Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Cal in the Capital (CITC)?

Founded in 1965, CITC is a student-managed internship program housed in the Cal Corps Public Service Center. Every summer, CITC sends over 75 Berkeley students to live and work in Washington, DC.  Through the program, students explore their interests, enhance their professional and leadership skills, learn about national issues and current events, network with Cal alumni, and explore the dynamic life of our nation’s capital.  For over forty years, CITC has sent thousands of intelligent, committed students to serve in challenging internships in Washington, DC.  CITC students have drafted legislation, researched national security issues, reported national news, assisted in curating museum exhibits, and advocated for innovative public policy.  Because of our reputation, many DC employers look to CITC for a student intern every summer.

2. What does Cal in the Capital offer?

Spring DeCal course
The Student Directors facilitate a two-unit DeCal course during spring semester to help prepare selected students for their summer internships. Experts from across campus and the community teach resume and cover letter writing, share successful interview techniques, and facilitate discussions about national policy issues and current events.

Alumni Networking
There are several alumni networking opportunities for interns. Alumni who are former CITC interns attend the Fall and Summer Receptions, and the Washington DC Alumni Club normally hosts social events for the interns and club members during the summer.

Internship Research and Support
Student Directors will assist interns with their employment search. They will help locate appropriate offices for interns to apply and develop relationships with employers. During the winter, the Student Directors reach out to potential employers and "pitch" appropriate interns. 

3. What is the cost and is Financial Aid Available?

Washington is NOT a cheap place to live. Housing for ten weeks at the Washington Center costs a minimum of $2600. Airfare is bought individually by the interns and is typically from $300-$500. The money you spend on food and entertainment while in D.C. is up to you. Students should budget approximately $3500-$4000 for the summer (including housing). Some employers do provide a small stipend for travel and food expenses, and some, but very few, internships are paid. Because of our generous alumni, CITC is able to offer scholarships toward housing costs. Last year, every student who applied for a scholarship received some assistance, ranging from $100 to full coverage of housing costs for those who demonstrated need.

4. Who is eligible?

Students who demonstrate interest in public service and social change, regardless of their academic concentration or year, are encouraged to apply. This includes graduating seniors.  Students planning to study abroad the spring semester preceding CITC are NOT eligible.

5. How do I apply?

Students must submit a completed application, which includes contact information, past experiences and short answer essays. Applications are available every September. Completed applications are usually due the first week in November (date tba). Top candidates will be contacted for interviews.

6. Will the directors find an internship for me?

Cal in the Capital cannot secure an internship for you. However, we have strong working relationships with many organizations in DC and maintain a comprehensive file system of application tips and information for various organizations. Students are expected to commit themselves to finding and applying for internships, and the Directors will assist with this process.  There have been very few incidences where a student simply did not get internship at all.

7. How long do we stay in DC and where to we live?

Cal in the Capital interns live in Washington, DC, for approximately ten weeks, from early June through mid-August. We live together in the University of California Washington Center, which include a large kitchen, living room, one bathroom, and two bedrooms for each four interns. The location is central and safe: one block from the Metro, three from Dupont Circle and six blocks from the White House. To be in CITC, you must live with the group. If your internship requires you to arrive earlier or stay later, you will have to make your own arrangements for those extra dates.

8. What are CITC expenses?

Beyond housing at the Washington Center, students are responsible for living expenses, such as airfare, local transportation, food, and entertainment. Students should budget approximately $3500-$4000 for the summer (including housing).

9. Do I have to enroll in the Spring DeCal Class?

Cal in the Capital interns are required to attend class sessions throughout the spring semester. These class sessions will prepare students for life and work in Washington DC through resume and interview workshops, guest speakers, and past intern presentations. In addition, these sessions will allow interns a chance to establish a community and get to know one another prior to selecting summer roommates. The DeCal is worth 2-credits during spring semester and takes place from 5-7pm on Thursdays throughout spring semester. Class attendance and participation is mandatory and you must pass the course to live in DC with the Cal in the Capital program.

Program Contact
Suzan Akin at (510) 643-0303 or citc@berkeley.edu