San Diego County CA— Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) recently announced the availability of applications for the 2016-2017 California Senate Fellows program, ranked as one of the nation’s top 10 internships in 2014 by Vault.com.
“Serving as a Senate fellow is a fabulous opportunity to gain first-hand experience in public policy and the political process in the capital city of America’s most influential state,” said Bates. “As someone who has had the privilege of hosting a Senate fellow this year, I can attest that the training, networking and other opportunities that the program offers to its fellows are second to none. I encourage anyone with an interest in public service to apply.”
Bates hosted Sarah Couch as her Senate fellow for 2014-15. Couch now works as Assembly Member Tom Lackey’s (R-Palmdale) scheduler and legislative assistant. Bates is currently hosting Alex Khan as her Senate fellow for 2015-16. As there are only 18 Senate fellows for 40 senators, the competition among senators to host one is intense.
The program provides college graduates an opportunity to become full-time Senate staff at the State Capitol in Sacramento for 11 months beginning in October 2016. Fellows are assigned to the personal or committee staff of a senator and also participate in academic seminars with senators, senior staff, journalists, lobbyists and state government officials. Responsibilities include researching and analyzing legislation, developing bill proposals, writing speeches and assisting constituents with casework.
Fellows are paid a stipend of $2,627 per month plus health, vision and dental benefits. They earn six units of graduate credit from Sacramento State for the academic portion of the program. Former fellows include current members of Congress and the California Legislature, judges and local elected officials.
The fellowship is jointly operated by the California State Senate and the Center for California Studies at Sacramento State University. Anyone who will be at least 20 years of age and a graduate of a four-year college or university by September 1, 2016, is eligible to apply. There is no preferred major and individuals with advanced degrees or those in mid-career are encouraged to apply. 18 Fellows will be selected in May 2016 after an initial screening of applications and a subsequent panel interview of finalists.
The deadline for submitting applications is February 8, 2016. For more information, or to apply, visit the Senate fellows website at www.csus.edu/calst/senate.
Senator Patricia C. Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) represents the 36th Senate District in the California Legislature, which covers Southern Orange County, Northern San Diego County and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook.