Democracy Camp in Berkeley

A male student listens thoughtfully with hand on chin

Democracy Camp Crowdfund Campaign

This October, help us train the next generation of public service leaders! Support Democracy Camp!

Missed the info session?

Email matsuicenter@berkeley.edu to request a recording of our 9/18/24 info session.

Democracy Camp Journals

2024 Democracy Camp in Berkeley Journal

April 15, 2024
Day 1: Monday 3/25/2024

We kicked off Democracy Camp with breakfast, some warm-up activities, and a rundown of our schedule. Anticipation buzzed as we geared up to welcome our first guest speaker, Anya Ku. Anya is a proud double Cal...Read more about 2024 Democracy Camp in Berkeley Journal

2022 Democracy Camp in Berkeley Journal

March 24, 2022
Day 1: Monday 3/21/2022

Over coffee and fresh fruit, Democracy Camp kicked off with the cohort gathering outside for breakfast conversation and a discussion with IGS Director Lisa García Bedolla. As the Vice Provost for Graduate Studies,...Read more about 2022 Democracy Camp in Berkeley Journal

Access the application

Applications are due by Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 11:59pm.

Program Overview

  • Students participate in a series of meetings with local and state leaders and gain exposure to different facets of public service: legislative paths, community organizations, local and state government, legal fields, research, and philanthropy.
  • Students have opportunities to expand their network and form meaningful connections with each other and with public service professionals (many of whom are Cal alumni).
  • The program provides professional development and skill-building workshops, such as a resume workshop, networking practice, and more.
  • Participants go on a field trip to Sacramento and meet with professionals in the state capital.
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20 people in professional clothing standing in front of the California State Capitol building on a sunny day

2024 Democracy Camp in Berkeley field trip to Sacramento

A person writes on note paper

Students learn about public service career paths and prepare to meet with guest speakers

Young people present their notes to a room full of people

Students lead a learning activity (March 2024)

A woman in professional clothing speakers while another woman listens

Meeting with Andrea Amavisca, Government Affairs Manager at the California Immigrant Policy Center (March 2024)

A group of people in professional clothing pose for a group photo in an interior conference room

Meeting with Khydeeja Alam, Executive Director of the CA Commission on Asian & Pacific Islander American Affairs

Two men in conversation

City Council Member and former Mayor of Emeryville John J. Bauters speaks with students (March 2024)

A group of young people stand outside and speak and gesticulate while holding up fingers

Students participate in a team-building activity (March 2024)

Eligibility

  • Open to all majors and years, including freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors who will graduate in May 2025, as well as transfer students.
  • This is a fully in-person program; students must be enrolled at UC Berkeley in Spring 2025.
  • Students are required to attend a cohort welcome event and mandatory orientation during the spring semester.

Program Dates

Democracy Camp in Berkeley takes place during UC Berkeley's spring break (Monday, March 24 – Thursday, March 27, 2025). Students are expected to attend a mandatory orientation and may also be invited to attend additional program activities in the first half of the spring semester (more information will be shared with accepted program participants prior to the start of the semester).

Cost

There is no cost to participate in Democracy Camp. The program covers meals for all four days, transit to Sacramento, as well as learning materials. Personal expenses, such as spring break housing and professional clothing, are not covered by the program.

Is this program right for me?

  • Democracy Camp in Berkeley is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in public service at the local or state level, both in government and in non-government sectors (non-profits, research and academia, legal fields, etc.).

  • This program is particularly useful to underclassmen and first-year transfer students who are discerning their career goals. Students learn about campus public service opportunities, including internship programs and research opportunities.

  • Depending on the expressed interests of the incoming cohort, students may also have opportunities to learn about graduate/professional school.

Thank you for supporting the next generation of public service leaders!

Stay tuned for this year's Democracy Camp Crowdfunding Campaign, launching in October 2024!

Topics

Democracy Camp Berkeley topic page, Fellowships topic page