Undergraduate Research & Scholarships

UCDC

The UC Washington Program (UCDC)

The University of California extends its mission of service, teaching and research to the nation’s capital, Washington, DC. The UC Washington Program is a multi-campus residential, instructional and research center that provides students and faculty from the University of California opportunities to study, research, work, and live within Washington DC’s rich cultural, political and international heritage. The program is housed in an 11-story building in a lively neighborhood a short walk from the White House with room for more than 270 students. The UC Washington Center is served by an efficient public transportation system.

Undergraduate students from the 9 UC campuses are eligible to spend a term in residence at the Washington Center working and studying in the Washington DC metropolitan area. As interns with Congress, the White House, cabinet agencies, advocacy groups, non-profit organizations, scientific laboratories, museums, and the news media, students gain firsthand exposure to the American political process while attaining valuable work experience. Students take courses at the Washington Center for campus credit. Many write and present comprehensive research papers based in part on their internship experiences.

The Washington Center provides UC with a physical presence in the nation’s capital and sponsors conferences, symposia, and policy debates, and connects D.C.-based UC alumni with current students through networking and social events.

Berkeley’s UCDC Program

UC Berkeley sends a diverse cohort of undergraduate students each fall and spring semester to the UC Washington Center to work and study with students from across the UC system.  UCDC gives students the opportunity to intern in DC while remaining full-time UC Berkeley students with financial aid eligibility. Program staff work with each student and the Financial Aid Office to determine eligibility and adjust the financial aid package to compensate for the additional costs expected while in Washington, D.C.

The UCDC program offers a structured and supportive introduction to independent research, intensive attention to students’ intellectual development and writing skills, as well as exciting internships and the chance to make life-long career connections at the national level.  Students divide their weekly schedules between classes and a 3-4 day per week internship. Courses at the UC Washington Center are UC Berkeley approved and taught by faculty with expertise in a range of fields, from international politics, American government, US history, arts management, media, and social advocacy.

Participating UC Campuses

Housing in DC

Students who are accepted into the UCDC program are required to live at the UC Washington Center. Prior to move-in, students will need to sign and submit a housing contract, a legally binding document, which will secure their spot in the program (along with a housing deposit). The building is home to students, faculty, and staff, with all UCDC courses currently being taught at the Washington Center.

The center currently offers the following amenities:

  • Fully furnished apartments:
    • 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath
    • Fully equipped kitchen
    • Living room with TV
  • Housekeeping and maintenance services
  • High-speed internet
  • Fitness center with elliptical, treadmills and weights.
  • Computer lab
  • Laundry rooms
  • Check out items such as: baking supplies, specialty kitchen appliances, shopping carts, etc.
  • Recreation room

Location

1608 Rhode Island Ave., NW
Washington, D.C.,20036
Phone: (202) 974-6200

Monuments and Sites: National Mall, White House, DuPont Circle, National Geographic Museum

Metro Stations: Farragut North, Farragut West, DuPont Circle

Clery 2021 – UCDC Annual Security and Fire Saftey Report

The report contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures UCDC will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by UCDC or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in UCDC’s On-Campus Student Housing Facility (the UC Washington Center) during the three most recent calendar years.

A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request. If you would like to receive a paper copy, you can stop by the Residential Life Office in Room 413 (located at 1608 Rhode Island Avenue, NW Washington, DC, 20036) or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling (202) 974-6216 or emailing studentservices@ucdc.edu.