For those students who are interested, applying early offers some advantages over waiting until the final deadline to apply:

• By applying early, you increase your chances of securing a spot in the program before it reaches capacity. 
• Applying early allows you to be considered for scholarships and financial aid opportunities that may have limited availability. 
• Applying early gives you more time to plan and prepare for your participation in the UCDC program. You can align your academic and personal schedules accordingly and make the most out of this unique experience. By joining the UCDC program early, you gain access to unique resources and support for applying to internships with early deadlines, such as those at high-level government organizations. 

The following students are also provided priority consideration if they engage or participate in the following high-impact UE programs and offices:

• Academic Resource Center (ARC)
• EXCEL+
• HPAC
• R’Courses
• University Writing Program
• ROTC
• Black Student Success
• Campus Collective
• Community Engagement
• Kessler Scholars
• Prestigious Scholarships & Awards
• Undergraduate Research
• University Honors

Selection Criteria

Students from all majors are encouraged to apply. Admission is selective. To be eligible for consideration, students must:

• Be in junior or senior standing prior to departure (90+ UC quarter units earned)
• Complete at least two (2) upper-division courses (100-199) in any major/area of concentration
• Have a minimum 2.75 GPA and a strong academic record, 3.00 GPA or higher preferred
• Submit a complete MyUCDC application

Admission will be based on the student's interests, academic standing, narrative evaluations, and GPA.

Application Materials

Applications must be complete by the published deadline and include the items below:

1. Application
2. Cover Letter
3. Resume
4. Unofficial Transcript(s). If you are a transfer student, transcripts from your previous institution must be submitted.
5. UCDC Applicant Pre-Assessment Survey

*Incomplete applications will not be evaluated. Letters of recommendation are no longer required as part of the application for UCR students; however, you may still need them for internship applications.

Please get your resumes and cover letters reviewed by the UCR Career Center. Alternatively, if you cannot see them immediately, you can either follow the templates provided by the UCR Career Center and/or apply these best practices:

• Keep your resume and cover letter SIMPLE. Avoid graphics, oversized fonts, and colors. Black, 11-12 pt. font size, Times New Roman or Arial fonts are standard. Your name in the header and each of the resume section headers can be a few points bigger than the body text.
• File formats should be .PDF. Microsoft Word .DOC or .DOCX formats are OK, but PDF is better because you can avoid anyone making accidental changes to your documents. JPEG and .PNG or other image formats are NOT acceptable.
• Keep your resume and cover letter to about 1-page each. You can help this by using single space and being more concise in your paragraphs and bullet points, as well as, avoid unnecessary graphics and super-oversized fonts in your header.
• Your resume and cover letter should have similar formatting, fonts, font sizes, etc. Remember, your resume and cover letter is a “package” and they should look and feel similar in style. 
• If you use a header with your name and info at the top of one document, it should also go on the other document, so both your documents are a pair and consistent with one another in style.
• Always list Education first on your resume, and typically, Skills are listed last.
• Use verbs in the past tense for previous positions you’ve had in the past. Present tense for positions you’re still working.
• Objectives and summary paragraphs at the top of resumes are optional and can be omitted to save space. Your cover letter already acts like an “objective” or “summary,” so you don’t need to have these in your resume.
• Again, please refer to the resume templates and cover letter templates provided by the UCR Career Center.

*Registration fees listed above are based on estimated costs per the UCR Financial Aid Office. Current amounts may vary. Summer fees are calculated on a per-unit charge. Visit UCR Summer Sessions for more information.
**The DC Center has funded discounted DC Metro passes via the 'UPass' program, significantly lowering Metro costs (funding based on availability). Not available in summer.
*** These costs vary per student and are not part of academic expenses. Students indicate they tend to eat more meals at restaurants and spend more on entertainment while in DC. These costs may not apply to all students, but students must be aware of these costs and budget for the possibility of increased costs for UCSHIP, books, supplies, other personal expenses, meals, and experiences.

Check our new brochure on Financing Capital Internship Programs! The UCR Financial Aid Office calculates student financial aid awards to meet the needs of students participating in the UCDC program. The UCDC program recommends students consult with their Financial Aid Advisor to determine their individual need and eligibility as it relates to UCDC program costs. Students participating in the summer UCDC program, who are eligible for financial aid, must enroll in at least 8 units in order to qualify.

