WRCOG Fellowship

WRCOG Fellowship Program

WRCOG’s Public Service Fellowship Program is a paid, nine-month opportunity for local college students to gain hands-on experience in government. Fellows are thoughtfully matched with host agencies across Western Riverside County, contributing to vital projects in areas like transportation and economic development.

Alongside their placements, Fellows attend WRCOG-led sessions focused on professional development and networking. The program bridges classroom learning with real-world impact, preparing students for meaningful careers in public service. The Fellowship application period is closed for 2025. Please check back in August 2026 for Round 11 information.

A Proven Impact

Entering its 10th cohort, the program has trained over 100 Fellows, who have together contributed more than 100,000 hours of service to local communities.

“The WRCOG Public Service Fellowship gave me invaluable hands-on experience in the public sector. As a public administration graduate student, I had the privilege of working with the City of Menifee’s Engineering Department, where I learned about land development, stormwater management, and regulatory processes. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow professionally alongside such strong leadership.”

• Teresa Aguilera, WRCOG Fellow, City of Menifee.

“Through this Fellowship opportunity, I have learned so much about myself through developing new skills like project management, project facilitation, and project implementation. I have been grateful to gain practical work experience working with public agencies, all while being able to make a positive impact within my local environment.”

• Giovanni Valencia-Baxter, I-REN Energy Fellow, with Western Riverside Council of Governments

Apply for a WRCOG Fellowship

Ready to launch your career in local government? The WRCOG Fellowship is a paid opportunity for college students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience, grow their professional network, and make a real impact in communities across Western Riverside County.

• Work 20 to 30 hours a week
• $20.00 an hour
• Professional Development Session

Eligibility:

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program, or recently graduated (within the past 24 months)
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Authorized to work in the United States

Application Submission Requirements:

• Application
• Resume
• College Transcripts (both undergraduate and graduate, if applicable)
• Optional: Portfolio or samples of creative work/writing samples
• Optional: One letter of recommendation (professional or academic)

Submission Details:

Applications will open in August/ September 2026. Please check back often for openings. For any questions, please contact fellowship@wrcog.us

WRCOG Members: Host a Fellow

Looking to build capacity and invest in the next generation of public sector leaders? Become a WRCOG Fellowship Host Agency! By hosting a Fellow, your agency gains dedicated support from a high-achieving college student or recent graduate while helping shape the region’s future workforce. Fellows work 20–30 hours per week, are fully compensated through the program, and come ready to contribute to meaningful projects from day one. For more information on the process of becoming a host agency, please contact Julian Brambila at jbramila@wrcog.us.

Help Us Continue the Mission

WRCOG believes in investing in our future leaders. By supporting this program, you are shaping the next generation of public servants who will lead our region. If you’d like to donate to the cause and help expand the reach of this incredible program, please connect at WRCOG Fellows Donations.