About the Program

The Matsui Pathways to Federal Public Service Fellowship Program is a new, holistic, and immersive experience that opens doors and increases access to opportunities to work in DC-based federal government and government-adjacent roles by offering:

financial support  |  exposure to public service career paths in or alongside federal government  |  mentorship  |  career readiness training

The Pathways to Federal Public Service Fellowship Program is designed to inspire students who represent a diverse cross section of society – particularly first-generation and low-income students – to enter federal public service. Our goal is to provide UC Berkeley students with the resources, support, training, and experience needed to create a pathway into federal changemaking spaces. 

The program is facilitated by the Institute of Governmental Studies’ Matsui Center in partnership with Cal in the Capital. The dual program is designed to increase access to Cal in the Capital for 15 students who are low-income, first generation, or nontraditional students, and who envision themselves working in or alongside the federal government. 

Both programs work together to provide complementary professional development curriculum, summer internship opportunities, connection with Cal alumni, and general student support. Pathways Fellows are expected to participate in and complete requirements for both programs.

Coursework

All fellows are required to complete Political Science 110F (1 unit, meets 4-6pm on Wednesdays) and the CITC (2 unit, time TBD) DeCal in the spring semester of their Pathways Fellowship year.

Christine Trost teaching DC fellows about the structure of the federal government

  • PS110F is designed to prepare Fellows for their summer internships. The course provides an introduction to the nation's capital, U.S. government and policymaking, and careers in or alongside federal government.
  • Students also receive training in policy memo writing and how to navigate the internship placement process, including resume and cover letter workshops, and robust support as they apply, interview, and secure an internship placement.

Note that this course, which meets on Wednesdays 4-6pm, is considered an elective and does not count towards the Political Science major.

Professional Development

During the spring semester, Fellows receive professional development training that not only helps them to secure a summer internship, but also instills lifelong professional skills and career resources.

Cal students writing during a professional development workshop in Washington, D.C.

Fellows participate in class workshops on resume writing, professional email writing, policy memo writing, interview skills, networking, professional etiquette, and more. In addition, Fellows receive robust one-on-one feedback on their resume and other application materials for their summer internship.

Internship

During the summer, Fellows complete a 9-week D.C.-based public service internship working in or alongside the federal government.

Democracy Camp fellow Stacy Giu speaking to a public service professional during a Matsui Center programPathways interns work 5 days per week (30-40 hours), Monday through Friday. The 2027 internship program begins in early June and ends in mid-August.

The Matsui Center maintains relationships with partnering institutions in the Washington D.C. area. Early in the spring semester, students receive support in identifying offices that are accepting applications from Cal in the Capital Pathways Fellows. Students spend the remainder of the semester securing and preparing for their summer internship. 

Pathways students are expected to secure an internship related to federal policymaking or governance and public service. This includes offices in all three branches of the federal government and nonpartisan nonprofits, think tanks, and advocacy organizations that seek to influence federal policymaking. While campaign organizations and private/for-profit government relations firms do important work and can shape public policy in critical ways, they do not fall within the nonpartisan, public service mission and focus of the Pathways program.

Note that students are discouraged from taking classes during their summer internship. The internship is an absorbing experience, and we want students to be able to take full advantage of the opportunities that the internship and DC present without the added strain of coursework.