Student Opportunities

How to Apply to Schaeffer Fellowship

Application

The 2026 Schaeffer Fellowship application is due by Sunday, October 5, 2025 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...

Q: How do I determine which program is the right fit for me?

A: It is important to consider your interests and goals, as well as eligibility requirements, when choosing which opportunities to pursue. Some criteria to consider:

If you are looking for... Consider applying to... A 7-month fellowship experience that spans the spring semester and the first half of summer; Support securing a summer internship in Sacramento; Robust, hands-on professional development training; Research training; Exposure to public service in California, particularly at the state level, whether within government or in an adjacent sector (e.g...

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 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 enter federal public...

How to Apply to the Percy Grant

Application

The Percy Grant application is due by Sunday, November 30, 2025 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 30, 2025 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...

How to Apply to Democracy Camp

Application

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

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...

How to Apply to Cal-in-Sacramento

Application

The 2026 Cal-in-Sacramento application is due by Sunday, October 5, 2025 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
...

Q: I am a transfer student. What opportunities am I eligible for?

A: Transfer students are eligible and encouraged to apply for all Matsui Center and IGS programs.

Note that the Schaeffer Fellows program requires that students have at least one (1) semester remaining after the completion of their summer intership. For example, students who participate in the program in Summer 2026 must still be enrolled at UC Berkeley in Fall 2026. (In this scenario, students graduating in December 2026 are eligible). Transfer students who are interested in applying for the Schaeffer Fellows program are therefore encouraged to apply in their first year at...

Q: Can I participate in a program more than once?

A: No. Students can only patricipate in a specific program (such as the Cal-in-Sacramento Fellowship) once. The exception to this rule is Student Directors who return to help lead the program in a subsequent year.

Q: I am a graduate student. What opportunities are available to me?

A: Below are some opportunities open to graduate students (master's or doctoral):

David M. Howard Memorial Prize in American Politics — Awarded annually to one Ph.D. candidate (ABD) engaged in research on public policy, political behavior, or public opinion in the U.S. broadly understood. Mike Synar Graduate Research Fellowship — Awarded annually to three Ph.D. students writing dissertations on an aspect of...