MISSION

The University of California Washington Center is an innovative educational, living, and community space where we bring California’s diversity and priorities to the nation’s capital, create transformative experiences, and promote public service through our premier experiential learning and public engagement programs.

VISION

Our vision is that the University of California Washington Center will be the premier experiential learning destination for UC students and the preeminent space in the nation’s capital for tackling the world’s most urgent social, cultural, ecological, and economic challenges.​

VALUES

At UCDC we hold these values above all else and to guide us as we create the premier experiential learning destination for UC students, staff, faculty, and community

Collaboration

We create meaningful opportunities for engagement between students, staff, faculty, and stakeholders.

Equity & Inclusion

We have equitable and transparent hiring and retention practices; we offer scholarships that make UCDC affordable; and we create inclusive spaces that welcome and support all members of our community.

Public Impact

Every year, we enable nearly 1,000 California interns to contribute to the public good in DC and host public-facing events aligned with California’s diversity and priorities.

Excellence

We offer a stellar experiential learning curriculum that prepares students for the workforce and we ensure our staff operate in their “zones of genius.”

Integrity

We are committed to the responsible stewardship of public and private funds and prioritize the student experience in all that we do.

PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNITY

These principles define shared expectations for a healthy, inclusive, and values-aligned culture: 

1. Service-Oriented 
Value: We commit to delivering timely, reliable, and high-quality support in service of UCDC’s mission. 
Action: We respond promptly, partner effectively, and provide high-quality service to students, faculty, campuses, internship providers, alumni, and community partners. 

 

2. Open 
Value: We value the open exchange of ideas and learning across difference. 
Action: We create space for inquiry and dialogue by listening actively, engaging respectfully, and welcoming diverse perspectives. 

 

3. Diverse 
Value: We welcome diversity in all its forms and strive to build a community of belonging, representation, and full participation. 
Action: We practice inclusion by valuing each person’s identity and perspective, ensuring equitable access, and supporting environments where everyone can grow. 

 

4. Just 
Value: We uphold fairness, dignity, and equity in our community. 
Action: We promote transparency and consistency by ensuring clear and equitable access to opportunities, resources, recognition, and rewards. 

 

5. Caring 
Value: We affirm the dignity, humanity, and well-being of students and colleagues. 
Action: We foster a supportive environment by demonstrating respect, trust, compassion, and care for people as whole persons. 

 

6. Ethical 
Value: We uphold integrity, honesty, and accountability in all aspects of our work. 
Action: We model ethical conduct through transparent communication, responsible decision-making, and a commitment to building mutual understanding. 

 

7. Commemorative 
Value: We honor the history, lived experiences, and contributions of Washington, D.C. and the UCDC community. 
Action: We recognize and celebrate the achievements, stories, and identities that shape our shared community. 

THE WASHINGTON CENTER

At the heart of the University of California Washington Center is the UC Washington Program (UCDC), a flagship example of the Center’s mission in action. UCDC immerses students from every campus in rigorous academics, real-world policy work, and public service. It transforms the Washington Center’s space into a living, learning community where California’s values take root and thrive, advancing impact not only in the nation’s capital but around the world.