Democracy Camp in DC

Democracy Camp

Democracy Camp is designed for Cal undergrads who are interested in enhancing our democracy through public service. Students can apply to one of two programs: Democracy Camp in Berkeley, the Matsui Center's alternative spring break program, or Democracy Camp in DC, a weeklong...

Democracy Camp in DC

Program Overview A cohort of 15 undergraduate students travel to Washington, DC for a 9-day immersive experience in our nation’s capital. Students stay in shared housing at the UC Washington Center (UCDC), situated in the heart of DC, and have opportunities to explore the city and visit sites of cultural and historical significance. The program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing public service careers at the...

How to Apply to Democracy Camp

Application

The 2025 Democracy Camp application is due by Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 11:59pm.

The application includes:

Brief questionnaire One short answer section Two essay questions (250 words each) Resume Unofficial transcript(s) from all higher education institutions

Resume tips and sample resumes can be found on the Cal Career Center website.

NOTE: There is ONE application for both Democracy Camp in Berkeley and...

2025 Democracy Camp Info Session

September 18, 2024 6:00pm - 7:30pm Are you a UC Berkeley undergraduate student who is driven to serve others and be a change-maker? Seeking a career path to public service? Attend our Democracy Camp info session to learn more! 2025 DEMOCRACY CAMP IN BERKELEY

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Cal Undergrads Chart a Path to Public Service in Year 2 of the Democracy Camp in DC pilot program

June 14, 2023
Megan Collins
Cal Undergrads Chart a Path to Public Service in Year 2 of the Democracy Camp in DC pilot program “Flying over the lush greenery and tiny monuments, I was starting to get jittery with excitement about what the week had in store for me. I never thought I would have the opportunity to be in D.C. and somehow, I managed my way there. I could not wait for what was to come.” – Fiza Mehmood (Political Science, minor in Public Policy, ’23)

Student FAQ

Have a question about the Matsui Center or IGS? Here are some common questions we receive from students.

Don't see the question you're looking for? Reach out to igs@berkeley.edu or matsuicenter@berkeley.edu.

2024 Democracy Camp Info Session

September 19, 2023 6:30pm - 8:00pm Are you a UC Berkeley undergraduate student who is driven to serve others and be a change-maker? Seeking a career path to public service? Attend our Democracy Camp info session to learn more!
2024 DEMOCRACY CAMP IN BERKELEY


Application Deadline: Sunday 11/5 at 11:59pm

Eligibility: Must be a registered UC Berkeley undergraduate student in Spring 2024 (seniors who will graduate in May 2024 are eligible). All years and all majors...

2023 Democracy Camp Info Session

October 13, 2022 6:30pm - 8:00pm Are you a UC Berkeley undergraduate student who is driven to serve others and be a change-maker? Seeking a career path to public service? Attend our Democracy Camp info session to learn more!
2023 DEMOCRACY CAMP IN BERKELEY


Application Deadline: Sunday 11/6 at 11:59pm

Eligibility: Must be a registered UC Berkeley undergraduate student in Spring 2023 (seniors who will graduate in May 2023 are eligible). All years and all majors welcome....

Chan Venh (John) Lam

Class of 2024
2024 John Gardner Fellowship
2023 Democracy Camp in DC Student Director
2022 Democracy Camp in DC

Chan Venh (John) Lam, a first-generation Chinese-America from Sacramento, California, has embarked on a remarkable journey of resilience and advocacy. After spending 16 years incarcerated, Chan's path took a transformative turn when his sentence was commuted by Governor Brown in 2018, igniting a passion for social justice that continues to drive his advocacy efforts today.

Throughout his time behind bars, he played a pivotal role in shaping legislative change, collaborating with Human Rights Watch and the Anti-Recidivism Coalition to advocate...

Tatiana Butte

Class of 2024
2024 John Gardner Fellowship
2022 Democracy Camp in DC
2023 Democracy Camp DC Student Director

Tatiana Butte, a Geography Major with a Minor in Public Policy, is dedicated to empowering individuals and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities in environmental justice. A first-generation Afro-Latina, Tatiana grew up in Southeast San Diego in a single-parent, Caribbean-immigrant household under challenging circumstances. Throughout her life, Tatiana has shown her exemplary leadership talents: from heading her high school JROTC battalion to advocating for outdoor equity and environmental education programs for Black and Brown youth to being a student leader...