Aspiring Public Servants In Riverside County Invited To Apply For California Capital Fellowships

MURRIETA, CA — Applications are now open through Nov. 10 for the California Capital Fellows Programs, offering college graduates hands-on experience in each branch of state government.

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.

California offers Capital Fellows opportunities in the State Assembly, State Senate, executive branch, and judicial system.

During the year-long programs, Capital Fellows operate as full-time paid employees working in a Legislative, Executive or Judicial Branch office for 10-11 months.

On Monday, State Senator Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) encouraged college graduates who are interested in government to apply for a fellowship. As a state Senator, he praised the Senate Fellows Program, saying it offers "a firsthand look at how our state government operates."

"It is a great opportunity for aspiring public servants to learn, contribute, and gain valuable experience in the legislative process," he continued.

Participants in the State Fellows Program undergo an orientation covering state government operations and policy issues before being assigned to the office of a senator or a Senate committee. Fellows take on duties that include conducting policy research, drafting and analyzing legislation, preparing speeches, meeting with constituents, and representing lawmakers in meetings.

Seyarto noted that several past participants hosted by his office have gone on to join his permanent staff.

All Fellows receive a monthly stipend along with health, dental, and vision benefits. They also earn graduate-level course credits through California State University, Sacramento, with tuition covered by the program.

To be eligible, applicants must be at least 20 years old and hold a bachelor's degree by the start of the fellowship. Advanced degrees or specific academic majors are not required, and individuals with professional experience are also encouraged to apply.

More information on application deadlines, eligibility criteria, and instructions to apply is available on the Capital Fellows Programs website.