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.
Aim and Benefits
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
Requirements
Applicant Minimum Qualifications
- A completed bachelor's degree by September 1st of the fellowship year and either a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher or a GPA of 2.5 or higher in the last 60 (semester) or 90 (quarter) units.
- Applicants must be 20 years of age or older by Sept. 1 of the fellowship year.
- Non-U.S. citizens must provide proof of appropriate immigration status. The program does not meet the requirements for F-1 or J-1 visas, nor any work permits requiring participation in the E-verify system.
- Applicants must be prepared for full-time employment, Monday - Friday.
Interview date, Process and Venue
Dates & Deadlines
- September: Capital Fellows Programs applications will open
- December 4, 2023 (11:59 pm PST): Capital Fellows Programs application deadline
- February: Capital Fellows Programs interviews in late February
- March: Capital Fellows Programs interviews in early March.
- March: Notification of acceptance will be sent late March
- September/October: Program orientation begins in Sacramento. (Judicial Fellows begin in September. All other programs begin in October.)
Documents Required for Application
All applications must include the following materials:
- Completed online application,
- Personal statement and program or policy statement,
- Resume,
- Three letters of recommendation,
- Transcripts from each college and university attended.
Application Deadline
December 4, 2023
How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to California State University, CSU on ccsapply.smapply.io to apply
Applications are now open for the 2024-25 fellowship year.
Deadline to apply is Monday, December 4, 2023 at 11:59PM, PST.
Fellowship Program Frequently Asked Questions
For more details visit: CSUS website.
