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UC Berkeley and Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi Launch Institute to Strengthen American Democracy
On June 29, 2026, the University of California, Berkeley announced a partnership with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to launch the Nancy Pelosi Institute for Representative Democracy (NPI). The new center will open its doors in January 2027, the month after Pelosi steps down from Congress, and will reside within the Charles and Louise Travers Department of Political Science.
The institute’s stated purpose is to fortify American democracy through research, instruction, and civic engagement. Officials outlined four guiding pillars: 1) reinforcing democratic institutions; 2) tackling the nation’s most urgent social, economic, and environmental challenges; 3) championing human rights and civil liberties both domestically and abroad; and 4) cultivating political leadership that mirrors California’s and the country’s diversity. Pelosi will co‑teach a course on the U.S. House of Representatives, and the NPI will host visiting fellows and fund scholarly projects.
Chancellor Rich Lyons emphasized that the NPI fits neatly with Berkeley’s commitment to civil discourse and to preparing students to lead with integrity. "We intend to do more than simply study democracy," Lyons said. The institute plans to serve roughly 500 students annually, many of whom are first‑generation college attendees and Pell‑grant recipients. According to department chair Scott Straus, faculty and students will have opportunities to translate classroom ideas into real‑world governance.
Financially, the NPI has already secured more than $35 million in philanthropic commitments and is targeting a $50 million fundraising goal to establish a permanent endowment. The institute will create several specialized centers, including a Center for the U.S. House of Representatives, a Global Dignity Lab, an AI & Democratic Innovation Initiative, and a Center for the Study of Gender and Politics.
The Bancroft Library will host a public exhibit on Pelosi’s life next spring, and the institute will later house an exhibit chronicling her congressional career. Leadership, including dean Raka Ray of the Division of Social Sciences, described Berkeley as an ideal setting for a center with national and global impact.
In short, the Nancy Pelosi Institute for Representative Democracy will begin operations in January 2027, offering research, teaching, and civic engagement opportunities aimed at strengthening U.S. democracy. Its $50 million fundraising target and planned endowment will underpin its mission, while its four‑pillar focus will guide research and outreach. The institute’s nonpartisan stance and partnership with a former House Speaker position it as a potential national leader in democratic studies.
The institute’s stated purpose is to fortify American democracy through research, instruction, and civic engagement. Officials outlined four guiding pillars: 1) reinforcing democratic institutions; 2) tackling the nation’s most urgent social, economic, and environmental challenges; 3) championing human rights and civil liberties both domestically and abroad; and 4) cultivating political leadership that mirrors California’s and the country’s diversity. Pelosi will co‑teach a course on the U.S. House of Representatives, and the NPI will host visiting fellows and fund scholarly projects.
Chancellor Rich Lyons emphasized that the NPI fits neatly with Berkeley’s commitment to civil discourse and to preparing students to lead with integrity. "We intend to do more than simply study democracy," Lyons said. The institute plans to serve roughly 500 students annually, many of whom are first‑generation college attendees and Pell‑grant recipients. According to department chair Scott Straus, faculty and students will have opportunities to translate classroom ideas into real‑world governance.
Financially, the NPI has already secured more than $35 million in philanthropic commitments and is targeting a $50 million fundraising goal to establish a permanent endowment. The institute will create several specialized centers, including a Center for the U.S. House of Representatives, a Global Dignity Lab, an AI & Democratic Innovation Initiative, and a Center for the Study of Gender and Politics.
The Bancroft Library will host a public exhibit on Pelosi’s life next spring, and the institute will later house an exhibit chronicling her congressional career. Leadership, including dean Raka Ray of the Division of Social Sciences, described Berkeley as an ideal setting for a center with national and global impact.
In short, the Nancy Pelosi Institute for Representative Democracy will begin operations in January 2027, offering research, teaching, and civic engagement opportunities aimed at strengthening U.S. democracy. Its $50 million fundraising target and planned endowment will underpin its mission, while its four‑pillar focus will guide research and outreach. The institute’s nonpartisan stance and partnership with a former House Speaker position it as a potential national leader in democratic studies.
