Scott Galloway donates $12 Million to UC Berkeley and UCLA to aid non-traditional students

Scott Galloway, a prominent professor, author, and entrepreneur, has donated $12 million to the Extension divisions of UC Berkeley and UCLA.

The contribution is aimed at helping non-traditional students acquire the skills and resources needed to advance their careers.

The substantial donation from Galloway, who is an alumnus of both universities, will be split evenly between UC Berkeley Extension and UCLA Extension.

Funds will be used to establish the UC Excelerator programme, which is designed to support community college graduates and individuals with limited college experience by providing career-focused education and professional development opportunities.

“The accessibility and affordability of UCLA and UC Berkeley changed my life,” Galloway stated.

“I’m hoping this gift puts the educational resources of both universities within reach for more people and provides skills that lead to the growth of good jobs in the Main Street economy.”

Launching the UC Excelerator Programme

The UC Excelerator programme, which begins this autumn, will offer tuition-free classes, networking opportunities, and access to industry leaders. The programme aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by equipping students with relevant skills for the job market.

At UC Berkeley, the programme will focus on areas such as data analytics, facilities management, and project management. Meanwhile, UCLA will concentrate on business and entrepreneurship, providing a wide array of options for students to choose from.

The initiative builds on the University’s existing Career Navigator platform, launched last year to assist students and alumni in navigating their career paths. The UC Excelerator programme will enhance this by offering more direct connections between students and potential employers, fostering a more practical and skill-based approach to career advancement.

Rich Lyons, Chancellor at UC Berkeley, commented:

“Berkeley's value to society needs to continually evolve to serve as wide a cross-section of people as it can. Scott's continuing commitment with this donation to the UC Excelerator scholarship and past gifts that support the education of first-generation American students is emblematic of the insight he brings to his philanthropy. He provokes us. He makes us better.”

A Commitment to Education and Career Development

Scott Galloway’s contribution is expected to have a profound impact on the career trajectories of non-traditional students. With his background in economics from UCLA and an MBA from UC Berkeley, Galloway has successfully ventured into business intelligence and e-commerce, authored best-selling books, and hosts the podcasts “Pivot” and “ProfG.”

UCLA Chancellor Gene Block highlighted the importance of Galloway’s gift, saying:

“Scott Galloway’s generous gift will help us continue to widen the doors of opportunity and provide our students with the tools and connections needed to thrive in today’s economy. Galloway has been outspoken about the immense impact that UCLA and UC Berkeley had on his life and career, and we are extraordinarily appreciative that he is helping to extend the promise of public higher education to so many others.”