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...

Salvador Uribe

Class of 2023
2023 Democracy Camp in DC

Salvador Uribe is a non-traditional student obtaining his undergraduate degree as an older student at UC Berkeley. Salvador immigrated to the United States at a very young age, along with his two parents and older brother. For someone like Salvador and his background, a first-generation, low-income, transfer, re-entry, disabled student navigating higher education, the terrain is uneven, which places him at a disadvantage among many of his peers that grew up with the privileges of generational knowledge. Salvador is passionate about the law and will pursue a J.D. after...

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...

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
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...