Give Something Back Undergraduate
Scholarship in Corporate Responsibility
Melissa Medina Becomes the First Winner of the Give Something Back Scholarship Award
Melissa Medina, a junior at the University of California, Berkeley, is the first recipient of the newly created $10,000 Give Something Back CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Scholarship. She is currently pursuing a double major in Business Administration and Political Science, and has been actively involved in philanthropic organizations since high school.
Medina teaches business fundamentals to underprivileged middle school students through the Young Entrepreneurs at Haas (YEAH) program as its Program Manager, and is an active member in the Berkeley Dance Marathon Committee, which has raised close to $50,000 to donate to the Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric Aids Foundation. She also serves as the VP of Finance for Bear Minumum, a campus organization that sells Cal spirit bear hats, and donates its profits to local charities. "This Give Something Back Scholarship relieves my financial tension and allows more time to focus on my ambition and passion to volunteer," said Medina, "for me, this scholarship equates to personal and philanthropic fulfillment."
The Give Something Back Scholarship was established in honor of Paul Newman, and is awarded through the Haas Center for Responsible Business. The scholarship provides $10,000 to a student with financial need, who posseses a strong interest in corporate responsibility, and demonstrates outstanding leadership potential. "We know that a huge percentage of Millennials want to have a positive impact on the world," said Jo Mackness, the center's Executive Director, "and we are delighted that Give Something Back has enabled one of our most deserving undergrads to do just that."
For more details about Melissa Medina please visit:
Haas NewsWire and GSB News Release
In honor of Paul Newman
The Give Something Back CSR Scholarship for Haas Undergraduates provides a $10,000 scholarship, $5,000 per academic year, to an incoming junior to UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business with a commitment to corporate responsibility (CSR). The Give Something Back CSR Scholarship is a unique educational opportunity, which provides for the development of a new generation of business leaders who seek to understand the power of business to create a better world and to integrate this vision into their careers.
Launched in 2009, the Give Something Back CSR Scholarship, funded by the West Coast's largest independent office supplier, Give Something Back Business Products, Inc., was established in honor of Paul Newman, actor and Newman’s Own founder, to recognize his commitment to business’s role in creating positive change in the world. Inspired by Newman’s Own successful business model of giving back to the community, Give Something Back was founded in 1991 to provide great and green office products at superstore prices, while raising funds to support the community.
Selection Criteria
The Give Something Back CSR Scholarship review committee is looking for need-based candidates who are passionate about and exhibit a strong interest in corporate responsibility (CSR), come from an underserved geographical location, and demonstrate outstanding leadership potential and effective communication skills.
- Open to an incoming junior who has been accepted into the undergraduate business program at the UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business
- Demonstrated commitment to corporate responsibility (CSR)
- Expressed plan to pursue a career based on socially responsible principles
- Receive need-based financial aid as an undergraduate or transfer student
- Originate from an underserved geographic location
Recipients of the Give Something Back CSR Scholarship will be required to take a certain number of CSR-related courses during their time at Haas – currently 6 units, which includes the Strategic CSR & Projects course (UGBA 192) – as well as maintain at least a minimum GPA of 3.5.
Application Requirements
The next application process will begin in June 2010.
To be considered for the Give Something Back CSR Scholarship, applicants must submit TWO COPIES each of the following:
- One-page resume that includes work history and/or community service experience.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who are well-acquainted with the student's academic and/or professional work. Please include contact information (phone and email) from the individual making the recommendation.
- Copy of the student’s financial aid award letter for the upcoming academic year.
- Autobiographical statement. Please include answers to the following essay questions regarding your background, and your CSR experience and aspirations. Include your name at the top of each additional page. (1000 words maximum)
- What does corporate responsibility (CSR) mean and why is it important to you?
- Please describe how your life experiences and your background make you well suited to become a Give Something Back CSR Scholar. These could be professional, community, or extracurricular activities that may or may not be reflected on your resume.
- What do you hope to achieve professionally and how will the Haas School, the Center for Responsible Business, and the Give Something Back CSR Scholarship help you achieve these aspirations?
The selection committee – composed of Haas faculty and staff, and representatives from Give Something Back – will select the scholarship recipient based on the above application materials and criteria. A select number of applicants may be invited to interview with members of the selection committee. Students will be notified in mid-August of their application status.
For more information:
Cecilia Pracher
Center for Responsible Business
e. cpracher@haas.berkeley.edu
p. 510.643.7668
