Assembly Member Karnette announced the availability of applications for the 2005-2006 Capital Fellows Programs. Programs available include: Executive Fellowship Program, Judicial Administration Fellowship Program, California Senate Fellows and Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program.

The Capital Fellowship Programs are nationally recognized public policy fellowships offering college graduates unique experiences in policy-making and development with California state government. Fellows work as full-time, paid policy assistants to senior executive branch staff, judicial administration officials, members of the California Assembly and Senate, legislative committees, and other top ranking government officials.

Fellows help draft and analyze legislation, answer constituent inquiries, write speeches, conduct policy briefings, and work with court project development and implementation. Fellows gain first-hand experience in governing the most diverse state in the nation and a sense of personal involvement in the leadership of California.

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

"The Fellows Program gives applicants a chance to see how laws are made and how the legislature works," said Assembly Member Karnette. "This experience will help Fellows become more aware of our political system by allowing them to become more active participants."

The only prerequisite for the program is a four-year college degree by fall of the program year. There is no preferred major, and there is no need to be a recent graduate. Individuals with advanced degrees, and those in mid-career, are also encouraged to apply.

Prospective applicants can obtain applications for the Capital Fellows Program from:

• On-line at http://www.csus.edu/calst/Programs/programs.html
  
• The Center for California Studies at (916) 278-6906 or e-mail at calstudies@csus.edu
  
• Assembly Member Karnette's District Office at (562) 997-0794.
  

The deadline for submitting applications is February 23, 2005.