State senator invites residents to apply for fellowships

Posted: 5:32 am, February 5, 2013 by Publisher Scott Brennan

Bill Monning

Become A Senate, Assembly, Executive, Or Judicial Fellow- A Great Way To Become Involved In Public Service

Bill Monning

California State Senator Bill Monning (D-Carmel), who represents the 17th district including Paso Robles, announced that applications for the 2013-14 California Senate, Assembly, Executive and Judicial Fellowship programs are available.

The programs provide college graduates an opportunity to become full-time staff members at the State Capitol in Sacramento for 10 – 11 months beginning in October 2013. 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 $1,972 per month plus health benefits. They also earn graduate units from CSUS for the academic portion of the program, as well as student loan deferments.

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

For those selected, an intensive orientation is provided at the beginning of the program to provide background on state government, the legislative process, and major policy issues, after which candidates will be interviewed by various offices before being placed. Former Fellows include current members of Congress, the California Legislature, judges, and numerous other elected officials and community leaders.

Anyone who will be at least 20 years of age and a graduate of a four-year college or university by September 1, 2013 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, at www.csus.edu/calst/programs, 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.

The deadline for submitting applications is February 11, 2013. Fellows will be in the spring after an initial screening of applications and a subsequent panel interview of the finalists.