Senate Fellows Program begins accepting applications

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Recent college graduates living in the Santa Clarita Valley who are interested in working with local legislators are invited to apply for the 2019-20 California Senate Fellows Program.

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 chances to participate in academic seminars with legislators, staff, journalists, lobbyists and government officials, according to a statement from the office of Sen. Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita.

“The Senate Fellows program is a great entryway into countless career opportunities,” Wilk said in a news release. “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 fellowship is jointly operated by the California Senate and the Center for California Studies at California State University, Sacramento, and the deadline to apply is Monday, Feb. 11.

Fellows are paid a stipend of $2,698 per month along with full health, vision and dental benefits, according to the Senate Fellows website. Accepted applicants will also earn six units of graduate credit through the department of political science at California State University, Sacramento.

“If you are interested in public policy and want to hit the ground running, this is an amazing opportunity,” Wilk said in the release. “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 really are able to experience the full spectrum of activities that are conducted in a busy Senate office, the senator added, mentioning other tasks such as: researching public policy issues, 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, and anyone who will be at least 20 years of age and a graduate of a four-year college or university by Sept. 1 is eligible to apply.

There is no preferred major, according to Wilk’s office, and those who have advanced degrees or are in mid-career are also encouraged to apply.

For more information or to find an application, visit the Senate Fellows website at csus.edu/calst/senate.

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