The University of California Center Sacramento (UCCS)

Exciting New UC Scholar-Intern Program in Sacramento

For students interested in politics and policy issues ranging from the environment to science and technology, UCDC has offered an exciting real-world experience. Now students can have that same experience without ever having to leave California.
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URCA Office Coordinates UCCS Program

The University of California Center in Sacramento (UCCS), a special program offered by the UC Office of the President provides undergraduates from all campuses the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and, at the same time, receive full academic credit.
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UCCS Testimonials

Exciting New UC Scholar-Intern Program in Sacramento

by Lorraine McDonnell

For students interested in politics and policy issues ranging from the environment to science and technology, UCDC has offered an exciting real-world experience. Now students can have that same experience without ever having to leave California. UCSB juniors and seniors can participate in a new scholar-intern program at the University of California Center Sacramento (UCCS). Students work 24- 32 hours a week, earning academic credit for their internships while also enrolled in a 4-unit seminar that culminates in the submission of a research paper. They may also enroll in a 4-unit elective course at the program's headquarters, located just one block from the Capitol.

UCSB students who have participated in the program, which began in January 2004, have worked as an aide in the governor's press office, as a legislative aide in an assemblyman's office staffing an appropriations bill, and for a variety of state agencies and interest groups. They report back how much they enjoy the program because the UCCS faculty and staff are enthusiastic and student- oriented; the program is small so students get a lot of individual attention; they love working in the Capitol where their bosses treat them like professionals; and UCCS provides an opportunity to live, work, and study with students from other UC campuses. Since California's size and diversity as the sixth largest economy in the world are reflected in its state government, working in Sacramento can be compared to working in the capital of a major country. But students do not need to be experts in state politics, and all academic majors are welcome, as long as they have strong GPAs, an interest in California's future, and a willingness to involve themselves in public service and the state policymaking process.

If you are interested in learning more about UCCS, you may visit its website ( http://uccs.universityofcalifornia.edu), or you may contact UCSB's UCCS liaison, Nan Anderson (nanderson@ltsc.ucsb.edu), or the UCSB faculty representative, Prof. Lorraine McDonnell (mcdonnell@polsci.ucsb.edu ). The UCCS program will be offered during spring 2005, summer 2005, winter 2006, and spring 2006, with application deadlines and instructions available at the UCCS website.

Lorraine McDonnell is a professor of political science and faculty representative of the UCCS program.

URCA Office Coordinates UCCS Program

The University of California Center in Sacramento (UCCS), a special program offered by the UC Office of the President provides undergraduates from all campuses the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and, at the same time, receive full academic credit. This one-quarter program features

• A for-credit internship opportunity based on your interests
• Special housing near to the Capitol building
• Co-curricular activities and events in Sacramento
• The opportunity to live and work with undergraduates from other UC campuses

Upcoming Deadlines
Spring 2005 - Now through January 21  
Summer 2005 - February 1 through April 15

Program information and application materials are available from the URCA Office or from the UCCS web site, http://uccs.universityofcalifornia.edu/

UCCS Testimonials

I decided to attend UCCS because the opportunity to work in state government, to receive school credit, and to experience another town was too good to pass up. In my internship, I worked in the fast- paced office of Assemblywoman Sharon Runner. Although most of my work was clerical, it did give me the opportunity to communicate with many influential individuals in state government. Working in state government, I learned that I do not want to be a politician, but I respect the profession more and have gained invaluable experience that I will use in my work in government later on. In addition, Sacramento was the perfect place the make the connections needed for success in the future. My Assemblywoman and her Chief of Staff are willing and extremely able to assist me by providing letters of recommendation and assisting me in my networking. This was an amazing quarter that I will never forget, and I believe I am a better student, voter, and person for getting involved. — Denise Oki, Senior, History of Public Policy/Law and Society

I worked for the director of communications in the Office of the Governor. Mostly I did clerical and administrative work, but taking minutes every week at meetings between Deputy Communications Directors and the Public Information Officers from all of the State Agencies gave me some insight into how the state government practices PR/damage control when releasing information to the press and the public, just as in the corporate world. — Jessica Pliner, B.A., Law and Society

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