West LA Times

The Extension divisions of UCLA and UC Berkeley have received a $12 million gift from professor, author, and entrepreneur Scott Galloway to fund the creation of a new program designed to provide non-traditional students with the skills and resources necessary to launch their careers.

The donation, which will be evenly distributed between the two universities, is one of the largest contributions focused on University of California continuing and professional education, according to leaders at UCLA and UC Berkeley Extension.

“The accessibility and affordability of UCLA and UC Berkeley changed my life,” said Galloway, an alumnus of both institutions. “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.”

The new UC Excelerator program, set to begin this fall, targets community college graduates and individuals with limited college experience. The initiative will offer career-focused coursework, networking opportunities, and access to industry leaders at no cost.

“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,” said UCLA Chancellor Gene Block. “Scott 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.”

Galloway earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from UCLA in 1987 and a master’s in business administration from UC Berkeley in 1992. A faculty member at New York University’s Stern School of Business since 2002, Galloway has founded multiple companies centered on business intelligence and e-commerce. He has authored several New York Times bestsellers and hosts the podcasts “Pivot” and “ProfG.”

Through this gift, students accepted into the program will participate in tuition-free classes aimed at promoting professional development. These courses will assist them in beginning new careers or advancing their current career paths. The Fall 2024 UC Excelerator offerings at UCLA will focus on business and entrepreneurship while UC Berkeley's program will emphasize data analytics, facilities management, and project management.

“We are grateful to Scott Galloway for his generosity and forward thinking, using continuing education as a pathway to help students achieve their potential,” said UCLA Extension Dean Eric Bullard. “This gift will impact students looking to gain the skills necessary to launch their careers. We look forward to working with UC Berkeley as we launch the UC Excelerator.”

“Berkeley’s value to society needs to continually evolve to serve as wide a cross-section of people as it can,” said UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons. “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.”