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Capital Fellows Programs

About the Capital Fellows Programs

Applications are now closed for the 2024-25 program. Applications will re-open fall 2025.

Capital Fellows 101: Information Session on October 6, 2023 with the DirectorsDay in the Life of a Fellow: Information Sessions with Capital Fellows Alumni, October 12, 2023

DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FELLOW: Capital Fellows Alumni Information Session on November 3, 2023

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.

Application deadline: Please check back Fall 2024 for deadline date

All Fellows receive:

  • a monthly stipend of $3,253, as well as medical, dental and vision benefits;
  • a one-time moving allowance of $650 (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

    Learn more about the Capital Fellows Programs!

Join the Capital Fellows Program mailing list!

California Senate Fellows Program

Established in 1973, the California Senate Fellows (CSF) program is one of the oldest and most distinguished service-learning programs in the country.

The CSF program grew out of a desire to cultivate leadership capacity and insight into the California legislative process through experiential learning. Fellows gain the confidence to move from genuine discovery to active participation in a political educational environment where knowledge is exchanged, and essential tools are provided to make enduring progress in our society.

18 fellows are accepted into the 11-month long program which begins in October of each year.

Senate Fellows brochure

Ambar Carlisle, Interim Program Director
a.carlisle@csus.edu

Executive Fellowship Program

As a comprehensive career development and executive leadership opportunity, the Executive Fellowship Program is designed to harness and inspire the next generation of California public leaders.

Executive Fellows work at the highest levels of state agencies and departments within the Executive branch. Fellows interact with leaders in ours state while taking on direct responsibilities in policy development and implementation across California. Fellows work with seasoned placement mentors and develop the skill sets and leadership capacity necessary to drive change at the state level. Fellows participate in a graduate level seminar and regular field trip opportunities to learn more about California state government and policy.

18 fellows are accepted into the 10-month long program which begins in October of each year.

Megan Thorall, Interim Program Director
thorall@csus.edu

Judicial Fellowship Program

Are you interested in providing access to justice for the millions of people who call California home?

Judicial Fellows work in superior courts and Judicial Council offices across California in the field of court administration. Fellows work on research initiatives related to court programs, public policy, legislative analysis, language access, community outreach, and contribute to advancing the branch mission of creating access to justice. Fellows are mentored by court executive officers and senior staff.

Key components to the program are the cohort model of the fellowship class, the strength of the mentorship opportunities that exist for fellows in each of the placements, the opportunity to complete a Fellowship Project addressing a real-world challenge in their placement office and the opportunity to visit different courts throughout California for monthly field and academic seminars.

10 Fellows are selected to participate in the 10-month long program that starts in September of each year.

Megan Thorall, Program Director
thorall@csus.edu

Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program

Join the nation’s oldest legislative fellowship program and make an impact on your community and state.

Work in the state capitol and directly shape public policy, from education to environmental justice, while being mentored by senior legislative staff. Assembly fellows develop skills, expand their professional network, and build towards a meaningful career while being part of a cohort of other service aspiring individuals.

18 fellows are accepted into the 11-month long program which begins in October of each year.

Ambar Carlisle, Interim Program Director
a.carlisle@csus.edu

Capital Fellows Alumni Association

The Capital Fellows Alumni Association (CFAA) is an alumni association for former Capital Fellows fostering development through a devoted and connected community, helping create good public policy and ethical leadership. CFAA is recognized for creating and supporting successful and effective leaders through unique events, quality services, and exceptional opportunities.

Mission Statement

The Capital Fellows Alumni Association is an alumni association for former fellows fostering development through a devoted and connected community, helping create good public policy and ethical leadership.

Vision Statement

The Capital Fellows Alumni Association is recognized for creating and supporting successful and effective leaders through unique events, quality services, and exceptional opportunities.

Donate to CFAA

CFAA Membership

Becoming a member is easy. We have an annual membership fee of only $15. This fee officially makes you a CFAA member. CFAA contributes a portion of fees collected each year to the Timothy A. Hodson Memorial Fund. Your membership is a reflection of the value of the Fellows programs and your continued engagement in the Fellows Alumni community.

Membership is free for current fellows. Free membership is valid until the end of the calendar year of your fellowship year (December 31st).

For questions about membership status, please email cfaamember@gmail.com.

Purchase CFAA Membership

Upcoming CFAA Events

Please check back soon for upcoming events!

Stay In Touch

For more information about CFAA please contact CFAA Board President Tyler Aguilar.