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Program Information

2025-2026 Program Information

Founded in 1965, CITC is a student-managed internship program housed in the Public Service Center. CITC students intern full-time from early June through mid-August, while exploring their interests, enhancing their professional and leadership skills, learning about national issues and current events, networking with Cal alumni, and exploring the dynamic life of our nation’s capital. During their summer in DC, previous CITC students have drafted legislation, researched national security issues, reported news, assisted in curating museum exhibits, and advocated for innovative public policy. Because of our reputation, many DC employers look to CITC for student interns every summer. Please read our CITC Summer Blog to read more about intern experiences.

CITC does not place students in internships, but rather supports participants in their search for the right internship. CITC utilizes connections and alumni relationships to share internship opportunities with participants, and CITC Student Directors provide the appropriate resources based on the cohort’s interests and career aspirations. CITC interns are required to take a Spring 2026 DeCal. Students perfect their cover letter and resume, learn the essentials of the internship search process, discuss current social issues, and learn about work culture in Washington, D.C. Participants will also hear from employers, faculty, and alumni about how to become a competitive candidate, and have the opportunity to ask questions in preparation for their summer.

During the summer, CITC students are required to live at the UC Washington Center, located in Dupont Circle, in the heart of downtown D.C. Housing costs are approximately $3900 for 10 weeks (final housing fee will be announced in the spring). Students are also responsible for additional living expenses, such as airfare, local transportation, food, and entertainment; thus, the summer can cost ~$6500. Please review Cost and Scholarship Information as a reference for how previous CITC interns have financially supported themselves in the past. While in D.C., CITC students have the option of attending career panels, networking events, conferences, guest lectures, and social events with other interns and local Cal alumni in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia region.

For questions about the program, please contact calinthecapital@gmail.com

CITC Program Eligibility

  • Undergraduate students who demonstrate interest in public service and creating social change.
  • Students from all majors are encouraged to apply, including graduating seniors. Please note that more internship opportunities in D.C. are available to upperclassmen.
  • CITC interns are required to take a spring 2026 DeCal.
  • Due to the Spring Semester DeCal requirement, students planning to study abroad during Spring 2026 are NOT eligible
  • Prior experience (leadership, volunteer, internship experience) is preferred, but not required.  

Matsui Center’s Pathways to Federal Public Service Fellowship Program for CITC Students

Starting academic year 2025-2026, CITC applicants are eligible to apply for the Matsui Center Pathways to Federal Public Service Fellowship Program. The Matsui Center’s Pathways to Federal Public Service Fellowship Program is a collaboration between the Robert T. Matsui Center for Politics and Public Service and Cal in the Capital (CITC). It is designed to provide students who represent the diversity of American society – particularly first-generation and low-income students – with the resources, support, training and experience needed to create a pathway into federal changemaking spaces.

  • In addition to meeting the CITC requirements, Pathways Fellows complete a 1-unit course (PS 110F, 4:00-6:00pm on Wednesdays) during the spring semester, which provides an orientation to the nation’s capital, U.S. government, careers in federal public service, and policymaking.
  • Matsui Center program staff provide Pathways Fellows with support throughout the internship search process, including help with identifying potential placement opportunities in or alongside the federal government, resume and cover letter workshops, and 1-1 feedback on placement materials.
  • The Pathways Fellowship covers the cost of shared housing (approx. $4000) during the 10-week D.C. residency at the UC Washington Center, and includes a stipend (approx. $4000) to help with travel and living expenses. (Total award = $8,000.)
  • Fellows take part in group activities and networking events over the summer. They also are paired with a mentor, who they meet with over the summer and who provides additional professional support and advice. 

For more information, please contact matsuicenter@berkeley.edu.

Timeline (all dates subject to change)

  • Monday, September 8th, 2025: CITC application opens. 
  • Sunday, September 28th, 2025 at 11:59pm: CITC application closes.
  • October 11th – 12th, 2025 (weekend): CITC Interviews take place.
  • November 3rd – 5th, 2025: Pathways interviews take place. 
  • November 17th, 2025: CITC/Pathways decisions finalized.  3
  • November 20th, 2025: CITC Welcome Event 
  • January 2026: Deadline to sign housing contract and program expectations.
  • May 30th and May 31st, 2026: All students move into UC Washington Center.
  • June 1st and June 2nd, 2026: UC Washington Center mandatory orientation and Cal Alumni Welcome Event.
  • August 1st, 2026: All students move out of UC Washington Center.