Laying the foundation for an expansion of its state capitol
internship program, the University of California has purchased an
office building in downtown Sacramento.
Although plans are in the works, officials say it will probably
take at least two years for any noticeable changes to take
effect.
The building, located on Sacramento’s K Street Mall, was
purchased for $18 million. Although the building is fully occupied
with businesses, the UC plans to eventually convert some of it into
classrooms and academic facilities.
The UC system currently operates an internship program to
Washington D.C. and a much smaller one to Sacramento. The programs
allow students to work in state and federal offices, nonprofit
organizations, media and law firms.
“What we’re trying to do here is learn from our
experience in Washington D.C. and emulate our success there,”
said Stephen Arditti, the university’s assistant vice
president for state governmental relations.
Arditti said at any given time, the UC has 275 students
interning in Washington D.C., earning UC credit and attending
classes taught by UC professors.
On the other hand, only about 60-65 students attend the
Sacramento intern program annually. These students only intern over
the summer, do not earn UC credit, are not instructed by UC
faculty, and are not provided with housing.
The UC saw a chance to augment its Sacramento program when the
city’s vacated Weinstocks building, located footsteps away
from the capitol, went up for purchase.
“It seemed like an opportunity we could not pass
up,” Arditti said.
However, Arditti also stressed that things are “still in
the planning stages” and that the UC has no definite plans as
to how it will go about improving the program.
The building currently houses state agencies and a Bank of
America. Revenues from the tenants actually generate a profit for
the UC of $600,000 annually, which is being put in a reserve
account for renovations.
The UC hopes to convert some of the building into classrooms, a
computer lab, a library and housing for students and faculty,
although such changes would only be made
“gradually.”
“We will probably look at starting up something more
quickly on a smaller basis,” said John Griffing, the
university’s director of public service programs in
Sacramento.
Griffing pointed out that it would take at least two years for
the academic senate to complete and approve plans for
renovations.
“I think the very earliest we could get even a small hint
of the internship program would be the fall of 2004,” Arditti
agreed.
The recent budget shortfalls of the state government could also
slow down progress.
Eventually, the Sacramento program could support year-round 120
students who would be earning UC credit and gaining valuable
experience.
“There are opportunities here for students to make an
impact in various state agencies,” Griffing said.
Students who participated in the Washington intern program
agreed.
“UCLA students should definitely take advantage of
programs like … the Sacramento program,” said Eric
Oganesian, a fourth-year political science student who interned for
Congressman Gary Miller (R-CA) in Washington D.C. last quarter.
“I learned more about every aspect of government in the
three months I was in Washington than I did in three years of
political science courses.”
“This is valuable for students to learn about (government
policy),” Arditti said.
“Oftentimes internships lead to job opportunities in
government, both at the state and federal level,” he
added.
Students interested in learning more about the Sacramento and
Washington D.C. internship programs should contact the UCLA Career
Center.