Democracy Camp 2026

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, 20 undergraduate students explore their public service interests and expand their professional toolkit. Now entering its ninth 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 firsthand 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.

2025 Democracy Camp students outside the 

California State Capitol building. | Sacramento, CA

In 2025, thanks to the generous support of donors like you, we took a field trip to Downtown Oakland to meet with government and non-profit leaders at The Greenlining Institute, and visited Oakland Museum of California, exploring local history and contemporary issues through the lenses of artistic expression and community building. This field trip was a huge success, and we want to continue making 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, creativity, and leadership.

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

A 2025 Democracy Camp student introducing himself to guest speaker 

Adrien Abuyen, Director of Public Affairs at Kos Read Group. | Berkeley, CA

Empowering participants through enriching immersive experiences

This experience has definitely impacted my public service career goals in a positive way. Hearing directly from panelists about their career paths and the different ways they’ve served their communities made me feel like there’s space for someone like me in these roles too…[It] inspired me to apply for local boards and commissions focused on community services, which I may not have considered before. Democracy Camp helped me realize that I don’t have to wait until after grad school to make an impact… I can start now.

– 2025 Democracy Camp participant

“This has opened my eyes to the multitude of public service career options… and allowed me to hear different perspectives from how people were able to turn their passions into their career, which was refreshing.”

– 2025 Democracy Camp participant

A 2025 Democracy Camp student engaging 

our panelists with a question. | Berkeley, CA

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 2026 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!

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.

The 2025 Democracy Camp cohort enjoying a mural at 

the Oakland Museum of California. | Oakland, CA

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.