About Sage

About Sage

Sage is UC Berkeley's largest student-led elementary school mentorship program, connecting Cal students with local classrooms across the East Bay. Through weekly school visits, academic support, and relationship-based mentorship, Sage mentors are a consistent and positive presence in the lives of the K-6 students we serve. Our goal is to help to build a more supportive and nurturing community that all children can thrive in.

Sage mentors and students together
01

Who We Are

Sage is a community of UC Berkeley students who are committed to creating strong and long-lasting relationships with elementary schoolers. We believe mentorship works best when it is consistent and rooted in care, and want to help kids not only on their academic journey, but also with their confidence, curiosity, and sense of belonging.

02

Why Sage Exists

Many local elementary schools are unfortunately understaffed and have large class sizes with students who need more individualized support than teachers can realistically give them. At the same time, many Berkeley students want to give back to the community in a direct and meaningful way. Sage brings these needs together by connecting schools with eager and hardworking Cal mentors.

03

How Sage Works

Sage reaches out to teachers at our partner schools to see what specific help they need, ranging from general classroom academic assistance to individual emotional support. Mentors are trained and show up consistently throughout the year at a time of their convenience. Sage provides transportation, ongoing support, and a strong community for mentors.

Our Impact

Sage mentors show up each week and make a lasting difference in the lives of elementary students and in our community.

200+
Active Mentors

Berkeley students serving as mentors in local elementary classrooms.

2,500+
Mentor Hours

Hours of mentorship, classroom support, and student connection each semester.

600+
Students Reached

Estimated elementary students supported through Sage classrooms each semester.

6
Partner Schools

Elementary schools across Oakland and Richmond with plans to continue expanding.

15+
Years of Impact

More than a decade of connecting Cal students with local elementary school communities.

Our goal is to help to build a more supportive and nurturing community that all children can thrive in.
Leela Venkatesan, Former President of Sage

Partner Schools

Sage is proud to partner with 6 local elementary schools across the East Bay. We are excited to continue building long-term relationships with the students, teachers, and staff at these wonderful schools.

Leadership

Sage is led by a dedicated team of student leaders who are responsible for the entire operations of the club. Feel free to reach out to any of them with questions!

JB

James Bowers

President
president@sagementorship.org
MR

Marisol Ramirez

Vice President
vp@sagementorship.org
JY

Justin Yu

VP Recruitment
recruitment@sagementorship.org
AS

Ashlyn Swanson

Managing Director
managingdirector@sagementorship.org
NG

Neha Gottimukkala

Community Projects Delegate
cpdelegate@sagementorship.org
CL

Chad Lee

VP Finance
finance@sagementorship.org
AL

Adamary Larios

VP Social
social@sagementorship.org
AF

Abigail Flores

DeCal Facilitator
decal@sagementorship.org
VV

Vianey Vidal Salas

Fairmont Director
fairmont@sagementorship.org
HY

Hannah Yoo

Acorn Woodland Director
acornwoodland@sagementorship.org
NS

Nathaniel Seale

Sankofa Director
sankofa@sagementorship.org
BB

Burak Baktir

Fruitvale Director
fruitvale@sagementorship.org
DC

Daksha Chaddha

Emerson Director
emerson@sagementorship.org
YG

Yash Gupta

Lockwood Director
lockwood@sagementorship.org
DC

David Cho

Reimbursement Official
assistantfinance@sagementorship.org
EL

Erica Lee

Social Co-Chair
NV

Narine Vanetsyan

DeCal Facilitator
LS

Leni Schneider

VP Marketing
CL

Carly Lo

VP Marketing