YWCA Shadow Day 2025 Cal Mentors + Volunteer Opportunity!

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Are you a UC Berkeley student passionate about education justice and expanding access to higher education? Become a Shadow Day Cal Mentor and make a difference! For nearly 30 years, we’ve partnered with UC Berkeley students to offer underserved East Bay high school students a chance to experience college life- and we want YOU to join us!

This inspiring event invites East Bay high school students from underserved communities to shadow UC Berkeley students, giving them a glimpse into their potential futures in a supportive, motivating environment. Mentees will experience college life through mock lectures, campus tours, and engaging in panels, workshops, and events that showcase the undergraduate experience.

Shadow Day is focused on recruiting and supporting Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other historically underrepresented students in the UC system. Through this initiative, we aim to help them connect with current Cal students (Cal Mentors) who share similar backgrounds and interests, learn about the college application and financial aid process, and explore their future aspirations.

This year’s 31st annual YWCA Berkeley/Oakland Shadow Day event will take place on Thursday, April 17th, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. As a mentor, you’ll have the chance to bring your high school mentee to your classes, give them a tour of campus, and help them experience what it’s like to be a college student for a day!

How Will Shadow Day Benefit You as a Student?

Being a Cal Mentor allows you to:

• Connect with and serve the East Bay youth and community
• Share your college experiences and insights
• Represent UC Berkeley as a leader in education equity

Important Dates:

• Mentor Registration: https://forms.gle/Xe38CwXr1J1dmCs37
• Volunteer Sign-Up: https://forms.gle/jdxohC7g57NtGyLq8
• Deadline: March 21st, 2025

Volunteer Opportunity:

If you’re interested in supporting the YWCA Berkeley/Oakland Shadow Day as a volunteer, we welcome your help on the event day! Volunteers will assist with logistics and provide support to mentors and students throughout the day. Volunteer hours will be from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and we’ll share further details closer to the event.

Let’s make this Shadow Day an unforgettable experience!