Our Crowdfunding Groups
The 2017 cohort of Cal in the Capital interns
For more than 50 years, Cal in the Capital has launched Berkeley students into challenging summer internships in the nation’s capital, and trained the next generation of leaders and public servants. This summer, over 75 talented interns will face a radically changed political landscape in Washington, D.C. Their experiences and perspectives, their energy and idealism, are needed now more than ever before.
Housed at the Public Service Center, Cal in the Capital (CITC) is a student-run internship program that takes place during the summer in Washington, DC. Each year, we prepare more than 70 Berkeley students for these challenging internships. With a reputation for excellence, our interns are in high demand and most students work full-time. To date over 3800 interns have served 1,633,689 hours of service in hundreds of different settings — including Congressional offices, federal and other government agencies, think tanks, nonprofit organizations, media centers, private corporations, and research institutions. Students from all majors, backgrounds, and interests participate in this program, which impacts not only their lives, but society as a whole.
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. Even so, the current cost of $5,800 — which includes housing at the UCDC Washington Center, travel, and basic living expenses for the 10-week program — is too much of a stretch.
Help us make this transformative experience possible for Berkeley students.
How funds are distributed: Funds raised through this campaign will provide students' scholarships, which are distributed based on need. An average of 25 to 30 students receive partial scholarships ranging in size from $300 to $800 for the summer.
Estimated budget for financing a summer in D.C.
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:
Rosita C. Lucas
Director of Advancement Services
Student Affairs Philanthropy
University of California, Berkeley
email: rosital@berkeley.edu
