Application Deadline: February 28, 2008

The California Senate Fellows program was established in 1973 to provide participants with insight into the legislative process. The fellowship program's primary goals include exposing people with diverse life experiences and backgrounds to the legislative process and providing research and other professional staff assistance to the Senate. The program is jointly sponsored by the Senate and the Center for California Studies at California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State).

Eighteen 2008-2009 California Senate Fellows will be selected to serve as full-time Senate staff for 11 months beginning in October 2008. Fellows are assigned to Member and committee offices and work as part of the public policy staff team in the Capitol. Responsibilities include helping develop legislative proposals, researching and analyzing bills, responding to constituent inquiries, and writing press releases and speeches.

Anyone who will be at least 20 years of age and a graduate of a four-year college or university by September 1, 2008, is eligible to apply. There is no preferred major. Individuals with advanced degrees and those in mid-career are encouraged to apply. Although no previous political or legislative experience is necessary, applicants should have a strong interest in public policy and politics. A five-week orientation provides background on state government, the legislative process, and major policy issues.

Fellows receive a monthly stipend of $1972 plus full health, vision and dental benefits. They also earn 12 units of graduate credit from the Sacramento State Government Department.

The application deadline is February 28, 2008. The program brochure and application can be viewed by clicking below. If you have questions, please contact David Pacheco, the program director, at 916/651-4160 (Senate), 916/278-5408 (Sacramento State) or david.pacheco@sen.ca.gov.

Senate Fellows Program Brochure - 1m .pdf file Acrobat Reader required.

Senate Fellows Program Online Application Click HERE to access the online application. Although information may be entered online, the completed application must be printed out, signed, and submitted along with the required written statement, letters of recommendation, and transcripts.

Application Form and Background Survey - 810k .pdf file. Acrobat Reader required.

Instructions to Recommenders - 179k .pdf file. Acrobat Reader required.

A printed version of the brochure and/or application can be obtained by contacting the Center for California Studies at 916/278-6906 or calstudies@csus.edu.