The seminars broaden the perspectives of participants, extend their understanding of state government, and provide distance for analysis of policy-formation and implementation processes. Topics such as the budgetary process, the state civil service, executive leadership and the relationship of government institutions to the larger society are explored. Completion of reading and writing assignments and active participation in the graduate seminar are integral and required components of the program. Fellows are placed in offices throughout the executive branch. Examples of placements include the Health and Welfare Agency, the Department of Finance, the Department of Social Services, the Governor's Office, the California Environmental Protection Agency, and the Office of the State Treasurer.
Placements provide mentors to fellows and meet the interests and needs of the host agencies.
The placements provide exposure to program managers and decision makers at all levels of state government. Fellows have the opportunity to interview with several agencies before receiving a final placement. Anybody with a four-year college degree may apply. The program is committed to ethnic and cultural diversity. Persons from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply.