2024-2025 Capital Fellows Program(Fully-funded)
About the Capital Fellows Programs
The Capital Fellows Programs are nationally recognized public policy fellowships which offer unique experiences in policy-making and development in each branch of California’s state government.
Capital Fellows spend 10-11 months as paid, full time employees working in a Legislative, Executive or Judicial Branch office. Capital Fellows are placed at some of the highest levels of California state government and assist state legislators, senior-level executive staff, and court administrators with a broad range of public policy issues and projects and are typically given assignments with a significant amount of responsibility and challenges.
Application deadline: December 4, 2023 at 11:59 pm (PST)
All Fellows receive:
- a monthly stipend of $3,253, as well as medical, dental and vision benefits;
- a one-time moving allowance of $875 (non-taxable);
- fully-paid enrollment and earn six graduate units;
- student loan deferment; and
- upon successful completion of the fellowship, a Graduate Certificate in Applied Policy and Government
California Senate Fellows Program
Established in 1973, the California Senate Fellows (CSF) program is one of the oldest and most distinguished service-learning programs in the country.
The CSF program grew out of a desire to cultivate leadership capacity and insight into the California legislative process through experiential learning. Fellows gain the confidence to move from genuine discovery to active participation in a political educational environment where knowledge is exchanged, and essential tools are provided to make enduring progress in our society.
18 fellows are accepted into the 11-month long program which begins in October of each year.
Jamie Taylor, Program Director
Jamie.Taylor@sen.ca.gov
Executive Fellowship Program
As a comprehensive career development and executive leadership opportunity, the Executive Fellowship Program is designed to harness and inspire the next generation of California public leaders.
We call on solutions driven individuals with a passion for making a difference in their community to join our program and learn first-hand the complexities and challenges of governing a state of over 40 million people. Over the past 6 years over 100 fellows have been placed in 40 different offices, engaged in solving issues at the community, local, state, national, and international level. Fellows are exposed to renowned leaders from the public and private sectors of our state and are tasked with the direct responsibilities of implementing and developing policy across our state. Additionally, you will have a hand in creating your own experience with your mentor, as you learn to develop the skill sets necessary for you to create change at a state level.
18 fellows are accepted into the 10-month long program which begins in October of each year.
Megan Thorall, Interim Program Director
thorall@csus.edu
Judicial Fellowship Program
Are you interested in providing access to justice for the millions of people who call California home?
Judicial Fellows work in Superior Courts and Judicial Council offices throughout California and gain experience in the executive level management of California’s judicial branch and serve the branch mission of access to justice. Judicial Fellows work on projects such as legislative analysis and leading research projects related to court programs and public policy initiatives. Key components to the program are the cohort model of the fellowship class, the strength of the mentorship opportunities that exist for fellows in each of the placements, and the opportunity to visit different courts throughout California for monthly field and academic seminars.
10 Fellows are selected to participate in the 10-month long program that starts in September of each year.
Megan Thorall, Program Director
thorall@csus.edu
Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program
Join the nation’s oldest legislative fellowship program and make an impact on your community and state.
Work in the state capitol and directly shape public policy, from education to environmental justice, while being mentored by senior legislative staff. Assembly fellows develop skills, expand their professional network, and build towards a meaningful career while being part of a cohort of other service aspiring individuals.
18 fellows are accepted into the 11-month long program which begins in October of each year.
Ambar Carlisle, Assembly Program Director
a.carlisle@csus.edu
Compensation, Housing & Transportation Summary:
Paid Fellowship:
- Fellows receive a monthly stipend of $3,253.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits are provided.
- Eligibility for federal student loan deferment.
Financial Assistance:
- Fellows can apply for support from the Timothy A. Hodson Capital Fellows Assistance Fund.
- The fund aids with program-related expenses like relocation costs and professional clothing.
- Assistance not guaranteed but open for fellows in need.
Transportation Aid:
- Fellows receive a commuter sleeve for Sacramento Regional Transit systems throughout the program.
- Program covers required travel costs for the Judicial Fellowship (statewide program).
International Students and Non-US Citizens:
- Eligibility: Yes, international students and non-US citizens are accepted.
- Residency Requirement: There is no requirement for applicants to be residents or have studied in California.
- Evaluation Criteria: Applicants are evaluated based on their knowledge of and commitment to public service, with a specific focus on California.
Apply Now for the Capital Fellows Programs
Day in the Life of a Fellow: Information Sessions with Capital Fellows Alumni (Register Now!)
Learn more about the Capital Fellows Programs!
