Senator Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, announced Tuesday that applications for the 2019-20 California Senate Fellows Program are available.

“The Senate Fellows program is a great entryway into countless career opportunities,” said Wilk. “Fellows are provided with hands-on experience in California government that allows them to flourish in any number of career paths once the program is completed.”

The program lasts 11 months and provides college graduates an opportunity to work full-time on the personal or committee staff of a senator, as well as participate in academic seminars with legislators, staff, journalists, lobbyists and government officials.

The fellowship is jointly operated by the California Senate and the Center for California Studies at California State University, Sacramento.

Fellows are paid a stipend of $2698 per month along with full health, vision and dental benefits. They also earn six units of graduate credit from the California State University, Sacramento Department of Political Science, according to officials.

“If you are interested in public policy and want to hit the ground running, this is an amazing opportunity,” said Wilk. “This unique program gives a young person the ability to develop legislative proposals, staff a committee, as well as assist with constituent work. The skills learned as a fellow provide a great foundation for any number of career and educational choices.”

Fellows experience the broad range of activities conducted in a busy Senate office. Responsibilities include researching public policy issues, developing legislative proposals, analyzing and staffing legislation, assisting with constituent casework, representing the senator at meetings and events, and writing press releases and speeches.

The program begins with a five-week orientation that provides background on the state government, the legislative process and major policy issues.

Anyone who will be at least 20 years of age and a graduate of a four-year college or university by Sept. 1, 2019, is eligible to apply. There is no preferred major. Those who have advanced degrees or are in mid-career are also encouraged to apply.

The deadline to apply is Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, according to Wilk’s office.

For more information or to apply, visit the Senate Fellows website here.

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