Founded in 1965, Cal in the Capital (CITC) trains and prepares 55 UC Berkeley students annually for summer internships in Washington, D.C. Cal in the Capital interns come from all majors, backgrounds, and areas of interest. As of its 61st year in 2026, 4,380 Cal in the Capital interns have contributed 1,860,129 hours of service in over 400 professional settings, including Congressional offices, federal and other government agencies, think tanks, nonprofit organizations, media centers, private companies, and research institutions, preparing them for careers in public service.
Supporters
Cal in the Capital (CITC) has benefitted from the generous support of the Robert T. Matsui Center for Politics and Public Service, the Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC), the Cal Alumni Club of Washington, D.C., and the benevolent support of individual alumni donors.
For CITC Alumni, please fill out our Alumni Questionnaire to stay in touch.
To give to Cal in the Capital, you can support students interning this summer by giving to our CITC Program Fund. If you’d like to support the long term sustainability of Cal in the Capital and ensure that future generations of students have access to this extraordinary opportunity, please consider giving to the CITC Endowment Fund.
Check out our CITC Summer Blog to learn more and read more stories!
Check out this Berkeley Life article highlighting one of our CITC participants!
CITC Summer 2025 Cohort with CITC Founder, Dr. Michael McGinnis
Matsui Center’s Pathways to Federal Public Service Fellowship Program for CITC Students
CITC applicants are eligible to apply for the Matsui Center’s Pathways to Federal Public Service Fellowship Program. The Pathways to Federal Public Service program is facilitated by the Institute of Governmental Studies’ Matsui Center in partnership with Cal in the Capital. The dual program is designed to increase access to Cal in the Capital for 15 students who are low-income, first generation, or nontraditional students, and who envision themselves working in or alongside the federal government. Both programs work together to provide complementary professional development curriculum, summer internship opportunities, connection with Cal alumni, and general student support. Pathways Fellows are expected to participate in and complete requirements for both programs
For more information, please contact matsuicenter@berkeley.edu.
Iris De Leon, Pathways Student Director
Rubin Rubin, Pathways Program Manager, rubinrubin@berkeley.edu
Important Dates
To learn more about CITC program requirements and eligibility, click here.
To learn more about financing a summer in Washington, D.C. (e.g., budget breakdown), click here.
Fall 2026 Dates
|
Sunday, September 27th at 11:59pm |
CITC Application closed |
|---|---|
|
October 17th & 18th |
CITC Interviews |
To stay up-to-date with our application, info sessions, and application workshops, please fill out our interest form!
CITC Contact Information
For more information, please contact calinthecapital@gmail.com.
2026-2027 CITC Student Directors
Ana Paula Sanchez, Recruitment and Communications Director
Breanna Banda, Employer Outreach and Partnerships Director
Clara Hinsdale, Academics and Operations Director
Eddie Chu, Development and Alumni Relations Director
Nina Parker, CITC Program Manager, nina.parker@berkeley.edu
