Democracy Camp

group picture of the 2022 democracy camp fellows

2022 Democracy Camp Fellows

How do you take a desire to serve others, to be a change-maker, to have an impact on the issues you care about and transform that into a meaningful public service career? Now offered twice a year (Spring Break and mid-May) and in two locations (Berkeley and Washington, DC), Democracy Camp is designed for Cal undergraduate students interested in enhancing our democracy through public service. This program is designed to train a new generation of leaders: young people who reflect our society and come from all walks of life, especially first-generation, non-traditional, and transfer students.  The goal of Democracy Camp is to help students envision and chart their path to a meaningful public service career. Students who participate in the program complete it feeling engaged, empowered, and informed about how to make an impact in their communities and beyond.

 Questions? Contact matsuicenter@berkeley.edu

Democracy Camp in Berkeley 

(Monday, March 27-Thursday, March 30, 2023)

Over Cal’s Spring Break, students gain exposure to different facets of a public service career: legislative paths, community organizations, local, state, and federal government, and philanthropy. Participants learn from presenters about the opportunities available in these fields and network with presenters and amongst themselves to create a cohort on campus—and beyond—to support their career goals. Additionally, Fellows take a field trip to Sacramento and participate in skill-building workshops that focus on practical and tangible takeaways. Planned activities allow for students to build a cohort that lasts beyond the four-day experience and serves as a vital form of support as they pursue careers in public service. There is no cost to students—all meals and course materials are included.

Read Kate Inman's daily journal from her experience participating in Democracy Camp 2022 here!

 Check out photos from the 2022 Democracy Camp in Berkeley program Here!

Alumni

View a complete list of Democracy Camp in Berkeley participants here.

Democracy Camp in DC 

(Friday, May 19th-Saturday, May 27, 2023)

This year, in an expansion of Democracy Camp, we will select 16 Cal students to travel to Washington, DC for a 10-day immersive experience in our nation’s capital. DC in DC is designed for students who are interested in pursuing public service careers at the federal level. They will meet with public service leaders and change-makers (many of whom are Cal alums) in a variety of fields, tour the Capitol along with other key sites and cultural landmarks, and engage in skill-building workshops designed to provide practical and tangible takeaways. Round trip airfare from SFO, ground transportation, meals, and lodging are provided.

All undergraduate students currently enrolled at UC Berkeley, including international students, are encouraged to apply. All majors and all years are welcome. Participants are expected to attend all program sessions. Please do not apply if you cannot attend the full program.  Students are not eligible to participate in both programs (DC in Berkeley and DC in DC) in the same year.  Past DC in Berkeley participants may apply for the DC in DC program.

Check out photos from the 2022 Democracy Camp in DC program Here!

Alumni

View a complete list of Democracy Camp in DC participants here.

2023 Applications are now closed 

Contact: Matsui Program Manager, Megan Collins, at meganjcollins@berkeley.edu for additional details.

Thank you for supporting Democracy Camp

To reach a larger audience and raise funds for the program, we have partnered with the UC Berkeley crowdfunding platform. The crowdfunding has formally ended and we thank everyone for your support!

Topics

Democracy Camp Berkeley topic page, Democracy Camp in DC topic page, Fellowships topic page