\u201cThe work of democracy is never finished, and securing its future is our greatest calling,\u201d Pelosi said. \u201cUC Berkeley has a long, proud history of challenging the status quo and producing leaders who run toward the greatest challenges of our time. I am honored to partner with this exceptional community of scholars and students so we can equip the next generation with the tools they need to strengthen our democratic institutions and forge a future that serves the public good.\u201d<\/p>\n
We intend to do more than simply study democracy; we are building this institute to strengthen it.<\/p>\n
UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons<\/p>\n
The institute\u2019s work will focus on four pillars: strengthening America\u2019s democratic institutions; overcoming America\u2019s greatest challenges for our society, economy and planet; promoting human rights and civil rights at home and abroad; and ensuring political leadership that represents the full spectrum of perspectives and backgrounds in California and the country.<\/p>\n
Basing the institute at Berkeley means it will serve a student body where one-quarter of undergraduates are the first in their family to attend college and 27% receive federal Pell Grants, which are reserved for undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need. That, coupled with the fact that Berkeley is a leading source of elected officials and government leaders, means the institute will give future leaders from every background the kind of experience once reserved for those in the Ivy League.<\/p>\n
![\"Chancellor](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260627_PelosiLyons_bhs_036-1024x683.jpg\")
Lyons said the institute aligns with Berkeley\u2019s commitment to fostering civil discourse, advancing democracy and preparing students to lead with integrity.\u00a0Pelosi, the first Californian to serve as House speaker, is slated to co-teach a course about Congress. <\/p>\n
Brittany Hosea-Small\/UC Berkeley<\/p>\n
\u201cThe study of political science is most impactful when it bridges the gap between academic research and real-world governance,\u201d said Scott Straus, chair of the Travers Department of Political Science. \u201cThis institute will provide our students and faculty with unprecedented opportunities to engage directly with the mechanics of leadership and move ideas from the classroom into the real world, ensuring that our research directly informs the leaders and policymakers who are working for a better tomorrow across the political spectrum.\u201d<\/p>\n