Cal in the Capital

Support Summer 2026 Cal in the Capital Interns!

This year Cal in the Capital is excited to celebrate 60 years of service in Washington, D.C.!

Founded in 1965, Cal in the Capital supports UC Berkeley undergraduate students who are pursuing internship opportunities in Washington, D.C. As of 2025, approximately 4,321 CITC interns have completed 1,838,889 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 navigating the current job market through cultivating resume and cover letter proficiency, interview skills and practice, and awareness of current events. 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, tech, 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!

Your Support Provides Transformative Summer Experiences

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 and other necessities for 10 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 half 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 2025:

"The city offers endless opportunities for growth, public service, and meaningful connections. It is a space where I can continue to evolve both personally and professionally. I hope to come back with more experience and perspective, ready to contribute at a higher level and continue advocating for the communities that have given so much to me."

-- Selina Mendez. CITC Summer 2025 participant, Chambers Relations and Business Development Intern at the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

"Spending the summer in Washington, D.C. with Cal in the Capital has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience. I have always been interested in public service, but living and working in the nation's capital helped me better understand who I want to be and how I can make an impact."

-- Jacob Lindy. CITC Summer 2025 participant, Congressional Affairs Intern at the Congressional App Challenge, 2025-2026 CITC Student Director.

How crowdfunding is used: 

All funds raised from this campaign will support the operational expenses of Cal in the Capital, including but not limited to students accessing housing, food, air travel, local transit, personal necessities. In particular, 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 can help subsidize their cost of housing (and other costs). 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 student budget for financing a summer in D.C.:

This budget provides a rough estimate only and actual expenditures may vary.

Expected cost per student. Rough estimates only, actual expenditures may vary.

 

Why Support Cal in the Capital?

“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.”

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