Skip to main content Skip to navigation
Cal in Sacramento Program
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
The application period is during the fall semester and applications
will be available on this website. We also hold information sessions
during the fall semester and are present at the UC Berkeley Earlybird
Intern Fair, or you can email MatsuiCenter@berkeley.edu.
Who is eligible?
Any full time undergraduate attending the University of California,
Berkeley is eligible and encouraged to apply. There are no major or
grade level requirements.
How many positions are there and how many people usually apply?
We are offer Fellowships to about 20-24 students, the number of
applicants varies from year to year, last year we had about 60 students
apply.
Is there any financial aid available for this program?
Stipends to help defray living expenses are available on a need basis
and should be applied for simultaneously with the Fellowship
application.
Do I need to take a class for this program?
Yes, Political Science 110 B. Fellows are required to complete a 2-unit
Political Science class in the spring semester prior to their
internship. It is intended to acquaint the Fellows with the political
process, structure, and atmosphere of Sacramento and to update them on
key issues facing the state. The course is taught by a former
legislator who is able to provide students with an in depth inside view
of Sacramento. See online course catalog for more details.
What if I do not pass the class?
PS110 B is a DeCal based on a pass/fail system. Failure to pass the
class will result in your Fellowship being revoked and you will not
pass the class if you do not secure and complete a full time internship
during the summer. If you receive a failing grade in the class you will
be ineligible for a Matsui sponsored internship in Sacramento, you will
not be provided with housing, and any financial aid awarded will be
rescinded. The same provisions apply if you do not secure and complete
a full time internship during the summer.
How do I get an internship in Sacramento?
Fellows are responsible for securing a placement and may apply for and
commit to an internship in any capitol legislative office, committee,
state department, non-profit, lobbying firm, or political journalism
outlet that the Center’s Director deems acceptable with regard to its
involvement in politics and public service.
In support, the Robert T. Matsui Center for Politics and Public Service
provides enhanced placement counseling, a letter of introduction for
submission with internship applications and supports one class trip to
Sacramento during the semester where students can interview for an
internship.
An internship is critical to completion of the program, if you are
unable to secure a full time internship during the assigned summer
period you will receive a failing grade in PS110 B and any award of
financial aid will be revoked.
Where will I stay during my internship?
Housing is provided for the students at the Adagio Guest Suites
in Sacramento. The Adagio Guest Suites are located just a short bus
ride from the capitol and offer fully furnished two bedroom apartments
with a common living room, dining area and fully equipped kitchens.
Amenities include free full cable channels, daily maid service, washer
and dryer in room, and free local calls. Fellows are assigned four per
apartment.
What are the exact dates for the internship?
The dates for the internship vary from year to year based on the school
schedule; usually Fellows move into the Adagio about a week after
finals and begin their internships the following work day. Regardless
of the start date the entire internship time frame is eight weeks.
How many hours do I have to work?
In order to truly experience the political climate in Sacramento we
feel you need to be there full time. This means Fellows must commit to
a 40 hour/week internship for the full eight weeks.
Are internships paid?
The majority of the internships available at the Capitol and through
other public service sectors are unpaid. In the event that you manage
to secure a paid internship any offer for financial aid will be
reviewed and likely withdrawn.
Do I have to complete the entire eight weeks?
Yes! Completing the internship is critical and failure to do so may
result in a failing grade for PS110B and a repeal of any financial
award offer.
What if I am unable to complete the internship?
If during the course of the internship something comes up and you are
unable to complete the program you must notify the Robert T. Matsui
Center for Politics and Public Service’s Director, Ethan Rarick,
immediately and at his discretion he may choose to revoke all benefits
for the Fellowship or waive the completion requirement.
Why Matsui State Government Internships?
Some Cal-in-Sacramento participants are recognized as Matsui State Government Interns in honor of the late Congressman Robert T. Matsui,
a distinguished Berkeley alumnus (class of 1963). The Cal-in-Sacramento
program is housed in the Robert T. Matsui Center for Politics and
Public Service at the Institute of Governmental Studies, which seeks to
encourage disadvantaged students to explore careers in public life.
