The 2026 Democracy Camp application is due by Sunday, November 2, 2025 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
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...
Dilraj Thandi is a junior at the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in political science. Immigrating to the United States in 2022, Dilraj views the law as a powerful tool for driving meaningful change. Guided by this belief, he served as an immigration fellow, assisting with DACA applications to support undocumented youth. His commitment to public service deepened during his time at the Fresno District Attorney's Office, where he gained valuable experience in the legal field. Dilraj sees the federal government as a vital...
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...
September 16, 2025 6:30pm - 8:00pmAre you a UC Berkeley undergraduate student who is driven to serve others and be a change-maker? Seeking a career path to public service? Attend our Democracy Camp info session to learn more!2026 DEMOCRACY CAMP IN BERKELEY
Danielle Mitchell is a second-year undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley, pursuing a double major in Political Science and History with a focus on International Relations and U.S. Foreign Policy. As a distinguished recipient of the Fiat Lux Scholarship and the U.S. Army’s 4-Year National Scholarship, Ms. Mitchell exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, and dedication as she prepares for a future as an Army Officer.
Driven by a vision to bridge the fields of law, diplomacy, and international...
Mia Verdin is a second 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, CA to immigrant parents from the Mexican states of Zacatecas and Querétaro. As the first in her family to attend university, she is a proud first-generation student. She is passionate about advocating for social justice, as well as promoting civic engagement and education within her community; especially among other young people. She discovered this passion...
Chan Venh (John) Lam, a first-generation Chinese-America from Sacramento, California, has embarked on a remarkable journey of resilience and advocacy. After spending 16 years incarcerated, Chan's path took a transformative turn when his sentence was commuted by Governor Brown in 2018, igniting a passion for social justice that continues to drive his advocacy efforts today.
Throughout his time behind bars, he played a pivotal role in shaping legislative change, collaborating with Human Rights Watch and the Anti-Recidivism Coalition to advocate...
Jennifer Ramirez is a first-generation Latina studying Economics and Public Policy at UC Berkeley from the Bay Area. Growing up in a mixed-status household, she experienced first-hand the hardships Latinx immigrant families faced, such as the struggle to assimilate, obtain basic needs, and become financially stable. The systematic barriers that limit the upward mobility of historically marginalized communities propelled her to become an advocate in her local community, and pursue a career in public service. After being selected to attend Harvard Kennedy...