Scholarships and Other Awards

• UCR Scholarship Universe
• UCR Foundation Scholarships
• UCR index of on-campus scholarship funds
• Political Science Honor Society (Pi Sigma Alpha) 
• CHASS Scholarships and Fellowships for CHASS majors only.
• School of Business Scholarships for BUS majors only.
• School of Public Policy Scholarships for PBPL majors only.
• BCOE Scholarships for BCOE majors only.
• CNAS Scholarships for CNAS majors only.
• School of Education Scholarships for EDU majors only.
• UCDC Fellowships & Scholarships Every year or quarter, UCDC offers a variety of scholarships. Please visit their website.
• Honors Fellowship (available to University Honors students only) A fellowship is available to support University Honors students in the UCDC program. For more information, contact your Honors advisor and/or visit the University Honors website.
• Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) The HACU program has compiled a list of scholarship resources available on their website. Students do not need to be of Hispanic heritage to benefit from their opportunities!
• FastWeb
• Crowdfunding

Once admitted to the UCDC program, the second phase begins of securing an internship! Students apply directly with organizations and are responsible for securing an internship. UCR staff and DC Center staff will support you through the process by helping you to: identify potential internships relevant to your research interests; provide internship search resources; prepare and review professional internship applications, resumes, and cover letters; interview effectively; and sort through offers.

UCDC participants are eligible for paid, stipend, and academic credit-bearing internships. The availability and type of internships will depend on the organization, so please inquire directly with the organization for more information.

Note: Please be aware many internship deadlines occur before the UCR campus application deadline for UCDC, so please plan ahead and start your internship research and applications early!

Please follow our Guide to Getting a D.C. Internship.

Internship Search Resources

• HACU National Internship Program

• UCR UCDC Internship Database (where UCR students have interned in the past; meant to give you ideas!)

• UCDC Website

• UCR Career Center: Internships

• Other UC Campus UCDC websites

• Handshake

• Idealist

• USA Jobs

• Google

• Indeed

Students are encouraged to utilize the above resources, as well as others that may not be listed here. Approach the internship search as any standard job search. Diversify your search, use as many resources as possible, and prioritize applying to at 2-3 internships per week. It is not uncommon for students to have applied to 50+ organizations before securing an internship.

You will participate in a required UCDC prep course, a core research seminar of your choice (4 units), an elective of your choice (4 units), and a UCR 198i internship course (8-16 units). Please contact your UCR academic advisor to begin discussing how the UCDC courses you plan to take will fit into your overall UCR academic plan.

Students are expected to be enrolled in a minimum of 15 units. Total units earned varies by student.

During the summer, the UCDC program only offers the internship course for credit (no core seminar or elective). Students will be enrolled in 8 units during the summer to be eligible for financial aid.

UCDC Prep Course (0 units P/NP) summer, fall, winter, spring

This is a preparatory course you will take before leaving for your UCDC program. It will guide you through all the required steps you will need to find internships of interest, prepare your application materials, hone your interview skills, choose and be prepared for UCDC courses, and get the most out of your internship. It will also inform you about the support services and other programming the DC Center offers to ensure you have a successful UCDC experience.

Internship Course (8-16 units graded) summer, fall, winter, spring

You will be enrolled in a 198i UCR course to receive academic credit for your internship, and there are many factors determining the amount of units enrolled. Most students will enroll in 8-10 units, which equates to 24-30 hours per week of work. The 198i course may count towards academic credit in most academic departments, with a syllabus and approval from an Instructor or Faculty of Record from their respective academic department.

Core Research Seminar Course (4 units graded) fall, winter, spring only

This course is required of all UCDC participants (fall, winter, and spring quarters only). The course meets once per week and may include field trips and other outside activities. It serves as a weekly forum for students to share and enhance their knowledge of living and working in Washington, D.C. Students also will read about, experience, and analyze key Washington, D.C sites in a multi-disciplinary context. The seminar assignment is specific to a student's major and internship selection and is not campus-specific. Find a list of core seminars here!

Elective Course (4 units graded) optional, fall, winter, spring only

Taught by UC faculty in residence at the Center and Washington, DC area instructors, these courses are offered in many fields of interest including politics, public policy, art history, media, and economics. The courses incorporate institutions and sights of Washington, D.C., and meet one night a week, either Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, 6:00-9:00 PM. Find a list of electives here!

