Bergeron Scholars Program for Women Expanded to University of California at Berkeley

Sandra and Douglas Bergeron Increase Commitment to $1.5 million to Fund Scholarship and Mentoring Program for Women in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sandra and Douglas G. Bergeron announced today the establishment of a scholarship-mentorship endowment at the University of California, Berkeley, for undergraduate women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This extends the very successful program initiated in 2006 at Georgia State University to assist high-potential women with financial awards and a one-on-one mentorship program. Since 2006, 25 Bergeron Scholars have been named and several have already graduated and begun exciting technology careers.

“We are delighted to expand the program to UC Berkeley, where we can leverage the rich supply of female executive talent in Silicon Valley.”

At UC Berkeley, five women will be selected each year to receive scholarship benefits, academic support and pairings with executive level women mentors in their chosen fields. Mrs. Bergeron will serve as chairwoman of the mentorship committee tasked with the recruitment of successful female technology executives.

“Sandra and Doug Bergeron are making a tremendous contribution to support young women in science and technology majors at UC Berkeley who show great promise and leadership potential in the technology industries,” said David Blinder, Associate Vice Chancellor for University Relations. “We look forward to working with them in recruiting some of the top women executives in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley to participate in the unique mentoring aspect of the program.”

In addition to the scholarship funding and mentorship relationship, each Bergeron Scholar will gain access to a comprehensive suite of support resources from UC Berkeley’s Division of Equity & Inclusion. A partnership between the New Experiences for Research and Diversity in Science program (NERDS) and Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) programs will provide services including funding for internships, academic assistance, networking, and career development opportunities aimed at helping the students achieve their full potential.

Sandra Bergeron is one of the most highly regarded female technology leaders in Silicon Valley. She is a venture partner with Trident Capital, and a director of Qualys Inc., Sophos plc, and chairman of TraceSecurity, Inc. Douglas G. Bergeron has been CEO of VeriFone Systems, Inc. (NYSE:PAY) since 2001. VeriFone employs nearly 4,000 people in 120 countries.

Sandra Bergeron said, “We are delighted to expand the program to UC Berkeley, where we can leverage the rich supply of female executive talent in Silicon Valley.”

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