State Senate Offers Posts for Graduates

The state Senate is accepting applications for its annual California Senate Fellows program that begins in October.

The yearlong program allows college graduates to explore a career in politics. People with a bachelor’s degree who have an interest in the legislative process are encouraged to apply.

There is no age limit and experience in politics or public service is not essential, said Don Nahhas, a program assistant.

After a five-week orientation, 18 people will live and work in Sacramento as aides for state senators or Senate committees.

Fellows will earn $1,882 a month, receive 12 graduate units from Cal State Sacramento and health benefits.

Aides will answer constituents’ questions, help develop proposals, analyze bills and help write speeches.

Applications, including college transcript requests, are due by Feb. 28. Candidate interviews will be held in May. The program is available to graduates nationwide.

Two Ventura County residents have participated in the program since it started in 1973.

Applications are available at Sen. Jack O’Connell’s office in Ventura and on the Web.

For more information, call 641-1500. To get the application from the Web, go to https://www.csus.edu/calst.