Starting Point

Starting Point Mentorship Program

Background image: Students sitting on stairs talking to each other with a yellow wave in front.

Program Information:

The Starting Point Mentorship Program (SPMP) pairs eligible community college students with current UC Berkeley student mentors that offer guidance, motivation and access to admissions, campus, and community resources. The program is specifically designed to encourage California Community College students from all backgrounds to explore their academic potential and prepare for transfer to UC Berkeley and other 4-year universities. Mentoring is conducted through: Zoom, email, phone calls, campus visits, workshops, and the use of online technologies. 

Benefits of the Program:

  • One-on-one Mentorship
  • Access to Workshops
  • Campus Visits
  • Build Community
  • Application Advice

TESTIMONIALS

Being a mentor through the Starting Point Mentorship Program has been such a rewarding experience since being at UC Berkeley. I felt excited to help others grow through this challenging process. Over the course of the semester, I discovered that what matters the most was my presence and commitment to helping [mentees] succeed.
Mentor, Fall 2025
My favorite part of the program was all the support, encouragement, and information my mentor gave me - it really motivated me and gave me a better understanding of how to transfer to UC Berkeley and how to succeed at whereever I do transfer to.
Mentee, Fall 2018
My favorite part was learning very detailed information about the opportunities offered at Cal, such as conducting research, participating in internships, studying abroad, etc.
Mentee, Spring 2019