Six Leadership Award scholars holding Cal signs stand in front of Sather Gate.

The Leadership Award

Established in 1934, the Leadership Award (TLA) offers a multi-year scholarship. It supports visionary, innovative, and inspiring leaders who make a positive impact on their communities. Our scholars are known for their intellectual curiosity and creativity, demonstrating initiative and self-awareness.

As a Leadership Award scholar, how are you going to make your mark at UC Berkeley?

The Leadership Award
TLA Program Details
  1. Enrollment at UC Berkeley.
  2. Participation in retreats, workshops, alumni engagement events, and one-on-one advising throughout the academic year.
  3. “Satisfactory Academic Progress” as defined by the Office of Financial Aid and the scholar’s college.

Award Details

2026–2027 Academic Year

Incoming First-Year & Junior Transfer Cal Students
Incoming First-Year & Junior Transfer Cal Students
Includes

First-year and junior transfer students beginning their first semester at UC Berkeley.

Amount

First-year are able to receive up to $11,600* for up to 4 years, and junior transfer are able to receive up to $11,600* for up to 2 years, disbursed through the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office each Spring.

*Please note that this self help aid amount changes yearly per UC Berkeley guidelines. 

Due Date

Application due June 7, 2026 APPLY HERE!

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements
Incoming First-Years
  • Pell Grant Eligible
  • Be admitted and enroll at UC Berkeley
  • Participate in a virtual interview interview in July 2026
  • Submit a Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) to UC Berkeley by May 1, 2026
Incoming Junior Transfers
  • Pell Grant Eligible
  • Be admitted to and enroll at UC Berkeley
  • Participate in a virtual interview interview in July 2026
  • Submit a Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) to UC Berkeley by June 1, 2026

Application Timeline

Application Timeline
Prospective First Years & Junior Transfers

Application are open from March 2 – June 7, 2026!

Register now and begin your application, HERE!

Application Process

Eligible students go to calalumni.awardspring.com create an account, submit your general application, and apply for the TLA scholarship by June 7, 2026. The chart below outlines the timeline for each phase in the application process:

Prospective Cal students file a UC Application
Students apply online for The Achievement Award Scholarship
 Finalists interview with alumni for the award

2025 2026
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July
Selection Timeline for TLA
Scholarship FAQs

Questions about any of our scholarship programs? Find out about eligibility requirements, application processes, disbursement details, and more.

Learn more
The Achievement Award Program

Since 1999, The Achievement Award Program (TAAP) has provided high-achieving students with significant financial need the resources they need to attend and excel at UC Berkeley.

Learn More