GiGS Mentees Being a GiGS MenteeGiGS is open to all students and is dedicated to assisting first-generation, low-income, transfer, and other students historically underrepresented in higher education. Mentees are UC Berkeley students graduating after December 2026 who work with graduate student mentors throughout the academic year to learn about the research landscape, graduate school, becoming a competitive graduate school applicant, and develop goals for post-graduation plans. Benefits Create application materials Receive assistance from mentors on writing personal statements, resumes/CVs, and other graduate school, research, and internship application materials. Form a plan Create a timeline for post-graduate plans, and get help selecting a research program, graduate program or create an alternative plan. GiGS staff will also provide students with a “Life After Undergrad” workshop. Workshops and resources GiGS will provide workshops throughout the year on applying to competitive summer research opportunities, writing a personal statement, GRE preparation, funding opportunities and much more. Eligibility Be a UC Berkeley undergraduate Must be a student who will not graduate before Fall 2026 and commit to the GiGS program for the full academic year (Fall and Spring). GiGS classes take place Fridays from 1-3PM for both semesters. There is no GPA requirement or other academic requirements to join as a mentee. Submit an application and add yourself to the waitlist For consideration, mentees must submit an online application and add themselves to the course waitlist. Please note that space is limited and not all mentees will be selected, although it is our intention to enroll as many students as possible. After selection, mentees will sign a contract stating they will fulfill the requirements. APPLICATION Online Mentee Application Add yourself to the waitlist Please note: Selected students must attend the first class on Friday, August 29 at 1PM Application Deadline: Sunday, August 3, 2025 at 11:59PM Notifications: Friday, August 15, 2025 Mentee Requirements Meet with your mentor Required to meet with a mentor for a minimum of three times per semester, and are also welcome to meet with the GiGS team. Attend workshops and ceremonies Mentees are required to attend our weekly seminar and specific events: GiGS Kick-Off: Friday, September 19, 2025 1 – 3PM CA Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education (UC Merced): Saturday, October 18, 2025, all day GiGS End of Semester Events (take place during class times)