March 17, 2026

UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center (GGSC) is now accepting applications to join the Bridging Differences in Higher Education Learning Fellowship, an 8-month facilitated virtual learning community running from September 2026 through May 2027.

Application Deadline: May 30, 2026

The experience centers on the GGSC’s Bridging Differences free online course, providing a science-based common reference point for fostering constructive dialogue across lines of race, religious faith, politics, and beyond.

About the Fellowship

This opportunity is open to any higher education professional in the United States—faculty, staff, or administrator. Participants will gain research-based skills from the GGSC’s online course, Bridging Differences Playbook, and new Bridging Differences in Higher Education Playbook.

Note: There is no cost to participate in the learning fellowship, nor does it provide recipients with financial support.

We are now accepting applications for:

1. The Campus Cohort

Designed as an introductory learning experience for those interested in applying bridge-building principles to their campus environment. Open to faculty, administrators, or staff from individual U.S. colleges and universities.

Apply for the Campus Cohort!

2. The Organizational Cohort

For representatives from independent organizations (not affiliated with a single university) working to bridge differences on at least five different college campuses. Designed for those with prior experience in cross-group dialogue to sharpen their expertise, strengthen connections with peers, and advance the field.

Apply for the Organizational Cohort!

What Previous Participants Say:

“A tremendous opportunity to set the bar high for bridging differences and explore how it can be done with a plethora of tools and practical strategies.”

“The best part, by far, were the discussions with colleagues around the U.S. ... Their enthusiasm for this work was infectious and exciting to me.”

Learning Objectives

Learning Fellows will:

  • Develop a deeper understanding of science-based strategies to bridge differences.
  • Explore how these strategies can be applied in different settings on college campuses.
  • Hone specific skills that can support efforts to bridge differences.
  • Connect with other leaders to identify new collaborators and allies.
  • Understand the character strengths that support—and are strengthened by—the practice of bridging differences.
  • (Organizational Cohort only) Coalesce around a set of best practices and goals for the field.

Timeline & Schedule

Sessions run for 90 minutes (10:00 am - 11:30 am PT) on the following dates:

  • Friday, September 11, 2026 (Kick-off)
  • Friday, October 2, 2026
  • Friday, November 6, 2026
  • Friday, December 4, 2026
  • Friday, January 8, 2027
  • Friday, February 5, 2027
  • Friday, March 5, 2027
  • Friday, April 2, 2027 (Closing)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can participate?

Campus Cohort: Higher education leaders—including faculty, administrators, and staff—focused on bridging divides on their college/university campus.

Organizational Cohort: Representatives of independent organizations (not affiliated with a single university) who are working to bridge differences on multiple campuses.

What are the eligibility requirements?

  • Applicants must work in higher education—either as faculty, staff, or an administrator on a college or university campus, preferably located in the United States, or by supporting campus professionals on different campuses.
  • A single individual can apply for both cohorts, but they can only participate in a single cohort.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. Upon completing the learning fellowship, you will receive a certificates of completion from the GGSC. Those who complete the Bridging Differences online course will also receive a certificate of completion from the course platform, edX.

Program Team & Contact

Juliana Tafur: Program Director
Criss Cuervo: Program Coordinator

Questions? Please email bridgingcourse@berkeley.edu

This Learning Fellowship is supported by generous grants from the Educating Character Initiative at Wake Forest University and the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations.