Cal in the Capital
Support Summer 2027 Cal in the Capital Interns!
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 the 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 2026:
"This experience has truly been once in a lifetime. As a first-generation college student, even getting to UC Berkeley felt like a dream come true and–don't get me wrong–it definitely is, but being able to live in D.C. for a summer was never something I thought possible. Throughout my time in D.C., I have been able to get outside of my comfort zone and learn about career paths I didn't even know existed. On top of that, I have been able to meet people from all different walks of life with endless advice to give. These people have been the helping hand I needed in every situation I've faced here–for that I am eternally grateful. Thank you to Cal in the Capital for making this possible."
-- Sydnee Thy. CITC Summer 2026 participant, Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) Legislative Intern for the Office of Congresswoman Nanette Barragan (CA-44).
"From exploring museums, libraries, and monuments to attending an amazing picnic with the Cal Alumni Club of Washington, DC, my summer was filled with unforgettable experiences and bonds I developed with people from all over the country. Working within the nonprofit space has opened my eyes to the different ways in which I can contribute to public service. I am so thankful to Cal in the Capital for this amazing opportunity!"
-- Eddie Chu. CITC Summer 2026 participant, Fact-Checker Intern at the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and Programming and Outreach Intern at the 1882 Foundation, 2026-2027 CITC Student Director.
If you would like to read more from students who received support from CITC, please visit our blog site!
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, and 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 to $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.:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Housing at UC Washington Center | $4,000 |
| Food | $700 |
| Air Travel | $600 |
| Local Transit | $200 |
| Personal (includes professional attire, travel, etc.) | $500 |
| Total | $6,000 |
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 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
$20
CITC Support Fund
Contribute $20 or more to the CITC Support Fund to transform a student's summer experience!
$100
CITC Support Fund
Contribute $100 or more to the CITC Support Fund to transform a student's summer experience!
$250
CITC Thank You Card
Contribute $250 or more to the CITC Support Fund and receive a virtual thank you card from the CITC Directors!
$500
Personal Thank You
Contribute $500 or more and receive a personal thank you video from one of our Student Directors!
$2,000
Visit Our Class!
Contribute $2000 or more, and be invited to speak about your career experience virtually or in-person during our spring class!
$4,000
Sponsor One Student
Sponsor one student's entire summer stay at the UC Washington Center. Contribute $4,000 or more and receive all every single perk; invitation to speak to our class, thank you video, and a virtual thank you card!
