Fellowships

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 more than 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.

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...

Pathways to Federal Public Service Fellowship

The Matsui Pathways to Federal Public Service Fellowship Program is a collaboration between the Robert T. Matsui Center for Politics and Public Service and Cal in the Capital (CITC). It is designed to inspire students who represent the diversity of American society – particularly first-generation and low-income students – to enter federal public service in our nation's capital. Our goal is to provide Berkeley students with the resources,...

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...

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 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 one another 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...

How to Apply to Schaeffer Fellowship

Application

The 2026 Schaeffer Fellowship application is due by Sunday, October 4, 2026 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 2027 Cal-in-Sacramento application is due by Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 11:59pm. The application includes:

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

How to Apply to the Synar Fellowship

Application

The Synar Fellowship application is due by Sunday, November 29, 2026 at 11:59pm.

The application includes:

Brief questionnaire Dissertation synopsis (25o words or less) Statement of Purpose (including a timetable for completion of dissertation, budget, and justification of need) (1,500 words or less, not including timetable, budget, or brief budget justification) CV Transcript Name of recommender (must be one of your Dissertation Advisors) Recommendation

All applicants are required to secure a recommendation from a Dissertation Advisor. Your...