Latino Leadership Initiative

California’s Latino population has accounted for nearly 70 percent of the state’s population growth between 2010 and 2020. Making up more than half of the state’s under-18 population, Latinos are the present and future of California, poised to have an even bigger voice in the policymaking process for years to come. For the duration of its history, the Political Science Department at Cal Poly Pomona has had success in training Latino leaders like Former US Labor Secretary and Board of Supervisor Hilda Solis (BA 1979). The Latino Leadership Initiative is a fellowship that supports students working and interning with California elected officials, committed to promoting diverse leadership within local communities. The funding for this award is on behalf of a generous donation from political science department alumnus James Brulte (BA 1980).

In support of promoting transformational leadership in public policy, in spring 2023, three students will be selected to receive $1,000 awards that support an internship placement with elected officials serving in the US Congress, California State Assembly, and California State Senate. Internships can be paid or volunteer. Internships can be in person or remote. The award is contingent upon providing proof of internship placement. Students can apply to the award before securing an internship.

Eligibility:

• Sophomore, junior or senior standing
• 2.7 GPA or above
• Demonstrate a commitment to promoting diverse leadership within local communities
• 100 hours of an internship placement (paid or volunteer) with a member of the US Congress, CA State Assembly, or CA State Senate
• Enrollment in PLS 4221: Political Science Internship (fall 2023 or spring 2024) or PLS 4411: Senior Internship (fall 2023 or fall 2024) 

Application:

• Short statement about promoting Latino leadership in California (250 words or less)
• Short statement about which internship organizations student intends to apply. Successful applicants will demonstrate thought and intention behind internship placements. (200 words or less)

Example of past Internships:

• State Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes: https://a47.asmdc.org/resources/district/district-office-internship-program 
• State Senator Connie Leyva (CA-20)
• Congressman Pete Aguilar (CA-31): https://aguilar.house.gov/internships/
• Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (CA-32): https://napolitano.house.gov/services/internships
• Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33): https://lieu.house.gov/services/internships
• Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35): https://torres.house.gov/internships
• Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-39): https://youngkim.house.gov/services/internships
• Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42): https://calvert.house.gov/students/internships

Click here for a previous application

Deadline: October 2024