For generations, UC Berkeley has fostered changemakers who strive to leave their mark on the world through positive and sustainable change.
If you find yourself questioning the status quo, seeking to make things better for your community, wanting to build a lasting connection and dreaming of making a meaningful difference—then start here!
In this brand-new, first-year program offered by UC Berkeley, you will embark on the journey of a lifetime to find out who you really are and define the role you want to play in a wonderful new future that we can build together.
You’ll participate in a unique first-year experience. In this diverse and open community of changemakers, your Berkeley classmates, advisers, instructors and faculty are always there to support you. Within this haven, you’ll gain the confidence to do more and take risks.
Think of the Berkeley Changemaker: First Year Experience as Berkeley's laboratory for dreaming, collaborating and leading inclusively.
Start With Our Summer Changemaker Course
Jump right into your changemaking year with our innovative, online course, “The Berkeley Changemaker.”
Meet other incoming Berkeley students from around the world and be introduced to 22 of the campus’ most distinguished faculty members, from 18 departments and seven schools across campus, who will share how they think about changemaking and leadership, and how they put those skills into action.
Develop a sharper sense of who you want to be and gain the tools to be successful throughout your Berkeley career.
Guest faculty will include Chancellor Carol Christ, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and nine Distinguished Teaching Award winners at Berkeley. Learn more about this amazing opportunity!
Make your first year at Berkeley special with this truly life-changing experience!
BERKELEY CHANGEMAKER is a registered trademark of The Regents of the University of California through its Berkeley campus. It is not affiliated with any third parties using “changemaker” or similar terms.