• CITC Home
  • About CITC
  • Intern Bios
  • History
  • Give to CITC
  • Newsletter
  • Application
  • Internships
  • FAQs
  • DeCal Class
  • Contact Us

    • Cal Corps Public Service Center

    Site best viewed with
    Get Firefox!

     

    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 an "employment packet" for each intern. During the winter, the Student Directors meet with prospective employers and "pitch" each of the interns. Employers find these packets and the director's presentations extremely helpful in selecting their candidates.

    3. What are CITC expenses?

    There are no additional costs to participate in the program, but students are responsible for additional living expenses, such as airfare, local transportation, food, and entertainment.  Need-based housing scholarships are offered to students who will not be graduating before their CITC summer and who have a minimum GPA of 3.0. 


    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, short answers, and a transcript. Applications are available every September. Click here to see last year's application. Completed applications are usually due the first week in November (date tba) and returned to the Cal Corps Public Service Center in 505 Eshleman Hall.  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. 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. If your internship requires you to arrive earlier or stay later, you will have to make your own arrangements. 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.
    8. 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 approximately a minimum of $2400. 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. Some employers do provide a small stipend for travel and food expenses, and some, but very few, internships are paid. There is no financial aid, but rather housing scholarships, which must be applied for. Last year, every student who applied for a scholarship received some sort of assistance, ranging from $100 to full cost coverage for those who demonstrated need.
    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. Class information will be announced later fall semester. Class attendance and participation is mandatory and you must pass the course to live in DC with the Cal in the Capital program.

    Still have questions? Contact CITC at citc@berkeley.edu.

     
    Copyright Cal in the Capital - All Rights Reserved

    Hosted by the OCF