Work with state senators and get paid for it

Wondering what's going on in Sacramento? You can get a first-hand view of how the state government is run and get paid for it with a California Senate fellowship.

Eighteen positions are open in the program, which provides an 11-month job in the Capitol office of a senator or Senate policy committee. Fellows receive a stipend of $1,972 per month plus health and dental benefits. You'd also get 12 graduate credits from California State University, Sacramento Center for California Studies.

"The Senate Fellows program is a great way to learn about the legislative process and public policy in California," said Sen. Darrell Steinberg, chairman of the Senate Rules Committee. "The program provides valuable on-the-job training and an opportunity to help solve the problems facing California."

Fellows get involved in weekly seminars with senators, staff, journalists, lobbyists and government officials. Many of them go on to staff jobs in the Legislature and executive branch, and others move back and forth between the public and private sectors during their careers, according to the program. Some become elected officials.

Interested? Here's what you need to do:

• Applicants must be at least 20 years old and a graduate of a four-year college by Sept. 1. There is no preferred major.


• People with advanced degrees and those in midcareer are encouraged to apply.


• No political or legislative experience is required, but applicants should have a strong interest in public policy and politics.


• Applications are available from state senators' offices or the Senate Rules Committee, State Capitol, Room 405, Sacramento, CA 95814. Brochures and applications are also available by calling 916-651-4160 or on the Senate Web site .


• The deadline to apply is Feb. 25. After an initial screening and a panel interview for semifinalists, the 18 fellows will be chosen by May. The program begins in late October.