Undergraduate Legislative Fellowship
Dolores Huerta is a passionate believer in democracy and civic participation. This new program from the research center that bears her name is aimed at introducing students to public service. Fellows work in the local field office of California state legislators, gaining a deeper understanding of the work done by these policy-makers and their staff.
The selected fellows participate in four professional development sessions and meet regularly with the Huerta Center Faculty Director for continued mentorship throughout their fellowship. This paid fellowship is an ideal opportunity for UC Santa Cruz undergraduate students interested in learning about the legislative process up-close and experiencing the daily operations of an elected official’s office.
Applications for the 2025-2026 cycle will open in fall quarter 2025.
Current and past fellows
2025 Fellows
- David Monjaras | Politics major, Merrill College, Class of 2027
- Yasmine Mojarro Lopez | Politics and Latin American and Latino studies major, John R. Lewis College, Class of 2025
2024 Fellows
- Alex Santiago | Politics and LALS combined major, Stevenson College, Class of 2027
- Tamara Caselin Avila | Sociology and LALS combined major, legal studies minor, Cowell College, Class of 2024
2023 Fellows
- Lourdes Ornelas | Politics and Latin American and Latino studies combination major, John R. Lewis College
- Desiree Rodriguez | Politics and Latin American and Latino studies combination major, Kresge College
Student testimonials
My fellowship showed me that the state government is not a distant institution. It’s a living, breathing system that responds to public needs and operates at the intersection of legislation, service, and strategy. Whether it’s responding to a constituent’s call or pushing a bill through multiple rounds of debate, every part of the process is tied to the people it’s meant to serve. Still, not everyone in the district gets to share the social issues that impact their lives those voices also need to be heard and addressed.
– Yasmin Mojarro Lopez, 2025 fellow
I had a very fulfilling and rewarding experience as a fellow at Senator Laird’s office. The Dolores Huerta Research Center has given me such a rewarding experience that has opened so many doors for me and my academic future. I learned so much about the legislative process and what it truly means to work in public service.
– Lourdes Ornelas, 2023 fellow
