Applications are now available for the 2015-16 California Senate Fellows program and can be accessed online. Established in 1973, the California Senate Fellows (CSF) program is one of the oldest and most distinguished service learning programs in the country. It offers college graduates a paid, full-time legislative staff position in the State Capitol for 11 months.
The deadline for submitting applications for the 2015-2016 California Senate Fellows is Feb. 25.
The CSF program is jointly sponsored by the California State Senate and the Center for California Studies at California State University, Sacramento. Fellowship opportunities are also available in the California State Assembly, the governor’s office and the California Judicial Council.
“This is one of the best opportunities any student could ever ask for when it comes to gaining first-hand knowledge of how the California Legislature works,” said Sen. Bob Huff. “This experience can often guide students into future political careers. Former senate fellows include current members of Congress and the California Legislature.”
Anyone who will be at least 20 years of age and a graduate of a four-year college or university by Sept. 1, 2015, is eligible to apply. There is no preferred major since work in the policy arena covers a vast number of issues. Individuals with advanced degrees and those in mid-career are encouraged to apply.
Senate Fellows are offered a stipend of $2,550 per month plus earn generous health, vision and dental benefits. They also earn six units of graduate credit from California State University Sacramento for the academic portion of the program.
Eighteen 2015-2016 California senate fellows will be selected to serve as full-time senate staff for 11 months beginning in October 2015. They will be assigned to the personal or committee staff of a senator and also participate in academic seminars with senators, senior staff, journalists, lobbyists and state government officials. Fellows will be assigned a variety of tasks ranging from helping to develop legislative proposals, researching and analyzing bills, responding to constituent inquiries, and writing press releases and speeches.
The online applications can be accessed at the following links: Senate Fellows Program: www.csus.edu/calst/senate, Assembly Fellows Program: www.csus.edu/calst/assembly, Executive Fellows Program: www.csus.edu/calst/executive, Judicial Administration Fellowship: http://www.csus.edu/calst/judicial/index.html.
