SACRAMENTO – Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) is encouraging college seniors and graduates to consider applying for the 2020-21 California Senate Fellows program. Former fellows include current members of Congress and the California Legislature, judges, and local elected officials.
“If you have a desire to improve California and work very hard at work worth doing, then the Senate Fellows program may be for you,” said Senator Bates. “One of the best aspects of the program is that it brings talented people from diverse backgrounds together to learn first-hand how their state Legislature works. Fellows gain valuable career experience, academic credit, and friends for a lifetime. I encourage everyone thinking about public service to consider applying for a Senate fellowship.”
The program gives people an opportunity to become full-time Senate staff at the California State Capitol in Sacramento for 11 months beginning in October 2020. Fellows are assigned to the personal or committee staff of a senator and participate in academic seminars with senators, senior staff, journalists, lobbyists, and state government officials. Responsibilities include researching and analyzing legislation, developing bill proposals, writing speeches, and assisting constituents with casework.
Fellows are paid a stipend of $2,794 per month plus health, vision, and dental benefits. They earn six units of graduate credit from Sacramento State for the academic portion of the program.
The fellowship is jointly operated by the California State Senate and the Center for California Studies at Sacramento State. Anyone who will be at least 20 years of age and a graduate of a four-year college or university by September 1, 2020, is eligible to apply. There is no preferred major and individuals with advanced degrees or those in mid-career are encouraged to apply. There will be 18 fellows selected in May 2020 after an initial screening of applications and a subsequent panel interview of finalists.
Senator Bates is proud to have previously hosted fellows in her office. Sarah Couch was her 2014-15 fellow and now serves as her legislative director. Alex Khan was the Senator’s 2015-16 fellow and is currently a policy consultant with the California State Assembly. Abigail Gore served as her 2016-17 fellow and is currently in law school. The three fellows worked several of the Senator’s bills through the legislative process and the Governor signed some of them.
The deadline for submitting an application is February 3, 2020. There are also similar opportunities to be an Assembly, Executive or Judicial Fellow. Those interested in applying are encouraged to click here.
