SACRAMENTO – Applications are now being accepted for next fall’s California Senate Fellows program, an 11-month, on-the-job training opportunity for college graduates offering valuable legislative experience and excellent preparation for many public- and private-sector careers.

The application deadline for the 2019-20 class is Feb. 11.

Eighteen fellows will be selected to start work in October 2019.

They will be placed on a state senator’s personal or committee staff and participate in a broad range of activities including policy research, constituent casework, drafting speeches and writing press releases.

Fellowships are preceded by a five-week orientation providing background on state government, the legislative process and major policy issues.

Fellows receive a $2,698-a-month stipend plus health, dental and vision benefits. The program is jointly operated by the Senate and the Center for California Studies at Sacramento State University, which awards six units of graduate credit to fellows.

Applicants must be at least 20 years old and be a graduate of a four-year college or university by Sept. 1, 2019. No specific major is required.

People with advanced degrees and mid-career candidates are encouraged to apply. Fellows will be selected in May after initial screening and panel interviews.

For more information, including brochures and applications, go to www.csus.edu/calst/senate.