“UCDC prepared me academically by allowing me to engage in research early on my undergraduate level. UCDC provides classes that are discussion-based and more hands-on compared to what you experience on campus. With plenty of think-tanks and organizations around Washington D.C., I learned a lot from other experts on various fields by attending those events and engaging with other people.” –Joseph Christian Agbagala, Political Science/International Affairs

The 11-story, mixed-use UC Washington Center located in the heart of Washington, D.C. serves as residence for almost 300 UC students and the home of the University's academic programs in the Nation's Capital.

In addition, it houses the Office of Federal Governmental Relations, as well as other administrative and research units of the University. The DC Center boasts numerous teaching venues including a 90+ seat auditorium, a 300-person capacity multipurpose room that can be subdivided into three classrooms with moveable partitions, a computer lab, distance learning lab, two seminar rooms and four conference rooms. All venues will have access to the buildings extensive array of multimedia, network and Internet services as well as video-conferencing. The auditorium, located on the first floor, is designed to be a showcase for distance learning technology. It is not only a teaching venue, but a place for lectures, academic symposia, forums of educators, national policy makers and leaders and virtual town meetings.

Students live in apartments, each housing four students. The apartments are two-bedroom, one-bath units, with a living room and kitchen. Students reside on the 4th through the 11th floors of the UC Washington Center. Laundry rooms are located on floors four, six and ten. The 4th floor has a fitness center, a patio, a lounge with a TV and games, as well as a convenience store located in the center.

For more information about housing, visit UC Washington Center Residential Services.

Guide to Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

A letter(s) of recommendation (LOR) is no longer required with the UCDC program application for UCR students, but it is common when applying to internships, or any job prospects. Please begin to think of who can write you LORs early and not wait until the last moment. Best practice is giving your recommender(s) 1-2 weeks. Please ask them to describe your abilities and qualities aimed at potential internship sites. It is important your letters include as much detailed information about you as possible. 

Need help with your resume and cover letters?

Visit the UCR Career Center's website for ideas and samples.

What are the benefits of applying early to UCDC?

For those students who are interested, applying early offers some advantages over waiting until the final deadline to apply:

• By applying early, you increase your chances of securing a spot in the program before it reaches capacity. 
• Applying early allows you to be considered for scholarships and financial aid opportunities that may have limited availability. 
• Applying early gives you more time to plan and prepare for your participation in the UCDC program. You can align your academic and personal schedules accordingly and make the most out of this unique experience. By joining the UCDC program early, you gain access to unique resources and support for applying to internships with early deadlines, such as those at high-level government organizations. 

Is UCDC only for students interested in law and politics or majoring in POSC?

UCDC is open to ALL majors and interests. There are many opportunities for students interested in journalism, communications, computer science, engineering, physical sciences, biology, arts, and more! Here is a list of where students have interned. Please consult with your UCR Academic Advisor how the UCDC coursework will apply to your UCR degree requirements.

How competitive is the program?

The UCDC program is selective rather than competitive. UCR has 21 openings each quarter (15 for summer). Typically, we receive 25-30 applications for the most popular quarters (fall and spring). This varies every quarter, so please apply early if interested. The rate of acceptance is high if students meet eligibility requirements, follow instructions, and submit a complete application by the posted deadlines.

How competitive is it to secure an internship?

Approach applying to internships like you would any standard job search. It's competitive! Once you assume and accept this reality, then you can focus more on what makes YOU a competitive job or internship applicant. Focus on your key strengths and accomplishments. Do you have what majority of employers want in their employees? Skills in communications, leadership, critical thinking, technology, professional, and teamwork? Click here to learn more about NACE Career Readiness Competencies.

How do I find an internship in D.C.?

Once you are accepted to the program, the UCR Program Manager and UCDC staff will work closely with you to assist with your resume, cover letter, interview techniques, and general internship search resources. Additional support is provided from UCDC staff, who work with D.C. internship sites. Click here to learn more about how to find an internship.

What happens if I don’t find an internship in D.C.?

If students are prioritizing the process and regularly applying to 2-3 opportunities each week, it is rare for students to leave UCR without an internship secured because there are thousands of opportunities in D.C.  Students may secure internships literally a few days prior to arrival. We work closely with you to keep you on track with the search and help you present the strongest application materials to each internship site on your list. The few students who arrived in D.C. without an internship have found one within the first few days of the program. Your goal of course will be to secure a position BEFORE you arrive in D.C.

I’ll be studying abroad during the application period. Can I still apply?

