South Gate , CA - Assemblymember Hector De La Torre (D-South Gate) today announced the availability of applications for the 2007-2008 Assembly Fellowship Program.  The 11-month fellowship program gives college graduates the opportunity to become full-time Assembly staff members working on fiscal and policy issues in an Assemblymember’s Capitol or committee office. 

Fellows participate in a weekly academic seminar with Assemblymembers, senior staff, journalists, lobbyists, and state government officials, earning 12 graduate credits from California State University , Sacramento .  Fellows are paid a monthly stipend of $1,972 per month, plus health, dental and vision benefits.  The California State Assembly in conjunction with the Center for California Studies at Sacramento State administers the program.

“I am a very strong supporter of the Assembly Fellowship Program,” said De La Torre. “I am proud to have current and former fellows on staff in my office.”

To be eligible applicants must have earned their undergraduate degree by September 2007.  No specific major is preferred and recent fellows have had various majors (e.g., agricultural studies, communications, drama, ethnic studies, political science).  Applicants have graduated from many different colleges and universities throughout California and the country.  Individuals with advanced degrees or mid-career professionals are also encouraged to apply.

Applications are available at Assemblymember De La Torre’s capitol office in Sacramento , or the district office at 8724 Garfield Ave., Suite 104 in South Gate .  You may also request an application online from the Center for California Studies at www.csus.edu/calst/assembly, by email at calstudies@csus.edu, or phone (916) 319-3753.