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Program Overview
The University of California Center in Sacramento (UCCS) Program provides a unique experiential learning experience for UCSB students. It is a residential program that combines an internship, research, and coursework. In addition, students have the opportunity to observe public policy processes firsthand in our state's capital. The UCCS web site is uccs.universityofcalifornia.edu.
Designed for undergraduates in their junior or senior year, the program assumes students have completed a substantial portion of the coursework in their major, and that their internships and research projects will serve to enhance their academic study. This is not a program designed for any one major. Students in all fields are welcome and encouraged to apply.
During the quarter in Sacramento, students receive UCSB academic credit for working in a structured internship with an agency or organization of their choice, for the research project, and for a seminar course on California issues. The weekly seminar supports students in their internships by bringing in various speakers involved in state government. The research project culminates in the submission of a substantial final paper at the end of the quarter. All classes are taught at the UCCS offices just one block from the capitol building.
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Eligibility
Admission to the UCCS Program is open to upper-division undergraduates from all majors. Students maintain full-time enrollment at UCSB while residing in Sacramento. The Program is offered during the fall, winter and spring quarters and during the summer.
The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) Office handles the campus recruitment and application activities. Students selected to participate in the program work with the UCCS Internship Director at the Center to find an internship placement that is appropriate given their interests and background. Participating interns have access to a fully staffed UCCS office in Sacramento that includes the Center Director and administrative personnel.
Students admitted to the program must reside with other interns from across the UC System in apartments located within 3.5 miles from the capitol building. These fully furnished, 2-bedroom apartments will house 4 students each and comes with daily maid service at the cost of approximately $2,250 per student for the 11 week term. The apartment complex has a workout room, a pool and volleyball courts.
If you receive financial aid, your aid package will be adjusted to accommodate the costs of housing in Sacramento and will be available for use during your quarter in Sacramento.
INTERN ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
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Applicants must be juniors or seniors who have completed a substantial portion of the coursework in their major by the time of their internship in Sacramento. Participants must be a registered student while in the program.
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A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required and applicants should make a persuasive case that participation in the UCCS Program will contribute significantly to their education.
An internship need not be secured before applying to the program; however, the application should contain a well-formulated idea of the type of internship that will allow integration of study and career goals. Once admitted to the UCCS Program the student must, with the assistance of the UCCS Internship Coordinator, secure an internship position.
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Admissions Process
Please refer to the UCCS calendar dates below for current program dates and deadlines. Applications will be reviewed upon submission, and admission will be granted on a rolling basis. So apply early for first consideration.
Upcoming Application and Program Dates
Interview times will be made available shortly after the application is submitted. Admission decisions will be announced three-five business days following the interview.
| Winter 2009 |
Spring 2009 |
Summer 2009 |
Fall 2009 |
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| Application deadline | October 31, 2008 |
January 30, 2009 |
April 3, 2009 |
April 3, 2009 |
Students may move into their UCCS contracted apartments one day before the program start date, and must vacate the day after the final program date.
| Program Start Date:** (attendance mandatory) |
January 5, 2009 |
March 30, 2009 |
June 22, 2009 |
TBA |
| Final Program Date** (attendance mandatory) |
March 18, 2009 |
June 10, 2009 |
Sept 2, 2009 |
TBA |
** Disclaimer: Dates are subject to change.
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HOW TO APPLY
Student Data: Use the UCCS Program Application Form. Information requested on this form is needed for program administration and reporting purposes, as well as to communicate efficiently with the applicant. Be assured that any personal data provided will be used in accordance with the policies governing student confidentiality.
Personal Essay: A personal statement should be typewritten (double-spaced) and must not exceed 350 words. THE ESSAY IS VERY IMPORTANT. It will be evaluated on content, style, and general mastery of the English language (i.e., grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary). The essay will also be evaluated as a writing sample when submitted with a résumé to prospective intern employers. Therefore, do not write about one particular agency, allowing the essay to be used for several possible internships. The essay should reflect personal interests and abilities. Please address the following in the essay:
- Overall personal goals and reasons for wanting an internship in Sacramento, clearly indicating how these relate to your academic background and possible career goals.
- The type of internship sought, including information about how you will both learn from and contribute to your internship
- Comments on ability to work independently, citing examples if appropriate.
Resume: Not to exceed two, single-sided pages, of extracurricular activities, honors, awards, work experiences (paid and volunteer positions), and relevant coursework.
Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts which may be ordered off the web. Transfer students who have attended UCSB for less than six quarters, must submit transcripts from all other colleges or universities attended.
Letters of Recommendation: Two letters are required.
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One recommendation must be from a college-level instructor, preferably a UCSB instructor, who can assess academic work and provide comments on whether previous course work has prepared the applicant adequately for the academic rigors of the UCCS program. Although letters from TA's are acceptable, applicants should make an effort to obtain a letter from the course instructor first.
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One recommendation should be from a current or past supervisor who can objectively write about the applicant's skills and characteristics as appropriate to a work environment, including volunteer positions.
The Letter of Recommendation Request Form can be found here.
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SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION
Please do NOT staple or bind any part of the application. Use a paper clip to keep materials together.
Submission Checklist
- Program Application Form
- Personal Essay
- Résumé
- Transcripts
- Recommendation Letters (In sealed envelope if given to you; if not, refer to submission instructions.)
WHEN AND WHERE TO SUBMIT
All applications materials are due by 4:00 p.m. on the stated deadline
(see deadlines).
Personally delivered materials:
Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Office
2105 North Hall
Letters or other materials mailed from off-campus should be addressed as follows:
College of Letters and Science
URCA Office
University of California
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-2085
On-campus mail should simply be addressed:
College of Letters and Science
URCA Office - 2085
Forms
- Application Packet and Housing Exemption Form: http://uccs.universityofcalifornia.edu/faqs.html
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Contact Information
The UC Center in Sacramento Program (UCCS) is sponsored by the College of Letters and Science Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) Office located at 2105 North Hall.
Program Coordinator:
URCA Coordinator
(805) 893-2319 (for appointments)
urca@LTSC.ucsb.edu
Links:
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