Welcome to the Big Ideas and Mastercard Foundation Alumni Scholars application portal! The system will begin accepting applications in mid-September, so please check back then. If you have any questions between now and the application deadline (Dec. 6, 1pm PT) about rules and eligibility, please refer to the program websites, contact us directly at bigideas@berkeley.edu, or schedule an appointment with a Big Ideas advisor.
Please note:
1. To be eligible to apply for the Big Ideas Contest, you must be a currently matriculated (degree-seeking) UC Berkeley student.
2. To be eligible to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Impact Fund, you must be a Mastercard Foundation Alumni Scholar who has graduated, or will graduate before May 2024.
UC Berkeley students are invited to submit a 3-page, pre-proposal by Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 1 pm (PT). All applicants will receive detailed judging feedback and will be notified of their status for the final round of the competition in late January.
Mastercard Foundation Alumni Scholars (only) are invited to submit a 3-page, pre-proposal by Wednesday, December 6, 2022, at 1 pm (PT). All applicants will receive detailed judging feedback and will be notified of their status for the final round of the competition in late-January.
If you have any questions regarding your eligibility for this program please contact Phillip Denny, Director of the Big Ideas Contest, at pdenny@berkeley.edu.