In the early 1980’s, Bernstein participated in the reorganization of the Baltimore City College Alumni Association and the transition for the Trustees of the Baltimore City College Scholarship Funds, serving terms as president of both organizations and opting later for board member emeritus status. In conjunction with setting the “175 Thought Provoking Year” theme for the 1988-1989 sesquicentennial, he suggested the revival of Hall of Fame induction and the use of an 18-month year in order to include the 100th City-Poly Game in the festivities. To recognize extraordinary faculty effort in terms of student retention, Bernstein originated the Golden Apple Aware in 1993. In conjunction with setting the “Castle Celebration” theme for the building’s 75th anniversary in 2003, Bernstein conducted the 75 Thousand Campaign with exceeded by nine its goal of obtaining 75 individual thousand-dollar contributions in one year.

Twice he received the Alumni Association Leo Award for alumni service. In 2006, he was inducted in to the Baltimore City College Hall of Fame. Because of his advocacy, the high school building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003 and was designated a Baltimore City Landmark in 2007. For acquiring the listing and designation and for instigating the 2006 removal of the structurally and aesthetically damaging communication antennae from the building’s tower, Bernstein received a 2007 Historic Preservation Honor Award from Baltimore Heritage. In 2009, he arranged for the naming of William Donald Schaefer Auditorium at the Baltimore City College. Currently, the removal of the International Baccalaureate curriculum from the school and return of the City-Poly Game to Thanksgiving occupy top spots on his personal agenda for improvements at BCC.