McCarthy Fellows Program

Summer in Sacramento

The University of San Francisco’s Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good present the McCarthy Fellows Program. This summer program affords students the opportunity to work full-time in highly competitive internships in state legislative and executive offices, and enhance their learning through participation in concurrent seminar courses in politics, governance, and research. The program includes a unique mentorship component that ensures students are supported and introduced to networking and professional development opportunities throughout the semester.

Program HighlightsOrientation

The program begins with a professionally designed and managed one-week orientation intended to rapidly familiarize students with the intricacies of the state public policy process. The orientation is conducted by legislators, staff, administrators, advocates, and political professionals in Sacramento.

Rigorous Academic Seminars (up to 8 credits)

Advanced Seminar: California Politics and Governance: A four-credit seminar facilitated by a USF faculty member designed to complement the internship experience by merging academic perspectives on state government and politics with practical experience in the Capitol.

Research Seminar: An optional four-credit seminar facilitated by a USF faculty member designed to enable students to develop and conduct an in-depth scholarly research project with practical import to their legislative or administrative office.

Internships

Students are placed in a rigorous, full-time internship based on their interests in state legislative offices including personal, committee, and leadership staff assignments for members of both parties, as well as executive branch agencies. This gives students the ability to develop knowledge in action and provides the opportunity to build networks in the Sacramento area and beyond.

Mentorship Program

A comprehensive mentorship program ensures that students are well supported throughout their time in the State Capitol. Public service professionals are paired with undergraduate

students and attend a kick-off event, assist with networking in the student’s area of interest, maintain frequent contact during the summer, and share their expertise and experience.

HousingStudent housing can be arranged within walking distance of the State Capitol.

Application ProcessStudents may apply online at www.usfca.edu/centers/mccarthy

CostProgram cost is based on USF discounted summer tuition rate and the tuition rate of the student’s home campus.

Past Student Internship Placements>> Assembly Floor Analysis Unit

>> Speaker’s Office of Majority Services

>> Assembly Minority Leader’s Office

>> California Department of Healthcare Services

>> Press Office of the Senate Majority Leader

>> Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee

>> Committee on Business, Professions, and Economic Development

>> California International Relations Foundation

>> Legislative Personal Offices

About Leo T. McCarthy and the Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good

Leo T. McCarthy served as a San Francisco County Supervisor, a member and Speaker of the California Assembly, and three terms as Lieutenant Governor for the state of California. His public life was characterized by passion, integrity, and a commitment to social justice. He was particularly attuned to the voices of those marginalized by the political process with specific attention to the poor, elderly, and farm workers. An alumnus of USF, he worked to establish the Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good in 2002. The Center seeks to inspire and equip students for lives of ethical public service, sponsoring a variety of academic programs, lectures, and projects.

“Having the opportunity

to network at the Capitol

at such a crucial time

of dealing with the

budget was rewarding

and challenging. I

gained more professional

experience and feel

optimistic about my

future endeavors.”

—International Studies Major

“I now have a greater

understanding of how

California’s state

government operates. I

also had the opportunity

to enhance my research

and writing skills.”

—Politics Major

more STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

“I learned an incredible

amount about the California

legislature from just the

day-to-day operations of the

office. Working in the office

of an Assemblyman allowed me

to compare what I had learned

in the classroom to how

California’s government truly

functions. I have learned so

much throughout the course

of the program that would be

applicable to classes I will

take in the future and the

career I may want to pursue.”

—Politics Major

“During my internship, I was

introduced to the MediCal

programs and their complexity.

I witnessed how registered

nurses are involved in MediCal

and healthcare policy. I also

learned more about healthcare

models, HIPPA regulations, and

care models. This internship

provided me with knowledge and

experience regarding healthcare

policy that is not provided

through the nursing courses.”

—Nursing Major

About the University of San Francisco The core mission of the University of San Francisco is to promote learning in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. The university offers undergraduate and professional students the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as persons and professionals, and the values and sensitivity necessary to be men and women for others. The university draws from the cultural, intellectual, and economic resources of the San Francisco Bay Area and its location on the Pacific Rim to enrich and strengthen its educational programs.

For McCarthy Fellows Program information, please contact: Leo T. McCarthy CenterUniversity of San Francisco2130 Fulton StreetUniversity Center 300San Francisco, CA 94117-1080

(415) 422-5662mccarthycenter@usfca.eduwww.usfca.edu/centers/mccarthy

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