Research

Research Centers and Programs

IGS is an active research unit with recent and current projects ranging from electoral reform, national identity, immigration, California politics, trust in political institutions, housing and displacement, democratic engagement, and strengthening the public sector workforce. The Institute has continuously extended and reshaped its research mission in response to new governmental and social concerns.

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

Program Dates

During the spring semester, students receive academic instruction on topics related to California politics and policy, develop their original research proposal, and prepare for and apply to internships. During the summer, Fellows move to Sacramento to complete their summer internship and conduct original research.

How to Apply to the Percy Grant

Application

The Percy Grant application is due by Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 11:59pm.

The application includes:

Brief questionnaire Essay Budget and brief description of research expenses Resume Transcript(s) Name of recommender (faculty member or GSI) Recommendation

All applicants are required to secure a recommendation from a UC Berkeley faculty member or GSI. Your recommender must submit a letter of recommendation via the...

How to Apply to the Synar Fellowship

Application

The Synar Fellowship application is due by Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 11:59pm.

The application includes:

Brief questionnaire Dissertation synopsis Statement of Purpose (including a timetable for completion of dissertation, budget, and justification of need) 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 recommender must submit a letter of recommendation via the...

Cal-in-Sac Research Fellowships

Research Fellowships

Cal-in-Sacramento Fellowship applicants are invited to apply to one of the following Research Fellowships, which provide additional summer funding in the amount of $2,500 for Cal-in-Sac Fellows. Research Fellowship applications are included in the Cal-in-Sacramento application form.

Power Shift: How Latinos in California Transformed Politics in America

David R. Ayón and George L. Pla
2018

Power Shift charts the rise of Latino political power and its impact, from the breakthrough election of the first Mexican American to the Los Angeles City Council in 1949 to today's leadership of California and its heavyweight role in polarized America. This inspiring story recounts the origins and development of 10 LA-based Latino and Latina leaders who transformed politics and government, forging a progressive political tradition in the process. Challenging disadvantage and discrimination, these key figures integrated the city council as well as school and county...

Diversity & Entrepreneurship Research Products

The Diversity and Entrepreneurship Fellowship Program includes hands-on research and summer internship experiences for Cal undergraduates focused on diverse entrepreneurship and small businesses, along with academic instruction in diversity, entrepreneurship, and California policy. Students receive training and mentorship from Berkeley graduate students and other experts in the field, and an opportunity to present their findings at a research symposia in the fall. The goal of the program is to build a diverse cohort of future civic and political leaders who understand the challenges and...

The History and Success of American Generals

Thomas E. Ricks
2011

Thomas E. Ricks, a Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) spent several days at UC Berkeley and delivered two lectures. One focused on the history and success of American generals and why they were more successful in World War II than in Korea, Vietnam, or Iraq/Afghanistan. The second was a case study of leadership through the actions of American General Oliver Prince Smith, who was one of the Marine Corps great generals of recent times. Also included are question and answer sessions with midshipmen and cadets.

This book is currently out of...

Predatory Practices of Food Delivery Giants Against Minority-Owned Restaurants

Nancy Kim
2021
Nancy Kim, Economics and Media Studies, Class of 2023

Internship Office: California Department of Finance

During the COVID-19 pandemic, food delivery giants Uber Eats, Grubhub, DoorDash, and Postmates collectively raked in $5.5 billion in revenue from April to September of 2020. Meanwhile, restaurants are forced to pay exorbitant fees to use these apps. Through interviews with Black, Asian, and Latinx restaurant owners, this op-ed highlights the experiences and challenges that minority restaurant owners faced when forced to rely upon third-party delivery platforms.