The Center for California Studies at California State University-Sacramento administers four fellowship programs that provide college graduates with unique opportunities to work in a branch of state government, contribute to policy development, and participate in concurrent credit-bearing graduate study in government.
Fellows in each program work for ten to eleven months and receive a monthly stipend plus health benefits. During their fellowship terms, they work as full-time members of a legislative, executive, or judicial branch office, and are typically given assignments with a significant amount of responsibility and challenges. Fellows also enroll as graduate students at Sacramento State and receive graduate units from the Sacramento State Government Department or Public Policy and Administration Program. Enrollment fees are paid by the programs.
Program Benefits
All Fellows receive:
- a monthly stipend of $3,253, as well as medical, dental and vision benefits;
- 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
Application Information and Details
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.
Dates & Deadlines
- September: Capital Fellows Programs applications will open
- December: 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, while all other programs begin in October.)
Application & Selection Process
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.
Eligibility
Anyone with a bachelor’s degree by September 1 in the year of application and a demonstrated interest in state government and public service is eligible to apply. There are no preferred majors. Applicants must be 20 years of age upon taking up their fellowships. Graduating seniors, graduate students, recent graduates, and mid-career applicants are welcome. Non-U.S. citizens must provide proof of appropriate immigration status.