Internship & Volunteer Program

Asees Sethi – Revenue-Based Business Licenses Initiative & Breaking Cycles of Economic Inequality

This research project examines how local business licensing policies can contribute to economic inequality by creating disproportionate financial burdens for small businesses. Using Dublin, CA as a case study, the analysis finds that fixed licensing fees may limit entrepreneurial growth and economic mobility, particularly for lower-revenue businesses. The paper proposes a revenue-based licensing model that aligns fees with business income to increase equity in the licensing system. This approach aims to reduce barriers to entrepreneurship, promote economic fairness, and support a more diverse local economy while maintaining stable municipal revenue. You can view the full report here, along with a draft of the proposed measure.

Matthew Parr – Navigating Modern AI: Risks & Rewards

Have you ever had a grandparent excitedly show you a video, only for you to realize that the content they are presenting to you is AI-generated? This is becoming an increasingly common experience as we navigate the new landscape of artificial intelligence. To help bridge this generational knowledge gap and address risks of misinformation, a video presentation was created to educate senior citizens about AI and how it can be used both positively and maliciously. To learn more, you can read the full report or watch the recorded presentation here.

Anushka Ramesh – Housing Affordability and Displacement in District 1

Housing affordability is one of the most pressing challenges facing District 1 with many cities continuing to face rising housing costs, displacement, and a widening gap between wages and home prices. While local housing policies and programs such as Measure W and the 6th Cycle Housing Element have helped support new housing construction and strengthened tenant protections, the supply of affordable housing has not kept pace with demand. As a result, many newly built homes remain out of reach for lower-income residents, contributing to displacement and making it increasingly difficult for long-time community members to remain in their neighborhoods. A key underlying issue is housing production and zoning with barriers continuing to restrict housing development. To learn about potential solutions read the full report.

Prisha Saraf – Analyzing Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce Memberships

The Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce has served as a pillar of the local economy since 1997. While it is a well-established and respected organization in the community, many small and independently owned businesses remain unaware of the benefits available through Chamber membership. Without connection to local support networks, businesses may miss valuable opportunities for growth, visibility, and long-term success. Increasing Chamber membership can help local businesses gain access to networking events, business referrals, publications, and greater overall name recognition. Learn more in the full report.

Vyan Kumar – Evaluating Local Control Funding (LCFF) in District 1

This research paper examines the impact of California’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) on public school outcomes across District 1. It analyzes student performance trends and explores how funding levels, demographics, and district-level decision-making influence educational outcomes. The project highlights that student success cannot be attributed to funding policy alone, but rather to how effectively districts implement programs, address the needs of diverse student populations, and allocate resources under the LCFF framework. The research provides valuable insights and key takeaways for future representatives, community members, and educators seeking to better understand school funding and student achievement in District 1. You can read the full report here.

Anika Sundar – Expanding Telehealth Access Through Community Based Support

Telehealth has rapidly transformed healthcare delivery by enabling patients and providers to connect through digital technologies such as video conferencing, remote monitoring, and mobile health applications. While telehealth has significantly expanded access to care and improved efficiency, it has also exposed, and in some cases worsened, existing healthcare disparities, particularly for seniors and individuals who face challenges with technology use and availability. This report examines the history and importance of telehealth, evaluates whether access is truly equitable, analyzes causes of inequity in District 1, and proposes solutions with a focus on telehealth hubs. To learn more, read the full report.

Ayushi Singh – Who is the Library Really For? Youth, Immigrants, & Access in District 1

Public libraries are designed to provide free and equitable access to information, technology, and educational opportunities for all residents. However, despite offering a wide range of services, these libraries are not always fully utilized by the communities they aim to serve. Barriers such as language differences, limited outreach, scheduling conflicts, and gaps in digital literacy can create unequal access and block community engagement with library services. This project includes an informational presentation based on the research findings, along with a written report.

Minha Adnan – Closing the Food Access Gap in Alameda County

Approximately 1 in 4 Alameda County residents either face food insecurity or are at risk of it. Food insecurity can significantly affect household stability as well as individuals’ overall sense of well-being and community engagement. This paper analyzes food insecurity in District 1 by examining its causes, impacts, and potential solutions that could strengthen local communities. Research suggests that food insecurity is driven by a range of socioeconomic factors. including uneven job growth, income and wealth inequality, high housing costs, stagnant wages, rising costs of living, and underfunded social services. To learn more about potential long-term solutions to food insecurity in District 1, you can read the full report.

Asees Sethi – The Soil of Policy and the Seeds of Business Growth

What makes one business thrive while another just down the street struggles to survive? This report investigates that very question by analyzing six businesses operating in both Fremont and Union City. Through interviews with city officials and insights from various economic reports, it uncovers the real world impact of zoning, permitting, and infrastructure policies on local economic growth. If you’re interested in learning more about what policies help or harm our local economy, and what can be done to improve them, here is the link to the full report. 

Emylee Chen – Following the Funds in District 1: Save the Libraries

Have you heard about the budget cuts happening in District 1 right now? You probably have heard of at least a few including your local library possibly cutting down hours or your school cutting teacher positions to accommodate for the new budget. This report goes through the main budget cuts to the schools and the libraries in District 1 and how that has affected the 2025-2026 year. The most important thing you can do is be aware and be informed! If you would like to learn more about how these budget cuts are affecting our cities, you can visit the link to the full report or go through the linked website that includes the information as well.

