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Capital Fellows Programs
About the Capital Fellows Programs
The Capital Fellows Programs are nationally recognized public policy fellowships which offer unique experiences in policy-making and development in each branch of government.
Rooted in experiential learning and public service, Capital Fellows spend 10-11 months as part of a cohort working in a Legislative, Executive or Judicial Branch office. Capital Fellows are placed at some of the highest levels of California state government and assist state legislators, senior-level executive staff, and court administrators with a broad range of public policy issues and projects and are typically given assignments with a significant amount of responsibility and challenges.
Applications for the 2023-24 Capital Fellows Programs cohort are closed.
Applications for the 2024-25 fellowship year will open in fall 2023.
Learn more about the Capital Fellows Programs!
Capital Fellows 101: Information Sessions with the Capital Fellows Directors (10/26/2022 recording)
Day in the Life of a Fellow: Information Sessions with Capital Fellows Alumni (11/17/2022 recording)
Join the Capital Fellows Program mailing list!
California Senate Fellows Program
Established in 1973, the California Senate Fellows (CSF) program is one of the oldest and most distinguished service-learning programs in the country.
The CSF program grew out of a desire to cultivate leadership capacity and insight into the California legislative process through experiential learning. Fellows gain the confidence to move from genuine discovery to active participation in a political educational environment where knowledge is exchanged, and essential tools are provided to make enduring progress in our society.
18 fellows are accepted into the 11-month long program which begins in October of each year.
Jamie Taylor, Program Director
Jamie.Taylor@sen.ca.gov
Executive Fellowship Program
As a comprehensive career development and executive leadership opportunity, the Executive Fellowship Program is designed to harness and inspire the next generation of California public leaders.
We call on solutions driven individuals with a passion for making a difference in their community to join our program and learn first-hand the complexities and challenges of governing a state of over 40 million people. Over the past 6 years over 100 fellows have been placed in 40 different offices, engaged in solving issues at the community, local, state, national, and international level. Fellows are exposed to renowned leaders from the public and private sectors of our state and are tasked with the direct responsibilities of implementing and developing policy across our state. Additionally, you will have a hand in creating your own experience with your mentor, as you learn to develop the skill sets necessary for you to create change at a state level.
18 fellows are accepted into the 10-month long program which begins in October of each year.
Brian Aguilar, Program Director
Brian.aguilar@csus.edu
Judicial Fellowship Program
Are you interested in providing access to justice for the millions of people who call California home?
Judicial Fellows work in Superior Courts and Judicial Council offices throughout California and gain experience in the executive level management of California’s judicial branch and serve the branch mission of access to justice. Judicial Fellows are tasked with a variety of work assignments during the fellowship such as legislative analysis and leading research projects related to court programs and public policy initiatives. Key components to the program are the cohort model of the fellowship class, the strength of the mentorship opportunities that exist for fellows in each of the placements, and the opportunity to visit different courts throughout California for monthly field and academic seminars.
10 Fellows are selected to participate in the 10-month long program that starts in September of each year.
Megan Thorall, Program Director
thorall@csus.edu
Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program
Join the nation’s oldest legislative fellowship program and make an impact on your community and state.
Work in the state capitol and directly shape public policy, from education to environmental justice, while being mentored by senior legislative staff. Assembly fellows develop skills, expand their professional network, and build towards a meaningful career while being part of a cohort of other service aspiring individuals.
18 fellows are accepted into the 11-month long program which begins in October of each year.
Ambar Carlisle, Assembly Program Director
Capital Fellows Alumni Association
The Capital Fellows Alumni Association (CFAA) is an alumni association for former Capital Fellows fostering development through a devoted and connected community, helping create good public policy and ethical leadership. CFAA is recognized for creating and supporting successful and effective leaders through unique events, quality services, and exceptional opportunities.
Mission Statement
The Capital Fellows Alumni Association is an alumni association for former fellows fostering development through a devoted and connected community, helping create good public policy and ethical leadership.
Vision Statement
The Capital Fellows Alumni Association is recognized for creating and supporting successful and effective leaders through unique events, quality services, and exceptional opportunities.
CFAA Membership
Becoming a member is easy. We have an annual membership fee of only $15. This fee officially makes you a CFAA member. CFAA contributes a portion of fees collected each year to the Timothy A. Hodson Memorial Fund. Your membership is a reflection of the value of the Fellows programs and your continued engagement in the Fellows Alumni community.
Membership is free for current fellows. Free membership is valid until the end of the calendar year of your fellowship year (December 31st).
For questions about membership status, please email cfaamember@gmail.com.
Upcoming CFAA Events
Please check back soon for upcoming events!
Stay In Touch
For more information about CFAA please contact CFAA Board President Tyler Aguilar.