A Message From Our Co-Founder, Gloria Burkhalter

As an alum from U.C. Berkeley in 1970, and co-founder of GOALS in 1986, I vowed to commit my life towards helping low-income, first-generation college and underrepresented students to gain access to college and to succeed in their educational/career endeavors. This decision was inspired by my experience as an undergraduate student at Cal where as a minority I didn’t feel particularly welcome on campus, and heard remarks that I would not likely succeed. It was the contrasting message that I received from the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) that I belonged at Cal, which empowered me with the strength and motivation to persevere – definitely the catalyst to my successful matriculation to graduation.

One of the most troubling realities that exist at Cal, as well as other UC campuses, is the percentage of low ethnic minority admits.  For example, African Americans represent approximately 3% of the undergraduate student population at Cal.  In consideration of the hundreds of qualified students who apply each year, this alarming percentage of African American admits is unacceptable and must change.

GOALS recognizes the value of having a strong support system of advocates internal and external to educational institutions to promote access and foster academic success. I welcome all EOP alumni and underrepresented students from Cal to join GOALS and become a voice of influence and support for the underserved African-American, Latino/a, Native American, Asian/Pacific Islander students in the Bay Area and UC Berkeley.