For seniors and college graduates hoping to gain experience at the State Capitol and experience first-hand how government works, the 2008-09 Capital Fellows Programs is now accepting applications. The programs offer opportunities to work with members of the assembly, the senate and the judiciary and state executive offices. Applications are available for anyone at least 20 years old who is or will be a graduate of a four-year college or university by Sept. 1, 2008. Beginning October 2008, fellows are assigned to various offices throughout both the State Capitol and California courts and given the chance to experience how government works, as well as take part in weekly academic seminars. Executive Director Tim Hodson said the direct experience is beneficial for all participants. “We’ve had over 1,100 fellows go through the program,” Hodson said. “Generally speaking…it’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about state government as you’re doing state government.”

Fellows serving in the legislature will be expected to research public policy, write speeches, formulate and write legislative proposals and interact with the voters in their representative’s district. There are 18 chosen for the assembly and 18 for the senate. The 18 fellows working in the executive offices are placed according to their interests and end up working with the governor, constitutional officers, cabinet secretaries, commissions, and more. The 10 judicial fellows will be placed in various county appellate or trial courts, as well as judicial offices throughout the state. The number of applicants has risen over the past decade, with 651 people competing for the 64 positions available in 1997 to 1998. Two years ago, 1,094 applied for the 2005-06 year. Hodson said approximately 40 percent of participants stay with state government; 20 percent go on to law school or graduate school; 20 percent go to the private sector for jobs; and the rest do miscellaneous or nonprofit work. “If you’re interested in staying in state government, it’s a wonderful way to kick-start a career,” he said. The 11-month program pays each fellow a stipend of $1,972 each month and includes health, vision and dental benefits. In addition, each participant earns 12 units of graduate credit from Sacramento State. The program is organized by the Center for California Studies at Sac State. The deadline to submit applications is Feb. 27, 2008. Finalists will be interviewed by a panel and the fellows will be chosen in May. For more information, visit http://www.csus.edu/calst/programs.

Natalye Childress Smith can be reached at [email protected].