Our Crowdfunding Groups
Founded in 1965, Cal in the Capital supports UC Berkeley undergraduate students who are pursuing internship opportunities in Washington, D.C. As of 2024, over 4000 CITC interns have completed 1,815,689 hours of service in hundreds of organizations, including; Congressional offices, government agencies, think tanks, nonprofit organizations, media outlets, law firms, and research institutions. Students from all majors, backgrounds, and interests participate in our program, and we highly encourage students from underrepresented communities to apply.
During spring semester, CITC students prepare for their internships by taking a DeCal course taught by our four Student Directors. The DeCal course covers resume and cover letter effectiveness, interview skills and practice, and current events awareness. Through Cal in the Capital's partnership with the UC Berkeley Public Service Center, students also learn how to engage with their internship by holding public service at the center. In the summer, students head for Washington, D.C. to complete internships in policy, art, media & news, education, and advocacy. CITC participants work full-time, have a chance to connect with Cal alumni, and explore the DMV area. Cal in the Capital is an incredibly impactful experience for our cohort members, and for most, it marks the beginning of their careers in public service!
This year, Cal in the Capital is recruiting 60 students to participate in our program. Our goal is to completely cover the cost of summer housing for 20 students, and provide partial support to an additional 20 students. If we reach our fundraising goals, CITC would be able to provide some type of financial assistance to two thirds of our entire cohort.
Fundraising efforts are crucial in ensuring Cal in the Capital is accessible to students who may not take this opportunity without financial support. Please read below testimonies from students who received financial assistance for summer 2024;
Robert with US Senator Cory Booker"My experience interning for Senator Alex Padilla has certainly impacted my career trajectory. I now have a more profound understanding of the legislative process and the power of individual staffers to make a positive difference in Congress. Combined with the welcoming office culture, exciting day-to-day workday, and buzzing city life in Washington, DC, my internship experience has provided me with a genuine interest in returning to the hill post-graduation... I would like to acknowledge that were it not for this program, Cal in the Capital, this opportunity would not have made itself available; again, it is mentorship that truly helps others achieve their goals, and CITC is the premier example of this."
-- Robert Carrillo. Summer 2024 Intern with US Senator Alex Padilla, and 2024-2025 CITC Academics & Operations Director.
Rachel with her Congresswoman, US Representative Katie Porter
"It is not an overstatement to say that this summer has been one of the most enriching experiences I have had so far – both personally and professionally... Overall, I think being in Washington, D.C. is truly a unique experience. It is even better when you are surrounded by your Berkeley friends and family who help you get settled into the new city! I absolutely loved the Cal in the Capital experience and would highly recommend all students from all areas to get involved!"
-- Rachel Yang. Summer 2024 Intern with the US Department of Education.
If you would like to read more from students who received support from CITC, please visit our blog site!
How crowdfunding is used:
All CITC students are required to live at the UC Washington Center for the summer, where the cost of housing for ten weeks is approximately $4,000. For students who demonstrate financial need, funds raised through this campaign are used solely to subsidize their cost of housing. Generally, the amount that we offer ranges from $1,500 - $4,000.
In the winter, applicants accepted into the program will be notified if they meet the threshold for financial assistance from CITC. In the case that we do not reach our crowdfunding goal, it simply means we cannot offer support to as many students as we would like.
Estimated budget for financing a summer in D.C.:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Housing at UC Washington Center | $4,000 |
| Food | $1,000 |
| Air Travel | $600 |
| Local Transit | $400 |
| Personal (includes professional attire, travel, etc.) | $500 |
| Total | $6,500 |
This budget provides a rough estimate only and actual expenditures may vary.
“I remember my time as an intern fondly, and can tell y
ou 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.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee | Alumni | Former CITC Intern
“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."
Victoria Brademan | Donor & Alumni | Former CITC Intern & Student Director
“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.”
Dr. Michael McGinnis | Donor & Alumni | CITC Founding Member
Visit our website: publicservice.berkeley.edu/citc
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cal_inthecapital/
Send us an email: calinthecapital@gmail.com
Contribute $20 or more to the CITC Support Fund to transform a student's summer experience!
Contribute $50 or more to the CITC Support Fund to transform a student's summer experience!
Contribute $100 or more to the CITC Support Fund to transform a student's summer experience!
Contribute $500 or more and receive a personal thank you video from one of our Student Directors!
Contribute $1000 or more to be featured on our social media or newsletter!
Sponsor one student's entire summer stay at the UC Washington Center. Contribute $4,000 or more to be invited to speak to our student cohort during the DeCal course in spring 2024!
