FAQ

Essential Information

What is included in the online portion of the program? How much time will these sessions take?

The online sessions of the program will be both synchronous (live over Zoom) and asynchronous (recordings of the live Zoom sessions). There may be a delay in providing the asynchronous (recorded) material due to editing and accessibility review. Once editing is completed, the recordings will be shared and can be viewed at your convenience.

The online sessions will begin with program orientation, and leadership and staff introductions. The additional sessions will feature lecture and discussion lead by one of our distinguished ELP faculty. Topic to be determined.

There will be two online Zoom sessions. The online sessions will be on June 15 and July 16, between 8 am and 10 am (PDT). To see what time our Zoom sessions will be for you, go to this time zone converter and enter your city/time zone. Please note that during the program, California will be in Pacific Daylight Time, not Pacific Standard Time.

What is included in the in-person program?

We are planning to start the 2027 in-person program on July 1, and end on July 16. This will include lectures, leadership and professional skills workshops, and group projects. We will also have field visits, a welcome reception, a certificate ceremony on the final day, and a special reception hosted by Rausser College of Natural Resources with the friends and supporters of the program and UC Berkeley leadership. You will be provided with housing and most meals for the duration of the in-person portion of the program.

Will you offer any scholarships?

The Beahrs ELP has resources to offer a limited number of partial scholarships of various amounts each year. The scholarships can only be used toward the program fees, which includes lodging and accommodations, and cannot be used for travel or visa application fees. When you apply, there will be a  online application where you can indicate if you would like to be considered for scholarship. To have the best chances of receiving a scholarship, we recommend that you apply before the first round of scholarship review. The deadlines for each round of scholarship review are:

First Round of Scholarship Review: Friday, November 6, 2026
Second Round of Scholarship Review: Friday, January 15, 2027
If you apply after January 15, your application will still be reviewed and considered for the program. Scholarship funds are limited. For more information on the criteria used to assess scholarships, visit our Beahrs ELP Costs page.

What is the format of the 2027 program?

The 2027 Beahrs ELP will be in-person with a few online sessions prior to the in-person program. The online portion of the program will take place on June 15 and June 16. The in-person portion will take place from July 1 to July 16, 2027, on UC Berkeley’s campus. Both portions of the program are required to complete the course.

Since 2023, the Beahrs ELP has adopted a hybrid format. We have had positive feedback from ELP participants encouraging us to continue with this model for the program.

How much does the program cost?

The total program fee will be $9,100 USD. You will be provided with housing and most meals for the duration of the in-person portion, and will need to bring approximately $500 USD for any personal expenses, as well as arrange your own travel (both international and domestic) to and from Berkeley.

What if I cannot travel to Berkeley for the in-person portion?

We understand that this may be an issue some applicants face, and which is out of their control. Some applicants have encountered challenges such as the inability to obtain funding, visa delays or denials, illness, etc. This is unfortunate, but if this is the case we would recommend you wait to attend the 2028 Beahrs ELP or a future edition of the program. For more information, please read our cancellation policy and deadlines.
 

Additional Information

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General

Will I be able to access the UC Berkeley libraries?

Please refer to the campus library access page.

Are there any COVID-related precautions or testing recommendations I should know about?

We follow the State of California, the City of Berkeley, and UC Berkeley guidelines and recommendations regarding COVID-19, which may change between now and the start of the program. We will update this page if new information arises, and will also communicate any important changes to applicants. Below, we provide links to information on COVID and other health concerns for travelers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

You can find UC Berkeley’s health recommendations here. As of September 2025, the relevant information for Beahrs ELP participants is as follows:

  • Travelers are no longer required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
  • There are currently no mask requirements, however it is recommended in the following circumstances:
    • When you are ill with COVID-19 or any respiratory virus
    • When you have recently been exposed to COVID-19 and are visiting someone who is immunocompromised, elderly, or otherwise at high risk for severe disease
    • If you are at high risk for severe disease, and you are in a crowded indoor public setting
    • For protection against wildfire smoke or other contaminants
    • If you tested positive for COVID (Recommendations if you tested positive)

The State of California and the CDC have issued the following recommendations:

  • All travelers arriving in or returning to California from other states or countries should follow State of California and CDC Guidance on COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.
  • All travelers who test positive or develop symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate and follow public health recommendations.
  • Fully vaccinated travelers:
    • Are less likely to get and spread COVID-19, and can travel safely within the United States and California.
    • If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses, please mask, test and isolate.
  • For more information on the CDC’s recommendations and requirements for any type of illness and general health concerns for travelers, please read their Travelers' Health website.

When in Berkeley you will not be able to get COVID tests on campus, as those are reserved for staff and students. However, there are local pharmacies and stores where you can purchase test kits and/or urgent care centers to get tested in the area. (Testing Off Campus | University Health Services (berkeley.edu) .

The Beahrs ELP will have limited COVID test kits and masks available if the need arises.