Berkeley Board Fellows
Program Information 2015
Nonprofits are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Thank you for your interest in the Berkeley Board Fellow program managed by the Center
for Social Sector Leadership at the Haas School of Business.
http://socialsector.haas.berkeley.edu/
Program Overview
Founded by Haas MBA students in 2003, the Berkeley Board Fellows Program is an eightmonth (October – May) experiential learning program that places graduate level MBAs as
well as MPP, MPH, and JD students as Fellows on local nonprofit boards of directors. The
primary goal of the program is to develop students’ governance and leadership skills while
contributing their time and talent to select nonprofit organizations.
Organization Expectations
Organizations must be prepared to integrate Board Fellows into their Board (each Board is
matched to two Fellows). Organizations should expect Fellows to attend all board meetings
and choose one committee or task force on which their Fellows will participate. Board and
committee meetings should be scheduled and communicated to students as early as
possible.
As hosts, nonprofits should expect to:

Secure board and organizational support for hosting a Board Fellow and clearly
communicate to staff and board the role of the Board Fellow

Help Board Fellows develop an understanding of the nonprofit’s goals and
challenges

Identify Board Fellow mentor (a member of the board who will serve as the
fellow’s primary contact and guide)

Provide a formal introduction to your organization’s work
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Invite Board Fellow to meetings and introduce them to board members

Design a specific project that utilizes the student’s business, public policy or
other background expertise and provide the data needed for the Board Fellow to
complete the project

Set outcomes that can be meaningfully completed by the Board Fellow between
October – May that respects students heavy academic commitments

Conduct a final meeting with the Board Fellows
Board Fellow Expectations

Attend all board meetings

Participate in board meetings and on board committees

Be proactive in ensuring a positive experience with the organization
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Work with Mentor/organization to identify and deliver a suitable project to be
completed by May
At Haas, attend all Board Fellow orientation, trainings and complete surveys
Communicate with Mentor, Board Chair or organizational contact regarding
inability to attend meetings or other difficulties
Deliver final presentation to board and Board Fellows staff
Mentor Expectations
Selecting a Mentor for the Board Fellows is one of the most critical aspects of the program.
The mentor will:

guide the Board Fellows through their participation on the board

act as a resource for questions about the organization

educate the Board Fellows about board service
Key characteristics for Mentors include:

established and experienced board member

familiarity with the organization

interested in working with Board Fellows

good communicator

able to commit time to help the Board Fellows

reliable

regular attendee at board meetings
Time Commitment
The Mentor should anticipate spending 3 hours/ month assisting the Board Fellow(s).
Participation in events hosted by the Center for Social Sector Leadership (CSSL) will be
approximately 2 hours at the beginning of the program.
Important Dates
Application Process
Nonprofit Applications
Student Info Sessions
Student Applications
Student and Nonprofit Notification
Program Year
Kick-off Meeting *
Mid-Year Training *
Final project due / board presentation*
* Mandatory, details TBA.
Due August 14, 2015
Early September
Due September 12, 2015
October 5, 2015
October 21, 2015
Early February
Early May
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Selection and Matching
How are Board Fellows selected for the program?
Fellows are selected based on the following:

Submission of a thoughtful and thorough application

Interest in nonprofit and board service work

Professional and relevant skills

Commitment to the time required (8 hours/month)

Ability to attend mandatory training sessions
What are the typical backgrounds of Board Fellows?

Diversity of work experience and backgrounds
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1st or 2nd year MBA, MPP, MPH or other graduate level student at UC Berkeley

3-5 years of professional work experience
How is the nonprofit organization selected for the program?
Nonprofits are selected based on the following:

Submission of a thoughtful and thorough application

Commitment to developing new leaders

Commitment to board development

Organizational stability

Identification of Mentor who is available 2-3 hours/month

Secured agreement from the board of directors to participate in the program

Clear articulation of Board Fellow’s committee, project scope and deliverables
How are Board Fellows and organizations matched?
Matches are made according to the student’s professional skills, industry or personal
interest and how these align with the nonprofit mission and board-related project.
Committees and Sample Projects
What are appropriate and realistic projects for Board Fellows?

Board development: Recruiting next generation board members

Feasibility study: Develop a market feasibility study about how to generate
revenue through space rental

Marketing: Create a presentation on health disparities and resiliency factors
relating to organizational mission

Resource Development: Identify and link organization with community or
university resources

Program assessment: Assess a program’s effectiveness as a violence prevention
tool
Contact Information & Applications
Online applications: http://bit.ly/boardfellows
CSSL Website: http://bit.ly/haas-cnpl
CNPL Facebook: http://on.fb.me/cnpl-fb
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Additional information or questions: socialimpact@haas.berkeley.edu
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