Prisha Saraf – Urban Heat Inequality in Alameda County

Urban Heat affects every community differently depending on several factors: tree canopy, environmental risk, and demographic disadvantages. By using tools like CalEPA Urban Heat Island Index, CAL FIRE Tree Canopy Coverage, CalEnviroScreen 4.0, and U.S. Census ACS, multiple neighborhoods in Alameda County were identified for being heat sensitive. The project aimed to recognize at-risk areas in the county, examine patterns, and provide solutions that would help regulate urban heat.​ Here is the link to the full report.

Sophia Doan – Mapping Food Insecurity in Alameda County

Despite Silicon Valley’s reputation as one of the most successful technology hubs in the world, the region still grapples with persistent crises of poverty and homelessness. This report analyzes the structural causes of food insecurity in Alameda County, highlights trends in emerging food deserts, and proposes local policy solutions. See the interactive map visualizing the spatial distribution of food-insecure census tracts in relation to affordable food resources, including food banks, farmers’ markets, and CalFresh enrollment centers. See the research paper analyzing the food access landscape in Alameda County.

Sihan Zhang – Multimodal Bus-Bicycle Accessibility Proposal for Fremont

Bus and bike usage remain low in Fremont despite numerous investments into infrastructure improvements. This policy proposal identifies a number of problems discouraging bus usage in Fremont. It provides a number of solutions that are innovative but backed by precedent, emphasizing the potential for connection between Fremont’s bus and bicycle infrastructure. Read the paper here.

Lakshmi Nakka – Addressing Disparities in Sexual Health Education

Anatomy of Experience is a digital platform created to address disparities in sexual health education, especially for youth from marginalized backgrounds. Through a website, blog, curated resource hub, social media outreach, and the “Speak Up” competition, the project provides accessible, culturally relevant information while encouraging youth engagement. Complemented by original research and a forthcoming KQED Perspectives segment, the initiative works to break stigma, amplify diverse voices, and promote inclusive sexual health education. Final Project Materials.

Siya Singh – NourishED

NourishED is an initiative located in the Bay Area aiming to raise awareness and inform our community about early-onset eating disorders in teenagers. We host a wide variety of events, including letter writing, fundraising booths, movie/book screenings, and more, to expose the wider population to various types of eating disorders, increase visibility about preventative measures, and reduce stigma surrounding the topic. Join us to make a difference in the eating disorder community! Instagram Link, Report Link

Ishita Jalan – Educational Equity Hub for Fremont Students

Fremont is a diverse city known for its high-performing schools, yet many students face barriers to accessing affordable SAT prep and college application resources. Project Equity Hub aims to address this gap by creating a centralized, easy-to-use website that connects low-income students with free and low-cost support services across the Bay Area. Alongside online resources, trifold posters are placed in local libraries to increase visibility among students. If you want to learn more about how Equity Hub is supporting college readiness for underserved students, see the full report here. Website.

Anna Pham – Data to Action: Addressing Human Trafficking in Alameda County

Alameda County is the United States’ third-largest hotspot for human trafficking. In this research paper, areas at risk are identified and compared with a sample of resource locations in order to create recommendations for the District 1 office to best tackle this issue. This project aims to analyze risk factors for human trafficking in order to identify underserved areas in Alameda County using public data, online resource directories, and mapping software such as ArcGIS. Read the research paper here.

Jane Park – Arts Education in the State of California and Alameda County District 1

Arts education in California has been through a tumultuous history of both successes and setbacks. This paper examines the timeline of arts education development in this state, as well as its relevance in the cities of Alameda County District 1, by connecting real-world examples of arts education offerings that resulted from decades-long advocacy efforts. Specifically focusing on the Alameda County District 1’s local educational agencies, these research findings will explore the impact that arts education history has had on a local level. Looking into arts programs in public high schools of Dublin, Fremont, Livermore, and Pleasanton, this research showcases how arts education is approached in the First Supervisorial District of Alameda County. Research paper.

Akhil Venkatesh – Financial Literacy for Teens

In Alameda County, financial literacy is not a required part of the high school curriculum, leaving many students unprepared for real-world money management. Financial Literacy for Teens is an initiative that addresses this gap with an eight-lesson, teen-friendly curriculum delivered through in-person workshops, interactive webinars, and a dedicated website offering free resources. Topics in the curriculum include budgeting, saving, credit, and fraud prevention, taught using relatable examples and hands-on activities. Pilot webinar testing with local teens showed significant increases in financial confidence, and the program is set to expand through school and community partnerships. Website Link  Final Research Report

Danya Prakash – HealthLink Cards: Bridging Language Gaps in Healthcare for LEP Patients

HealthLink Cards is an innovative project designed to meet an urgent need among the 26+ million Americans with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). The repercussions of these language barriers, particularly in healthcare range from misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, and health consequences. In Alameda County District 1 there are 8.6% LEP households. It is essential to have tools to facilitate communication in the healthcare sector.

Research analysis paper.

Grant Ho – Informational Brochures for New Immigrants and the Elderly

This project aimed to make Alameda County services more accessible to new immigrants and the elderly by creating a clear, user-friendly brochure with concise descriptions and contact information for key programs. The brochure consists of sections for health and mental health, financial support and housing assistance, and child care. Over 300 brochures were distributed through libraries across the county and door-to-door in local neighborhoods, reaching hundreds of residents. The full report can be found here.