Retention: Supporting Our Scholars Through Graduation and Beyond

At Berkeley Underground Scholars, we know that getting into college is just the beginning. Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college, returning to school after years or even decades away, navigating reentry, caregiving, mental health needs, and more—all while striving to succeed at one of the top public universities in the country.

Our Retention Pillar is built on the understanding that formerly incarcerated and system-impacted students need more than academics to thrive. We provide holistic support—academic, financial, emotional, and professional—to ensure our students not only stay, but thrive and lead.

Academic & Graduate School Support

Weekly tutoring and advising with a focus on writing, research, and time management

  • Grad school and law school advising, including support with statements, applications, and test prep

  • Fellowship and scholarship application support (e.g., McNair, Miller, Haas)

Financial Aid Advising

We partner with the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office to offer personalized support around:

  • Cal Grant eligibility and SAP appeals

  • Emergency grants and basic needs resources

  • FAFSA and Dream Act navigation

  • Budgeting and managing student loans

Nav Cal Class

Many of our students transfer from community colleges or return after incarceration and don’t know what resources to access or how to navigate Cal’s systems. Through NavCal, our students receive:

  • Coaching and mentorship from experienced peer guides

  • A semester-long course focused on hidden curriculum, campus navigation, and survival strategies. Click here for more information.

 

Community Through Underground Scholars Initiative (USI)

USI is our student-led organization that fosters connection, leadership, and visibility on campus. Members:

  • Host weekly gatherings, cultural events, and healing circles

  • Lead recruitment and policy advocacy efforts

  • Table and speak across campus and the community

👉 To join USI on CalLink, please click here.

Undergraduate Research Support

We provide coaching and connections to help our students access prestigious research opportunities, including:

  • George A. Miller Scholars Program

  • McNair Scholars Program

  • Haas Scholars Program

  • Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF)

  • Firebaugh Scholars Program

We also support students pursuing original research projects on justice, reentry, abolition, and education.

Original Research Projects Include:

Creating Career Opportunities for Formerly Incarcerated Firefighters by Elizabeth Brown, James Carlin, Martin Lara, Eli Martinez and Erin Katherine McCall | Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (September 27, 2022)

Criminal Background Checks in California Public Higher Education Hiring: A Closer Look From the Perspective of College Graduates With a Criminal Record by McArthur Hoang, Founder and Lead Researcher with Aminah Elster, Apolonio Rosas Hernandez, Arturo Calvario-Diaz, Brittany Kulusich, Cynthia Meza, Dean Tanioka, Dustin Wallace, Fernanda Ochoa, Karla Covarrubias-Foster, Maia Payne, Naomi Eden, Stephanie Luna-Lopez, Tanaell Villanueva Reyes, Tonatiuh Beltran, and Zenith Kissana (November 2020)

Criminal Record Stigma in the College-Educated Labor Market by Michael Cerda-Jara, Aminah Elster and David Harding (May 2020)

Leadership Development

Our students are organizers, scholars, and visionaries. We invest in leadership by:

  • Creating paid leadership roles and fellowships within BUS

  • Offering political education and skill-building workshops

  • Supporting public speaking, facilitation, and teaching opportunities

  • Connecting students with local and statewide mentors

Healing & Wellness

Many of our students are navigating trauma, mental health challenges, and chronic stress. We integrate healing and wellness into our retention efforts through:

  • Weekly healing circles and wellness retreats

  • Free services through Freedom Community Clinic (acupuncture, massage, herbs, etc.)

  • Mental health and resource referrals 👉 Explore our Wellness Pillar

Recent Events

 
 
 

Space & Other Resources

Our students can access our space at Stiles Hall where we offer:

  • Quiet study space and peer support

  • Free coffee, tea, snacks, meals, and printing

  • Community events and healing clinics

Berkeley Underground Scholars members are encouraged to explore the other incredible programs at Cal to support you including: