The University of California extends its mission of service, teaching and research to the nation's capital. The UC Washington Center (UCDC) is a multi-campus residential, instructional and research center that provides students and faculty from the University of California with opportunities to study, research, work, and live within Washington'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. Students from these and other campuses are eligible to spend a term in residence at the 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, and the news media, students gain firsthand exposure to the American political process while attaining valuable work experience. Students take courses at the Center to fulfill the academic component of each campus program. Many write and present comprehensive research papers based in part on their internship experiences.Participating Campuses-UC Berkeley-University of Notre Dame-UC Davis-UC Irvine-UCLA-University of Michigan-UC Merced-UC Riverside-UC San Diego-UC Santa Barbara-UC Santa Cruz-University of San Francisco-Mt. Holyoke