Fellowships

Democracy Camp

Democracy Camp is designed for Cal undergrads who are interested in enhancing our democracy through public service. Students can apply to one of two programs: Democracy Camp in Berkeley, the Matsui Center's alternative spring break program, or Democracy Camp in DC, a weeklong...

Democracy Camp in Berkeley

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...

Democracy Camp in DC

Program Overview 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...

Cal-in-Sacramento Fellowship

Cal-in-Sacramento is one of the University of California’s largest and most prestigious campus-based public service internship programs. For the past five decades, hundreds of Cal students have gone to Sacramento under our auspices to gain first-hand experience in the most dynamic state capital in the country. Many of these students have gone on to careers in politics, government, and public service.

How to Apply to Schaeffer Fellowship

Application

The 2025 Schaeffer Fellowship application is due by Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 11:59pm. The application includes:

Brief questionnaire Your plan to secure a summer internship Two essay questions (250 words each) Resume Unofficial transcript(s) from all higher education institutions

Resume tips and sample resumes can be found on the Cal Career Center website.

Selection Process

Selected applicants will be invited to...

How to Apply to Cal-in-Sacramento

Application

The 2025 Cal-in-Sacramento application is due by Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 11:59pm. The application includes:

Brief questionnaire Three ideas for your summer internship Research topic proposal Two essay questions (250 words each) Resume Unofficial transcript(s) from all higher education institutions Optional: Supplemental application for one of four Cal-in-Sacramento ...

How to Apply to Democracy Camp

Application

The 2025 Democracy Camp application is due by Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 11:59pm.

The application includes:

Brief questionnaire One short answer section Two essay questions (250 words each) Resume Unofficial transcript(s) from all higher education institutions

Resume tips and sample resumes can be found on the Cal Career Center website.

NOTE: There is ONE application for both Democracy Camp in Berkeley and...

Cal-in-Sac Research Fellowships

Cal-in-Sacramento Research Fellowships

Cal-in-Sacramento applicants are invited to apply to one of the following Research Fellowships, which provide additional resources and support for the summer research project. Research Fellowship applications are included in the Cal-in-Sacramento application form. Note that these Research Fellowships are only awarded to accepted Cal-in-Sacramento Fellows.

Sacramento Partners

For 50 years, the Cal-in-Sacramento program has helped prepare our state's future leaders for careers in public service. Help us train the next generation!

Every year, the Robert T. Matsui Center for Politics and Public Service at UC Berkeley sends 30 undergraduate students to Sacramento to complete highly substantive public service internships. Before commencing their internships, Fellows are required to take a 3-unit spring semester course on California politics, policy, and governance, which is designed to train and prepare...

About the Program

The Cal-in-Sacramento Fellowship is designed to train the next generation of public service leaders through a highly supportive and comprehensive approach to experiential learning.

Fellows develop critical skills and engage thoughtfully with key policy issues using a 3-pillar model, combining coursework, research training, and professional development. These components provide the foundation for the Cal-in-Sacramento capstone: the summer public service internship.