While federal institutions frequently experience partisan gridlock, local municipal leaders utilize the power of democratic governance to benefit local communities. This applied learning course invites students to participate directly in that process by developing public policy that connects constituents to essential resources. The curriculum begins in the spring semester, focusing on political science theory, skill-building, and the history and structural framework of California’s state and municipal governments. During this period, students refine resumes and interview strategies to secure summer internship opportunities within various Bay Area jurisdictions. The cohort reconvenes in the fall to analyze the policy challenges facing the region, culminating in the creation of policy briefs and formal presentations designed to drive positive community change. Through this experiential track, students develop critical skills in professional collaboration while gaining a practical understanding of the complexities of modern policymaking.

STOak is a community-based experiential learning course that features a unique summer internship that focuses on social or environmental justice. STOak is hands-on and project-based, with a mix of structured course work, field trips, group discussions, and independent research. Students engage with Oakland’s past and present through a lens of indigenous history, social justice movements, and community development. Students research the social, political, and economic landscape of their topic while learning the professional conduct they will practice in their summer internships at community-based organizations.

During the internship, students are paired with mentors to learn how their organization operates and to support its mission. The program concludes in the fall when students share their experiences with one another and prepare a formal presentation for the College Prep community. Students emerge from STOak well-versed in local history and current events, with concrete professional experience, increased leadership skills, and the confidence to positively impact their community.