkeley alumnus Scott Galloway.