The ZETA UCDC Fellowship brings together UC students, Washington, D.C. immersion, and ZETA’s national tech policy network to create a hands-on learning experience at the intersection of technology, policy, and storytelling.
Fellows split their time between their UCDC coursework and a placement with ZETA, contributing directly to live projects in policy research, digital strategy, operations, finance, and network growth; all while building a professional community in the nation’s capital.
What Fellows Work On
ZETA fellows are treated as emerging professionals, not just interns. Depending on their track, fellows might:
Help prepare policy briefs, meeting memos, and stakeholder maps for Hill meetings and federal agencies
Co-create TikToks, Reels, and LinkedIn content that translate complex tech policy into Gen-Z-friendly stories
Support financial systems, donor outreach, and budget tracking for a growing national nonprofit
Coordinate multi-state programming and strategy for ZETA’s network across California, Georgia, Texas, and beyond
Support day-to-day operations, from organizing Tech Talks and podcast guests to strengthening internal systems
Every fellow is plugged into ZETA’s broader campaigns in AI, broadband, cybersecurity, energy, health tech, and workforce development.
Who This Fellowship is For
This program is designed for UC students who are:
Curious about how technology, policy, and storytelling intersect
Ready to contribute to real projects in a fast-paced startup nonprofit environment
Interested in careers in tech policy, public affairs, consulting, digital media, nonprofit leadership, or related fields
Excited to grow their networks, sharpen their skills, and represent Gen-Z perspectives in national conversations
Students come from a wide range of majors—Political Science, Communications, Business, Public Policy, Engineering, and beyond. What matters most is a willingness to learn, collaborate, and take initiative.
What Fellows Gain
By the end of the fellowship, participants walk away with:
Professional experience in a live tech policy nonprofit environment
A portfolio of work—from policy memos and stakeholder maps to content, reports, and strategy artifacts
Expanded networks across Capitol Hill, industry, philanthropy, and Gen-Z leaders nationwide
Practical skills in research, communications, operations, digital storytelling, and organizational strategy
Confidence navigating D.C.—from networking in professional spaces to engaging in meetings and public events
Fellowship Tracks
Social Media & Digital Storytelling
For creators who live on TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Develop and execute a content roadmap aligned with ZETA’s advocacy priorities
Record, edit, and publish short-form videos that explain policy issues in relatable, viral formats
Help lead the daily “Writer’s Room” with other fellows to ideate content and scripts
Track performance and refine strategy based on what resonates with Gen-Z audiences
1
Policy Research
For policy nerds who love legislation, hearings, and deep dives.
Monitor federal and state bills, hearings, and rulemaking across ZETA’s core issue areas
Draft concise memos and briefs that translate complex policy into accessible insight
Support planning for Hill meetings and agency engagement, including background research and follow-up
Help identify themes for Tech Talks, roundtables, and digital education contentFor creators who live on TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
2
Operations
For systems thinkers who want to see how a national nonprofit actually runs.
Support day-to-day coordination of the ZETA team and internal operations
Help prepare reports and materials shared with partners and stakeholders
Organize digital assets, workflows, and documentation to keep the org moving smoothly
Assist with podcast and webinar logistics, guest outreach, and prep materials
3
Finance
For numbers-minded students who want a behind-the-scenes view of nonprofit sustainability.
Join fundraising meetings with ZETA’s leadership, take notes, and support follow-up
Help prepare materials for donor outreach, sponsor pitches, and partner decks
Support basic financial systems, recordkeeping, and budgeting workflows
Learn how financial operations intersect with mission, strategy, and growth
4
Network Strategy
For builders excited about scaling programs and networks across states.
Assist with strategies to grow ZETA’s presence in key states and on campuses
Support planning of statewide events, meetings, and programming logistics
Help manage communication with student leaders, partners, and state teams
Contribute to outreach materials, newsletters, and strategic artifacts that drive network growth
5
Professional Development in DC
Beyond day-to-day work, fellows participate in a structured professional development experience built around Washington, D.C.’s ecosystem. This may include:
Roundtable Series
Small-group conversations with professionals across Hill careers, consulting, corporate roles, and public affairs—designed to unpack career paths, hiring expectations, and lessons learned.
Capitol Hill Exposure
Guided time in and around the Capitol, with opportunities to observe how Congress operates and to meet staffers working on tech and related issues.
Event Sharing & Shadowing
Curated lists of panels, receptions, and public events—and chances to shadow ZETA team members as they network and engage with stakeholders in real time.
D.C. Field Experiences
Group outings that explore D.C. institutions, think tanks, agencies, or partner organizations, building both context and cohort community.
Partner & Employer Site Visits
Opportunities such as a “consulting day” with partners, where fellows learn how firms approach problem-solving, innovation, and client work in tech-adjacent spaces.
Community-Building Activities
Interactive experiences—like scavenger hunts or cohort-based challenges—that help fellows get to know the city and each other while strengthening their professional confidence.
How the Partnership with UCDC Works
The fellowship is offered in partnership with the UC Washington Center (UCDC). Students are selected through UCDC’s application process and matched with ZETA as their internship host organization. Fellows remain enrolled in their UC campus and UCDC coursework while completing their ZETA placement and participating in supplemental programming described above.
Some fellows may be eligible for financial support through UCDC, depending on program offerings and campus policies.
