UC Berkeley hosts an academic UCDC program during the Fall and Spring Semesters as well as a Summer Internship Program popularly known as Cal in the Capital. See the information below to identify which program works best for your needs.
UC Berkeley
Questions About Eligibility Requirements (UCB)
Academic-semester UCDC Program
- In what years can students participate?
- Third-year and fourth-year students (Third-year transfer students become eligible to participate during their senior year after having completed 30 units on campus).
- Is there a GPA requirement?
- Yes. students should have a 3.0 or higher GPA.
- Can undocumented students participate?
- Yes, undocumented students are eligible to participate!
Cal in the Capital Summer Internship Program
- In what years can students participate?
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First-year, second-year, third-year, and fourth-year students may apply to participate.
- Is there a GPA requirement?
- No, there is not a GPA requirement for the summer program.
- Can undocumented students participate?
- Yes, undocumented students are eligible to participate!
Questions About the Program Application (UCB)
Academic-semester UCDC Program
- How can I access the application?
- The online application can be accessed on our website along with instructions on how to complete it at the following link: Apply to UCDC.
- What criteria is used to evaluate my application for admission into UCDC?
- Applications are reviewed holistically on academic readiness, relevant professional experience and activities, personal maturity, as well as potential for positive contribution to the student cohort. A brief interview is conducted as a part of the application process.
- To what terms can I apply?
- Students may apply to the Fall and Spring semesters.
- Where can I get help with my application and/or my resume prior to applying to UCDC?
- For help with your resume and/or cover letter prior to applying to the academic internship program, you may reach out to the UC Berkeley Career Center.
- Do I need to submit a letter of recommendation with my application?
- Yes, you will need to submit two letters of recommendation with your application with one being from an academic source.
Cal in the Capital Summer Internship Program
- How can I access the application?
- The online application and instructions can be accessed at the following link: Cal in the Capital Application.
- What criteria is used to evaluate my application for admission into UCDC?
- Applications are evaluated based on the overall strength of your resume, cover letter, writing sample, and your short essay on your commitment to public service.
- Where can I get help with my application and/or my resume prior to applying to UCDC?
- For help with your resume and/or cover letter prior to applying to the academic internship program, you may reach out to the UC Berkeley Career Center.
- Do I need to submit a letter of recommendation with my application?
- No, you will not need to submit a letter of recommendation with your application.
Questions about Academic Units (UCB)
Academic-semester UCDC Program
- How many units will I receive for my UCDC seminar?
- Students who successfully complete their UCDC seminar will receive 4 units.
- Is the seminar for a letter grade or is it pass/no pass?
- The seminar is taken for a letter grade.
- How many units will I receive for my internship?
- Students who successfully complete their internship with a positive supervisor evaluation will receive 6.5 units.
- Are the internship units for a letter grade or are they pass/no pass?
- The internship units are pass/no pass.
- How many hours a week must I work in order to earn the internship units?
- Students must work a minimum of 24 hours per week in order to successfully pass their internship units.
Cal in the Capital Summer Internship Program
- How many units will I receive for my UCDC seminar?
- Seminars are not offered during the summer term.
- Can I receive units for my internship?
- Students participating in the Cal in the Capital program do not receive units for their internship.