Cal in the Capital

Founded in 1965, Cal in the Capital (CITC) trains and prepares 75 UC Berkeley students annually for summer internships based out of Washington, D.C. Cal in the Capital interns come from all majors, backgrounds, and areas of interest. As of its 54th year in 2019, 4,035 Cal in the Capital interns contributed 1,723,417 hours of service in over 400 professional settings, including Congressional offices, federal government agencies, think tanks, nonprofit organizations, media centers, private companies, and research institutions, preparing them for careers in public service.  

Cal in the Capital provides a semester long professional development course and access to a robust alumni network, preparing students for career-launching internships. This past summer, our cohort transitioned online and secured virtual internships ranging from the National Institutes of Health to the Wilson Center. During traditional summers, students live together at the UC Washington Center and participate in organized events including a Pentagon Tour, a day at the Watergate Hotel, and public service projects, like the Anacostia River Clean Up. Cal in the Capitol is committed to giving students opportunity through uncertain times, and is providing the network of support and training for students to succeed in both in person and virtual internships.

Very few summer internships are paid, so the transformative experience of Cal in the Capital is out of reach for most Berkeley students. Our interns currently pay their way by taking on extra jobs during the school year, or through limited scholarships and hard-to-obtain summer financial aid. 

Estimated student budget for financing a summer in D.C.

Your contribution will support a need-based scholarship fund to make Cal in the Capital accessible to all students regardless of their economic background. As programs continue online, your funds will ensure all students have access to participate. Please consider supporting us to ensure Cal in the Capital is sustained for the next generation of Berkeley students and that we continue to make D.C. a Bear Territory. 

Why Support Cal in the Capital?

Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Alumni, Former CITC Intern

“I remember my time as an intern fondly, and can tell you without hesitation that this program changed my life, as it has for so many others.  Because of my experience with the program, I have always enjoyed having the privilege of hosting Cal in the Capital interns in my congressional office.  The passion and dedication that these student leaders display toward serving their country, their communities, and those whose voices too often go unheard is an inspiration to all.”

Sofia Gonzalez Platas | Class of 2017 | Political Economy and International Development Studies | CITC Intern 2015 and Director 2016-2017

"I was a member of the Cal in the Capital cohort during the summer of 2015. While in Washington, D.C. I learned the most valuable lesson of all: change and improvements do not come easily, it takes time, unity, and perseverance to accomplish our goals. Despite the current political events that may concern our community, I believe it is incredibly important to empower and encourage our Cal in the Capital cohort students to work for what they believe in while at D.C. with the passion, enthusiasm, and dedication needed to move forward and work together for a better tomorrow."

Parash Shah | Donor & Alumni | UCB Class of 2015 | History & Political Science | CITC intern & student director 2014-2015 | 2015 John Gardner Fellow at Human Rights Watch | Current first year law student at UC, Irvine

“Cal in the Capital is so important because it truly enhances and compliments what Berkeley students learn in the classroom by developing practical experience and professional growth. I think we need to redouble our efforts to make the program more inclusive. The financial burden often proves prohibitive for students from underrepresented backgrounds.   My hope is that as we celebrate all the program has accomplished, let us also invest in the future generations of Cal students so they too, can also make D.C. Bear Territory.”

Victoria Brademan | Donor & Alumni | UCB Class of 1973 French & Class of 1980 Law | CITC intern & student director 1972-1973

“CITC did so much for me. How could I not stay involved and give back?  CITC remains one of the most well regarded summer internship programs in Washington, DC.It’s time for alumni to come to the rescue in a big way.  If you are a former CITC intern, my fondest hope is that you will reconnect with this program and contribute financially to its continued success on a yearly basis.  It needs your help to survive and thrive."

Dr. Michael McGinnis | Donor & Alumni | CITC Founding Member 1965 

“I can’t imagine a more valuable cause to donate to. You’re donating to the University of California, your alma mater. You’re donating to the generation of future leaders for the nation and therefore, investing into the seed corn of the leadership of the nation.  And you’re enriching the Washington environment because the contribution of students when they’re on the scene is a contribution that is not just expressed in terms of the work they do, but also in terms of the spirit they bring.”

Visit our website: publicservice.berkeley.edu/citc

Or, for more information, please contact: calinthecapital@gmail.com