The Student Technology Fund (STF) was voted into place by student referendum in Spring 2014, to advance undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students’ academic and co-curricular experiences at UC Berkeley. While the STF expired in 2021, many programs that it funded continue to flourish. Over its lifetime, it funded about 500 grant projects as well as software licensing for students. The STF also was instrumental in the development of:
- short- and long-term laptop, hotspot, and iClicker lending programs, including what is now the Student Technology Equity Program (STEP)
- student helpdesk (tech support)
- tech-enabled spaces across campus, allowing for webcast lectures and AV-enabled meeting rooms
- makerspaces and computer labs equipped with 3D printers and laser printing
The Student Technology Fund (STF) equitably and transparently stewarded use of student fees in support of technology initiatives that advanced undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students’ academic and co-curricular experiences at UC Berkeley. The STF supported efforts that spanned academic disciplines. It championed initiatives that were both innovative and practical in nature. It conducted this work while paying particular attention to ensuring that the needs of historically underserved students were equitably met. STF centered students' voices as agents of their own resources and included a diverse representation from the community in its Committee and staff composition.