The African American Thriving Initiatives Fund

UC Berkeley is building toward a future in which Black and African American students, staff, and faculty are fully supported to thrive. Through the African American Thriving Initiative (AATI), led by the Division of Equity & Inclusion, we are advancing an institutional commitment to equity, belonging, and wellness across campus for all.

Your support advances efforts including:

• K-12 pipeline programs like the Berkeley Black Student Collaboratory (operated by AATI in cooperation with the African American Student Development Office) that foster connections between student communities at Berkeley High School and UC Berkeley

• Financial aid, scholarships, and holistic success coaching through the African American Initiative Scholars Program and the Office of Financial Aid

• Mental health, wellness, and belonging initiatives like The Village, developed and operated by AATI

• Professional development and succession pathways appropriate for Black faculty and staff, coordinated with People & Culture and the Division of Equity & Inclusion

• Annual community events including Black Homecoming and the African American Initiative Scholars Celebration, led by African American Student Development

• The Afro Floor, a living and learning community that builds community with a focus on supporting first year students managed by Residential Life

We’re also investing in transformative partnerships such as the HBCU Exchange Program (managed by African American Studies and AATI) with Spelman and Morehouse, Study Abroad programs with African American Studies and advancing initiatives like the Black Lives at Cal (led by AATI) which documents and celebrates the contributions of the Black community in the UC Berkeley legacy Current Black Public Arts projects are operated in collaboration with with the Berkeley Law School, Cal Memorial Stadium Hall of Fame, Ida Louise Jackson House, Barbara Christian Hall and the Golden Bear Cafe Wall.

The AATI Fund is coordinated by the Director of African American Organizational Transformation in partnership with the African American Student Development Office and Division of Equity & Inclusion.