John Burton Fellowship

 The John Burton Fellowship, developed in partnership with the Center for California Studies at Sacramento State, is the first statewide initiative designed to expand  access to policymaking careers for current and former foster youth. Built on the longstanding excellence of the Capital Fellows Programs, the fellowship provides an immersive, yearlong placement in the California Legislature or Executive Branch, where fellows gain hands-on experience shaping policy, supporting legislative or agency teams, and advancing equity across the state. The program includes a structured seminar component, robust professional development, and direct mentorship to ensure participants build strong networks, deepen their policy skills, and thrive in fast-paced government environments.

Fellows receive a comprehensive suite of benefits—including a stipend, full health coverage, and academic credit—alongside individualized advising designed to support both their professional and personal success. The program is open to individuals with lived experience in foster care who demonstrate a commitment to public service, leadership, and equity-driven change. Through this fellowship, JBAY and the Capital Fellows Program aim to remove longstanding barriers to government careers, create new pipelines into public leadership, and ensure that young people with lived expertise help shape the policies that impact California communities.

Learn more by watching the webinar. 

If interested in applying for the Capital Fellowship Program with Center for California Studies at Sacramento State, please click here. Applications are due December 8, 2025 at 11:59PST