UC Merced political science students returned to Sacramento to get first-hand experience at California’s Capitol with internships.
The Center for Analytic Political Engagement (CAPE) Legislative Bootcamp is led by CAPE’s Director Professor Nathan Monroe and Associate Director Adam Gray. The week-long trip in late May to the state Capitol is preceded by a semester-long course that simulates the legislative session. Students take on roles including senators, representatives, lobbyists and members of the media.
The course immediately caught the attention of second-year political science student Christopher Ramirez. He described the class as hands-on and not-lecture based.
“It was so appealing because of how in-depth it is and it’s really not something that is offered anywhere else,” he said.
At the end of the course, a cohort of six students was selected to travel to Sacramento for the legislative bootcamp. Throughout the week, they saw procedures in legislative committees, experienced what it would take to work in a district office, learned how to write press releases and resolutions, and were taught how to research bills.
Monroe said the transformation in the students was almost unbelievable.
“They started the week timid, even a bit frozen and shy about introducing themselves to people we met. They were unsure of themselves when asking questions of our distinguished speakers,” he said. “By the end, they were confident, poised and asked insightful questions. They were eager to make connections with high-level staff, walked a bit taller, spoke a bit louder, and showed an understanding of the legislative arena that far surpassed other interns. They are a special group.”
“CAPE’s goal for us is to go into our internships on day one more prepared than most interns are on their last day,” said Ramirez.
And he said the preparation has already paid off at his internship at the California Chamber of Commerce, where he is honing his lobbying skills.
“Day one of my internship I was already reviewing and editing proposition letters and coalition letters,” said Ramirez. “It felt like they trusted me because of my training with CAPE. I was able to successfully do the things they needed of me.”
Monroe said a moment that left an impression on him and the students was when they were brought into the gallery of the State Assembly to watch floor proceedings.
“Our Associate Director Adam Gray informed several members that we were there. At the next opportunity, the presiding officer recognized our fellows on the chamber floor, and all the Assembly members stood, turned to where our fellows were sitting, and gave a standing ovation,” said Monroe. “It was a special moment, and I think it really impressed upon our students what a special opportunity it is to be a CAPE Legislative Fellow.”
For fourth-year political science student Osbaldo Leon, one of the most valuable experiences in Sacramento was meeting with UC Merced alumni who are actively working in the state Capitol. “It showed us this is something that we can attain with our background and experience. It was motivating,” he said.
Leon wrapped up his internship this summer with Assemblymember Heath Flora. In his role, he worked on bill recommendations, monitored legislative committees and sat in on meetings with lobbyists.
Second-year political science student Yasmín Terán-Salazar also completed the CAPE bootcamp with aspirations of becoming a chief of staff for a state legislator in the future. After what she described as an immersive week in Sacramento, she said she walked away with valuable advice and suggestions from various legislative staffers with whom she built connections. She’s now completing an internship with Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua.
“CAPE really prepared me to be familiar with the legislative process,” said Terán-Salazar. “I have been working on voting recommendations, helping research and getting new bills started.”
Monroe said the success of the program’s interns translates to impacts for the greater good of the region.
“Not only do they get more out of the internship, but they stand out as the best interns in Sacramento, putting them on a fast track to careers in public service,” he said. “This also serves to elevate the voices of the San Joaquin Valley and grow the reputation of UC Merced.”
CAPE really prepared me to be familiar with the legislative process.
