The Assembly Fellowship Experience
The Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program, founded in 1957, is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious fellowship programs. The program offers aspiring public servants of all ages, backgrounds and experiences the unique opportunity to directly participate in the legislative process and help shape public policy. Assembly fellows serve as fulltime legislative staff in the office of an Assembly Member working in a dynamic legislative environment.
The Assembly Fellowship seeks highly motivated individuals who are passionate about the state of California, public policy and politics. Fellowship alumni have gone on to positions of leadership in both the public and private sectors, including federal, state, and local elected office. The program successfully provides fellows with the professional development, support and mentorship needed to continue legislative work post-fellowship while also developing transferrable skills that can be applied to other career or academic pursuits.
The Nature of Fellowship Work
The 11 month fellowship begins in October with a six-week intensive orientation. Fellows learn the legislative process and current policy issues from senior legislative staff and other key decision makers. The California Assembly’s 80 Member offices offer fellows a wide range of placement options. Once placed with an office, fellows are immersed as part of the legislative team mentored by senior staff. Fellows perform the duties of a legislative aide, including:
- Advising the Member on policy issues including researching and analyzing policy, making vote recommendations, and facilitating bills through the legislative process
- Preparing speeches and press releases
- Representing the Member at meetings and events
- Working with constituents, lobbyists and other groups
“Being an Assembly Fellow is easily one of the most life-changing experiences I’ve had. I’ve learned about so much more than just the legislative process and how our state’s government functions. This Fellowship also taught me a lot about how I work best and helped shape and solidify my interest in my future career.”
Academic Seminar
Assembly fellows attend weekly seminars and receive six graduate units from the Political Science Department at California State University, Sacramento. Academic seminar exposes fellows to the theoretical aspects of political science with an emphasis on the experiential and practical issues they encounter in their placement offices. Fellows also receive the Capital Fellows Graduate Certificate in Applied Policy and Government upon successful completion of the seminar and office placement assignment.
Program Stipend and Benefits
- Monthly stipend of $3,253 and health, dental and vision benefits
- Paid university enrollment and student fees for units in the Political Science department
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Policy and Government
- Student loan deferment
Program Eligibility
All applicants must:
- Be at least 20 years of age by September 1st of the fellowship year.
- Have a bachelor’s degree by September 1st of the fellowship year and either a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher or a GPA of 2.5 or higher in the last 60 (semester) or 90 (quarter) units.
- Demonstrated interest in state government and public policy.
- Be authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the fellowship program.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit the following by the February deadline:
- Completed online application at www.csus.edu/calst/assembly
- College transcript(s)
- Personal statement and policy statement
- Three current, original letters of recommendation
Timeline
Early October ..........................2022-2023 application opens*
Early February ....................... Applications due*
Late April ................................ Sacramento interviews
Early May ................................ Los Angeles interviews
Mid to Late May...................... Candidates notified
Mid October ............................ Fellowship begins
Early September ......................Fellowship ends
* Check back for updated dates
For more information
Please Contact:
Ambar Carlisle Salgueiro | Program Director
Assembly Fellowship Program
Ambar.Carlisle@asm.ca.gov