Press Releases

(SANTA CRUZ, CA) – Today, Assemblymember Bill Monning (D-Carmel) announced that applications for the 2009-2010 California Senate, Assembly, Executive and Judicial Fellowship programs are available.

The programs provide college graduates an opportunity to become full-time staff members at the State Capitol in Sacramento for 11 months beginning in October 2009.  Fellowships are jointly operated by the three branches of state government and the Center for California Studies at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS).

Fellows are paid a stipend of $1,972 per month plus health, vision, and dental benefits.  They also earn
12 units of graduate credit from CSUS for the academic portion of the program.

"Being a Fellow provides individuals with an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge about how California’s state government operates,” stated Assemblymember Monning.  “Whether your career goals are in the public or private sector, the Fellowship programs provide a valuable view into the democratic process.”  

A five-week orientation at the beginning of the program provides participants background on state government, the legislative process, and major policy issues.  Former Fellows include current members of Congress, the California Legislature, judges, and numerous other elected officials and community leaders.

Anyone who will be at least 20 years of age and a graduate of a four-year college or university by September 1, 2009 is eligible to apply.  There is no preferred major.  Individuals with advanced degrees and those in mid-career are encouraged to apply.

Interested individuals can obtain additional information and applications on the CSUS Center for California Studies website, at www.csus.edu/calst/programs, e-mailing calstudies@csus.edu or by calling the Center’s office at (916) 278-6906.  Brochures and applications may also be requested from Assemblymember Monning’s Santa Cruz District Office by calling (831) 425.2570 or from Assemblymember Monning’s Monterey District Office by calling (831) 649.2832. 

The deadline for submitting applications is February 25, 2009.  Fellows will be selected in May after an initial screening of applications and a subsequent panel interview of the finalists.