Democracy Camp in DC

A group of students take a selfie in front of the US Capitol

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Your support makes it possible for students — most of whom have never been to our nation’s capitol — to travel to Washington, DC for an immersive experience that helps them engage in public service at the federal level.

DC in DC Student Journals

2026 Democracy Camp in DC Journal

June 17, 2026
Day 1: Friday, May 22, 2026: Arrival

After months of anticipation, I finally boarded my flight to Washington, D.C., a city I had never visited before, but one that has long felt symbolic of power, policy, and possibility.

When I arrived...Read more about 2026 Democracy Camp in DC Journal

2025 Democracy Camp in DC Journal

June 24, 2025
Friday, May 23rd

On Friday, May 23rd, I woke up at 5:00 a.m. sharp. It was the day I'd been waiting for since I had graduated a few days before. I was flying to Washington D.C. for the Democracy Camp program! I messaged the group chat with my cohort last night if anyone wanted to...Read more about 2025 Democracy Camp in DC Journal

2023 Democracy Camp in DC Journal

June 14, 2023
Friday, May 19th

Flying over the lush greenery and tiny monuments, I was starting to get jittery with excitement about what the week had in store for me. I never thought I would have the opportunity to be in D.C. and somehow, I managed my way there. I could not wait...Read more about 2023 Democracy Camp in DC Journal

Cal Undergrads Chart a Path to Public Service in Year 2 of the Democracy Camp in DC pilot program

June 14, 2023
Cal Undergrads Chart a Path to Public Service in Year 2 of the Democracy Camp in DC pilot program “Flying over the lush greenery and tiny monuments, I was starting to get jittery with excitement about what the week had in store for me. I never thought I would have the opportunity to be in D.C....Read more about Cal Undergrads Chart a Path to Public Service in Year 2 of the Democracy Camp in DC pilot program

2022 Democracy Camp in DC Journal

June 24, 2022
Sunday, May 22 2022

Today was a day of remembrance and reflection. We were touring the National Mall in DC, although I have my reservation on what a mall resembles, let's not get into that. In today's venture, we had our first stop at the Jefferson memorial; at first glance,...Read more about 2022 Democracy Camp in DC Journal

Applications for the 2027 Democracy Camp in DC program are closed.

Program Overview - DC IN DC WILL PAUSE IN 2027 AND RESUME IN 2028

(CHECK BACK WITH US IN THE FALL OF 2027 AND APPLY TO BE A 2028 DC IN DC FELLOW!)

  • A cohort of 15 undergraduate students travel to Washington, DC for a 9-day immersive experience in our nation’s capital.
  • Students stay in shared housing at the UC Washington Center (UCDC), situated in the heart of DC, and have opportunities to explore the city and visit sites of cultural and historical significance.
  • The program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing public service careers at the federal level. Students participate in a series of meetings with political appointees, career staff, and elected officials in the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches, and learn about career opportunities in these fields.
  • 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.
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A group of people in professional clothing pose with Congresswoman Barbara Lee in a stately interior room

2024 Democracy Camp in DC students meet with Congresswoman Barbara Lee

A woman points at a powerpoint with a organization chart of the Government of the United States

Students learn about the structure of the United States Federal Government (May 2024)

People speak at a conference table

Students meet with a leadership panel at the U.S. Department of Education

A woman speaking

2024 Democracy Camp student Ash Rosas at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building

A woman speaking

2024 Democracy Camp student Paloma Foster speaking with staff in the office of Congresswoman Doris Matsui

Three people in professional clothing in front of the US Supreme Court building. The center figure wears a graduation tassel.

2024 Democracy Camp students visit the Supreme Court of the United States

A woman speaks in front of powerpoint that reads What are your networking goals

Program Manager Megan Collins leads a networking workshop (May 2024)

A group of people listen to a woman standing in front of a portrait of Michelle Obama

Visiting the National Portrait Gallery (May 2024)

Eligibility

  • Open to all majors.
  • Eligible students must be sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Students who will graduate in May are eligible. First-year transfer students are eligible.
  • Students must be enrolled at UC Berkeley in the spring and available to participate in mandatory workshops and group activities held during the spring semester (approximately 2 per month).
  • This program is designed to serve first-generation, transfer, and/or non-traditional students.
  • Priority status is given to applicants who have not previously had the opportunity to visit Washington, DC.

Program Dates

Democracy Camp in DC commences one week after the end of the spring semester and lasts 9 days. Students are expected to attend mandatory orientations and may also be invited to attend additional program activities throughout 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 roundtrip flights from either LAX or SFO, lodging at UCDC, ground transit, group meals, and group activities. Personal expenses, such as souvenirs, unofficial activities, travel supplies and professional clothing, are not covered by the program.

Is this program right for me?

  • Democracy Camp in DC is focused on federal government; students who are curious about pursuing a career or internship in government in Washington, DC, are encouraged to apply.

Topics

Democracy Camp in DC topic page, Fellowships topic page