2025-2026 CAPITAL FELLOWS COHORT ESSAY PROMPTS

ASSEMBLY

Assembly Fellowship Personal Statement:

The Assembly Fellowship Program provides a unique opportunity for eighteen individuals to serve in essential roles as legislative staff. Please describe yourself and your future aspirations, and discuss why you are applying to the Assembly Fellowship Program and how your experience, skills, and other attributes make you well qualified to serve as an Assembly Fellow. If selected, what are your immediate goals following the conclusion of the fellowship. Also, please include in your personal statement a brief statement (no more than a short paragraph) about your political philosophy and how you would describe yourself politically. (Two-page limit; typed, double-spaced; 12 pt. font).

Assembly Fellowship Policy Statement:

Please answer the following questions- The legislature is facing many pressing issues. If you were an Assembly Member, which policy issue would be your top priority? What change or changes would you propose to address this issue? Describe how your proposed changes would improve California. (One-page limit; typed, double-spaced; 12 pt. font).

EXECUTIVE

Please answer the following two questions separately using no more than two pages for prompt #1, and one page for prompt #2 (typed; double-spaced; 12 pt. font). The selection committee will not read more than three pages total. Keep in mind the selection committee is interested in learning about you, your interest in California government and public policy, and why you are applying to the Executive Fellowship Program.

1. Personal statement:

In no more than two pages please share why you want to become a Fellow in the Executive Branch. Please describe yourself, your experiences and interest in public service, and what draws you specifically to our program. (2 pages max)

2. Policy prompt:

Please write a one-page memo to a California Agency Secretary of your choice where you recommend a policy proposal to be implemented, and how. (1 page max)

JUDICIAL

Judicial Fellowship Personal Statement:

Please tell us about yourself. Discuss your background, any interests and hobbies, and your future education goals and career aspirations. How do your experiences, skills, and other attributes make you well qualified to serve as a Judicial Fellow? (One-page limit; typed, double-spaced; 12 pt. font)

Judicial Fellowship Program Statement Question:

Judicial Fellows are assigned to superior courts and Judicial Council offices throughout California, and work at an analyst level with a focus on court administration. Please explain the importance of neutrality within court administration and how, as a Fellow, you would approach impartiality and neutrality in your work. (One-page limit; typed, double-spaced; 12 pt. font)

SENATE

1. Senate Fellowship Personal Statement (Two-page limit; typed, double-spaced; 12 pt. font)

Please describe yourself and explain why you are applying to the Senate Fellowship Program. Tell us why your experience, skills, and other attributes make you well-qualified to serve as a Senate Fellow. If selected, what are your immediate goals following the conclusion of the fellowship? Explain how your participation in the Senate Fellows program will help you achieve your goals. Also, toward the end of your personal statement please include a brief statement (no more than a short paragraph) about your political philosophy and how you would describe yourself politically.  

2. Senate Fellowship Policy Statement (One-page limit; typed, double-spaced; 12 pt. font)

Please answer the following questions:

a. Please provide an example of a policy you feel is going right in California and explain why. What might you do to continue enhancing the policy? 

b.  Please provide an example of a policy you feel is going wrong in California and explain why. What might you do to address the issue or problem?