Support Page Content
Capital Fellows Programs
About the Capital Fellows Programs
Please check back in fall 2025 for the 2026-27 Capital Fellows application.
Capital Fellows application tutorial video
Capital Fellows Information Session video (10/8/24)
The Capital Fellows Programs are nationally recognized public policy fellowships which offer unique experiences in policy-making and development in each branch of California's state government.
Capital Fellows spend 10-11 months as paid, full time employees 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.
All Fellows receive:
- Paid, fulltime employment, as well as medical, dental and vision benefits;
- One-time moving allowance of $875 (non-taxable);
- Paid university enrollment and earn six graduate units;
- Student loan deferment; and
- Upon successful completion of the fellowship, a Graduate Certificate in Applied Policy and Government
Learn more about the Capital Fellows Programs!
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.
Ambar Carlisle, Interim Program Director
a.carlisle@csus.edu
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.
Executive Fellows work at the highest levels of state agencies and departments within the Executive branch. Fellows interact with leaders in ours state while taking on direct responsibilities in policy development and implementation across California. Fellows work with seasoned placement mentors and develop the skill sets and leadership capacity necessary to drive change at the state level. Fellows participate in a graduate level seminar and regular field trip opportunities to learn more about California state government and policy.
18 fellows are accepted into the 10-month long program which begins in September of each year.
Laura Baker, Program Director
laura.baker@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 across California in the field of court administration. Fellows work on research initiatives related to court programs, public policy, legislative analysis, language access, community outreach, and contribute to advancing the branch mission of creating access to justice. Fellows are mentored by court executive officers and senior staff.
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, the opportunity to complete a Fellowship Project addressing a real-world challenge in their placement office 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, Program Director
a.carlisle@csus.edu
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 ccurrent 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 Nune Garipian, CFAA Board President .