Democracy Camp 2025

$4,923
98%
Raised toward our $5,000 Goal
14 Donors
20
days left
Project ends on October 31, at 11:59 PM PDT
Project Owners

Democracy Camp 2025

Help students answer the call to public service!

Democracy Camp is an alternative spring break experience designed to empower UC Berkeley changemakers and enhance our democracy. During this four-day intensive program, 21 undergraduate students explore their public service interests and expand their professional toolkit. Now entering its eighth year, Democracy Camp has an impressive track record of propelling students into public service. Be a part of this story — make a gift today and support the next generation of public service leaders!


About Democracy Camp

Democracy Camp is a bootcamp that gives students first-hand exposure to different facets of public service: legislative paths, community organizations, local and state government, legal professions, research, and philanthropy. Students learn directly from guest speakers about the opportunities available in these fields in order to chart their own path to service.

Preparing students for service at all levels of government

Every year, students take a one-day day field trip to Sacramento, where they meet with elected members and professionals in the state legislature and state agencies, as well as Cal alumni in public service careers in our state capital.

2024 Democracy Camp students outside the California State Capitol building. | Sacramento, CA
In 2024, thanks to the generous support of donors like you, we piloted an additional field trip to Downtown Oakland to meet with local government leaders and journalists covering issues in the Bay Area. This field trip was a huge success, and we want to make it a staple of the program! Your donation will ensure that Democracy Camp continues to shine a light on the importance of not only our state government, but also community-level action and local leadership.


2024 Democracy Camp student Sherwin Ho (a senior double-majoring in Molecular Cell Biology and Psychology) with guest speaker John Bauters, former mayor and city councilmember of Emeryville. | Oakland, CA

In addition to meeting with public-service professionals, students participate in skill-building workshops, including networking and resume writing. Participants have the opportunity to put these skills to practice by networking with speakers and exploring public service opportunities on campus and beyond.

Fostering a community of service — and building the democracy we need

Democracy Camp is a cohort-based program that is intended to nurture the public service community at UC Berkeley and build a pipeline to service. After completing Democracy Camp, students go on to pursue summer internships, research training, and campus leadership roles. After graduating, many alumni go on to secure competitive post-collegiate fellowships or grants, pursue graduate or professional school, or start their career in public service. Time and again, we hear that this program was an important step, even a catalyst, for an alum's career trajectory.
 
We believe that building pathways for students with varied perspectives and life experiences will enhance our democracy and ensure a more effective and representative government. To that end, this program is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all Cal students, including first-generation, non-traditional, and transfer students.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Democracy Camp. Through listening to various accomplished speakers from the public service sector, I feel empowered to dedicate myself towards aiding the community and shaping a brighter future. ...Public service isn't limited to particular academic backgrounds or interests — rather, a career in public service is akin to open arms...anybody can pursue (or even switch paths to) a career in public service for a fulfilling journey of impacting the community. With more motivation than ever, I'm excited to continue my academic path at UC Berkeley, ultimately working to serve my community and inspire others."

– Chelsea Kawamura, 2024 Democracy Camp participant


Why we fundraise, and how you can help

Democracy Camp is made possible by generous gifts from donors. With your help, we can continue to make this program FREE for participants, ensuring that UC Berkeley students have access to professional enrichment opportunities and public service training, regardless of financial circumstances.

This year, we need to raise $5,000 of our $7,500 budget to fund the 2025 Democracy Camp in Berkeley program. (The Institute of Governmental Studies has committed to contributing the remaining balance.) Donations will go towards the cost of learning materials and field trip ground transportation, as well as three meals a day for all Fellows for the duration of the program, to support students who may otherwise experience food insecurity during Spring Break.

We are accepting donations between now and October 31. No gift is too small, and your support will ensure that we are able to provide the best experience possible for UC Berkeley’s motivated changemakers!

These are only estimates, and actual expenditures may vary.

Receive a "thank you" from Democracy Camp participant!

Allow us to show our appreciation! For donations of $50 or more, we will post a shoutout on social media, and for donations of $100 or more we will share a "thank you" message from a Democracy Camp alum. For gifts of $1,000 or more, donors will receive a personalized "thank you" video message from a Democracy Camp alum.

A photo of 15 young people posing in front of the CA State Capitol dome with the text "THANK YOU!"


Democracy Camp is sponsored by the Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) and the Robert T. Matsui Center for Politics and Public Service at the University of California, Berkeley.

IGS stands at the forefront of research, teaching, and service in California and American politics and policy. Interdisciplinary and non-partisan, we foster thoughtful discussions of issues across party lines that focus on solutions – not just problems. Our mission is anchored by a belief in the transformational power of public service. To learn more, visit our website.

Our way
of Thanking You

$50

Social Media Shout Out

For donations of $50 or more, we’ll post a shout-out to you or the person of your choosing on our social media channels.

2 of Unlimited Claimed
Estimated Delivery: October 2024

$100

Thank You Message

For donations of $100 or more, you will receive a thank you message from a Democracy Camp participant!

3 of Unlimited Claimed
Estimated Delivery: November 2024

$1,000

Thank You Video

For donations of $1,000 or more, you will receive a personalized "thank you" video message!

1 of Unlimited Claimed
Estimated Delivery: December 2024
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