TFI College Application Day at Cal: A Day of Focus, Community, and Future-Building

By: Leah Dobson 

This year’s TFI College Application Day at UC Berkeley was a moment of collective intention, support, and pride. Students, mentors, alumni, and staff gathered at the Fannie Lou Hamer Black Resource Center for a powerful day of practical guidance and community connection.

The morning kicked off with students diving into their UC and CSU applications, supported by mentors who paired up with them to refine PIQs, strengthen responses, and walk through the final details needed for submission. It was a space built for productivity but also for reassurance. Students knew they were not navigating this milestone alone.

One highlight of the day was a conversation and Q&A with current Black Cal students and mentors who offered honest, valuable insights, like, “Dot your i’s and cross your t’s. Leave no stone unturned.”

It was a reminder that preparedness is power and that the details matter when telling your story.

Visitors stopped by to support our Kings through this process and give them encouragement as they move through this important milestone.

A special thank you goes to the Fannie Lou Hamer Center for hosting and supporting us; their partnership continues to make days like this meaningful.

Students wrapped up the day feeling supported, motivated, and seen, surrounded by community as they take one of the biggest steps toward their futures.

Let’s take some time to acknowledge our TFI Kings who are putting in the work and are in the middle of their college application process. If you see a King you recognize, please send them your encouragement and support.

Ahmad Jackson

Alijiah Phelps

Carmelo Harris

Christsean Bardell

Corey Douglas

Darnell Robinson

Diego Padilla

Dylan McCabe

Jarhmani Handy

Jaylin Turner

Josiah Cola

Josiah Watkins

Kaelon Colston

Kaiden Taylor

Kavon Gaines

Kekele Tse Tse

Kingston Baker

Matt Pineda Rios

Naim Mothudi

Nathan Barutwayano

Ricardo Salgado Salas

Raymond Garza

Santos Pablo Jimenez

Sterling Sims

Sutton Wooden

Xavier Phillips

Xavier Board