Democracy Camp Berkeley

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 Berkeley

Program Overview Students participate in a series of meetings with local and state leaders and gain exposure to different facets of public service: legislative paths, community organizations, local and state government, legal fields, research, and philanthropy. Students have opportunities to expand their network and form meaningful connections with each other and with public service professionals (many of whom are Cal alumni). The program provides professional development and skill-building workshops, such as a resume workshop, networking practice, and more. Participants go...

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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Angie Castellon

Class of 2025
2024 Democracy Camp in Berkeley

Angie Castellon (she/her)

As an undocumented individual, growing up I faced a lot of struggles. I came to this country as a child, not knowing the obstacles that being undocumented would create for my future. After high school, there were not many options for me as I faced a new life as a single, undocumented mom at the age of 17 years old. Since then, I worked various jobs in which I often saw people of my community get taken advantage of due to their undocumented status by the employers, as well as by our criminal and immigration systems. I often felt frustration more...

Iris De Leon

Class of 2027
2024 Democracy Camp in Berkeley

Iris De Leon (she/her)

Iris De Leon is a first-generation student at UC Berkeley. As a first year with an intended political science major, she is determined to work for immigrant advocacy, and uplifting students’ voices. Being raised in Los Angeles, Iris has made it her prime objective to represent and give back to the community that had a strong impact on her upbringing. Coming from a low-income community and having experienced scarcity of educational resources has only motivated her to work towards advocacy of marginalized groups and building community.

Iris...

Amelia Rose Monsour

Class of 2026
2024 Cal-in-Sacramento
2024 Jo Freeman Women in Politics Fellow
2023 Democracy Camp Berkeley Fellow

Amelia Monsour is a sophomore majoring in political science and sociology with a minor in public policy at the University of California, Berkeley. A proud graduate of K-12 public schools in Los Angeles, Amelia is passionate about addressing inequities in education and supporting California’s public school system. She is also passionate about addressing economic inequality and hopes to pursue a career in public service and law to advocate for economic justice and educational equity.

Throughout her time at UC Berkeley, Amelia has continued to develop her interest in public service and...

2024 Democracy Camp in Berkeley Journal

April 15, 2024
Martha Haddis
Day 1: Monday 3/25/2024

We kicked off Democracy Camp with breakfast, some warm-up activities, and a rundown of our schedule. Anticipation buzzed as we geared up to welcome our first guest speaker, Anya Ku. Anya is a proud double Cal alum, earning her J.D. with pro bono honors, and B.A. in Political Science from UC Berkeley. Anya currently serves as a Neighborhood Law Corps Attorney in the Affirmative Litigation, Enforcement and Innovation Unit for the Oakland City Attorney’s Office. She gave extensive context and insights about...

2022 Democracy Camp in Berkeley Journal

March 24, 2022
Kate Inman
Day 1: Monday 3/21/2022

Over coffee and fresh fruit, Democracy Camp kicked off with the cohort gathering outside for breakfast conversation and a discussion with IGS Director Lisa García Bedolla. As the Vice Provost for Graduate Studies, Dean of the Graduate Division, and professor in the Graduate School of Education, Lisa’s trailblazing efforts in her leadership positions inspired a robust conversation discussing her experience as a woman of color in academia. She spoke about how both growing up in a family of Cuban immigrants and...

2020 Democracy Camp Journal

January 1, 2021
Randy Cantz
Monday, March 23, 2020 Lisa García Bedolla, Vice Provost for Graduate Studies & Dean of the Graduate Division

Lisa Garcia Bedolla’s insight into public service careers was incredibly inspiring and moving. Dr. Bedolla was the child of Cuban refugees, who grounded her in a rigorous education, and was encouraged by a Latina professor to pursue a PhD, and in doing so, to give back to her community. Dr. Bedolla ultimately earned a PhD in Political Science from Yale University and has worked with students individually as a faculty member to advocate for...