Democracy Camp in DC

How to Apply to Democracy Camp

Application

The 2027 Democracy Camp application is due by Sunday, November 1, 2026 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: Prospective applicants are instructed to carefully review the...

Democracy Camp in DC

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...

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...

Mia Verdin

Class of 2027
Matsui Center Student Ambassador
2026 Democracy Camp Student Director
2026 Matsui Center Student Director
2026 Schaeffer Fellowship
2026 Democracy Camp in DC
2025 Democracy Camp in DC

Mia Alexa Verdin (she/they)

Mia Verdin is a third year undergraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, studying Urban Studies and Ethnic Studies. She was born and raised in the city of Santa Ana, California to immigrant parents from Mexico. As the first in her family to attend university, she is a proud first-generation student. She is passionate about exploring equity in housing, public transportation and education. In addition, she has led initiatives that promote civic engagement and education within her community; especially among other young people...

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, my cohort and I took a shuttle to the UC Washington Center, which would be home for the next nine days. Walking in, I didn’t fully know what to expect, but that quickly turned into excitement as my roommates and I began exploring the building together. We wandered through the many floors,...

Paloma Foster

Class of 2026
2024 Democracy Camp in DC

Paloma Foster (she/her/ella)

Paloma Foster (she/her/ella) is a first-generation, Mexican-American, non-traditional student. She is formerly incarcerated, a former foster youth and a transfer student parent from Los Angeles, CA. From her early experiences with foster care and probation to finally becoming a ward of the court and emancipating on her 18th birthday, she knew she wanted to help fix the less than perfect system. Paloma is majoring in political science and is pursuing a minor in public policy. She will also complete the summer minor, race and the law through the...

Noel Arikew

Class of 2025
2024 Democracy Camp in DC

Noel Arikew (he/him)

Noel Arikew is a first-generation, low-income, transfer student double majoring in political economy and legal studies as well as minoring in public policy. At Berkeley, he is a Miller Scholar, and is currently working on his research on anti-Blackness in the immigration system, and possible policy recommendations to humanize the US immigration system. His research aims to shed light on the often overshadowed aspects of systemic injustice, particularly as they pertain to Black immigrants. Through his research endeavors, Noel aspires to be a catalyst for...

Yessica Mox

Class of 2022
2022 Democracy Camp in DC
2021 Schaeffer Fellowship
2021 Matsui Local Government Fellowship

Yessica Mox is a Political Science major from Riverside, CA. She comes from a low-income community and has lived experiences that have shaped the type of work she would like to do in the future. She hopes to work in the public service sector and would like to one day attend law school. In the past, she has interned for a local nonprofit, East Bay Sanctuary Covenant. She was part of the board of directors for Inside the Living Room, a student-led organization that helps students connect with internships at East Bay Sanctuary Covenant (EBSC). In...

Estefani Carrasco

Class of 2026
2026 Cal-in-Sacramento
2026 Democracy Camp in DC

Estefani Carrasco is a Oaxacan first-generation student at UC Berkeley, majoring in Sociology and Legal Studies. Born and raised in North County San Diego, she has lived experiences within the Oaxacan diaspora that have shaped her commitment to advocating for historically marginalized communities while advancing visibility and empowerment.

Estefani is passionate about community organizing, advocacy, and research, which has guided her involvement both in the Bay Area and at Berkeley. She has supported immigrants, asylum-seekers, and survivors...

Leylany Lara

Class of 2028
2026 Democracy Camp in DC

Leylany Lara (She/Her)

Leylany is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley from East Los Angeles, pursuing a major in Political Economy with a minor in Public Policy. A recipient of the Fiat Lux Scholarship, she approaches her education with a deep commitment to community-driven leadership and public service. Her interests center on the role of law and public policy in shaping markets, enforcing civil rights, and advancing economic mobility.

Leylany is interested in learning how federal policymakers approach issues in...