We encourage you to apply, but we caution that as a student studying abroad, you may face obstacles. During the application process, we ask applicants to be present for an interview. You will need to be prepared to conduct this interview virtually or over the phone. In addition, accepted students are expected to attend regular meetings both with the group and individually with program staff. These meetings not only help prepare you for the UCDC experience, but also serve as an opportunity for you to get to know your UCDC peers. Otherwise, you will miss out on these group meetings and you will have to find a way to access the information you missed. Finally, as a UCDC participant living abroad, you will need to be prepared to conduct interviews with potential internship sites. These interviews most often take place by phone or virtually, so you will need to be prepared for any extra costs this might incur, ie. international phone calls, etc. All of this is possible and has been done before, but it will require more work and dedication on your part.

Can I earn UC quarter units for my internship?

Yes, all UCDC students earn units for their internship experience through a 198i UCR internship course. You will also complete academic work for a UCR faculty member or professor. Visit the Courses section of this website for more information about the curriculum.

What is the difference between UCDC during an academic quarter and the summer?

The UCDC academic internship program takes place during the fall, winter, and spring quarters. Students are expected to enroll in at least 12 units in the academic year program.

The summer UCDC program has two different options: 1) students can enroll in 8 units of an internship 198i course, or 2) alternately, students may participate in the summer UCDC program without enrolling in units. Students who do not enroll are not eligible for financial aid. The summer program costs less than the regular academic year program because students pay fees in summer on a per-unit basis. Other costs (housing, food, personal costs, etc.) remain about the same and varies by student.

Do I have to be accepted into the UCDC program before I can seek internships in D.C.?

Most students apply to the UCDC program first and research/apply for D.C. internships after acceptance. Students interested in the summer term and/or applying for internship sites with early deadlines (i.e. FBI, CIA, White House, State Department, etc.) should apply to those internships prior to applying to the UCDC program. Summer internships in DC is very competitive. In addition, more motivated students tend to seek and apply to internships before they get accepted into the UCDC program.

Can I apply if I am undocumented/have DACA/AB540 , a transfer student, or international student?

YES! Undocumented/DACA/AB540 students, transfer students, and international students are all welcome to apply. Please inquire directly with us, as every student's situation may be different - send us an email at ucdc@ucr.edu. International students are encouraged to consult with their International Student Advisor to ensure they meet any immigration, visa, and travel guidelines.

Can I enroll in other UCR courses, like online courses, concurrently with UCDC courses?

Special programs like, UCDC and education abroad are designed to be full-time commitments. As a result, the billing and fee structure at UCR does not support concurrent enrollment in UCR courses alongside participation in special programs. This applies to all UCR courses, including online courses.

How do I get to D.C.?

Students are expected to arrange their own flights to D.C.; however, they may plan with other cohort members to travel together. Once in D.C., public transportation is low-cost and very convenient! During orientation, students will be provided a free U-Pass card to use the bus and metro (excluding summer students).

How do I deal with my UCR on/off-campus housing lease while I'm participating in UCDC?

The answer to this question really depends on your specific housing situation. If you have on-campus UCR housing, please contact UCR Housing Services to discuss your options, and do this EARLY. They will usually accommodate your needs as best as they can, usually in the form of guaranteeing you housing upon your return; however, it may not be the same space. If you have off-campus housing, please consult with your landlord or independent housing office immediately to discuss your options.

Can I use my CalFresh and EBT benefits card in another state?

Yes. In all states, including the District of Columbia, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (except Puerto Rico). If you have questions about CalFresh or how to apply, please contact UCR Basic Needs.

My GPA is below the GPA requirement. Should I still apply and how likely am I to be accepted?

The minimum GPA requirement has decreased to a 2.75, but a 3.00 GPA or higher is still preferred. If you are below a 2.75, you may still apply, but please understand there is no guarantee of admission. These applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case and quarter-by-quarter basis. Students below a 2.75 GPA should plan to submit at least one, strong letter of recommendation from a professor. Please be aware, any applications under the GPA requirement may undergo additional review with our campus UCDC faculty advisors.

Can I participate the summer after my senior year, or spring quarter?

Yes, this is possible and many UCR students have done this. However, you must first consult with your academic advisors(s) about delaying your graduation through summer. If approved, you may be able to participate in the spring commencement ceremony, but you will not get your degree conferred until after you return from the program and grades are posted for the summer term.