About CAPE
The Center for Analytic Political Engagement (CAPE) at UC Merced connects students, scholars, and community leaders to enhance democratic participation in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Through research, experiential learning, and public engagement, CAPE equips students with the analytical and practical skills necessary to navigate politics, policy, and governance. Signature programs like the CAPE Legislative Fellows Program and the Civic Scholars Program provide hands-on training, mentorship, and funding to ensure students gain real-world experience in legislative offices, research roles, and policy analysis.
CAPE also supports students through immersive academic opportunities such as the Legislative Simulation Course (POLI 109), where students engage in mock policymaking, and internship programs like UCCS and UCDC, which place students in government and advocacy roles in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. By fostering civic engagement and professional development, CAPE prepares students for impactful careers in public service, governance, and advocacy.
Mission Statement
Founded in 2021, The Center for Analytic Political Engagement (CAPE) is a focal point for scholars, students, and community leaders in California’s San Joaquin Valley, founded by the Political Science faculty at the University of California, Merced. It aims to enhance a healthy democratic society by advancing responsible civic participation and elevating the voices of the under-represented.
CAPE seeks to:
- Provide students the scholarly and pragmatic skills to participate in politics and policy creation and to navigate the realities of electoral politics and partisanship;
- Support research that incorporates sound social science and data analysis of citizen action and the processes by which governments make, enact, and adjudicate policy;
- Engage the community – especially the San Joaquin Valley region – to amplify its voice and enrich its public-minded pursuits.
Non-partisan Disclosure
The Center for Analytic Political Engagement (CAPE) encourages open dialogue for political discourse. Any sharing of information or opportunities is not an endorsement of the positions reflected by the related candidates or organizations.
