Become a California government fellow, become involved in public service

Applications for the 2017-18 California Senate, Assembly, Executive and Judicial Fellowship programs are available.

The programs provide college graduates with an opportunity to become full-time staff members in Sacramento for 11 months beginning in October 2017. Fellowships are jointly operated by the three branches of state government and the Center for California Studies at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS).

Fellows are paid a stipend of $2,627 per month plus health, vision, and dental benefits. They also earn six units of graduate credit from CSUS for the academic portion of the program.

"Being a Fellow provides individuals with an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge about how California’s state government operates,” Senator Bill Monning said in a release announcing the fellowships. “Whether your career goals are in the public or private sector, the Fellowship programs provide a valuable view into the democratic process.”

Anyone who will be at least 20 years of age and a graduate of a four-year college or university by September 1, 2017 is eligible to apply. There is no preferred major. Individuals with advanced degrees and those in mid-career are encouraged to apply.

Interested individuals can obtain additional information and applications on the CSUS Center for California Studies website here, by e-mailing calstudies@csus.edu; or by calling the Center’s office at (916) 278-6906. Brochures and applications may also be requested by calling Senator Monning’s Monterey District Office at: (831) 425-0401; San Luis Obispo Office at (805) 549-3784; Santa Clara County number at (408) 847-6101; or Santa Cruz District Office at (831) 425-1503.

Deadline for submitting applications is February 13. Fellows will be selected in the spring after an initial screening of applications and a subsequent panel interview of the finalists.