Democracy Up Close

McCarthy Fellows in San Francisco is a semester-long program that integrates a part-time internship with the City & County of San Francisco alongside a rigorous academic seminar course. This unique program is in partnership with the USF Politics Department and the SF Department of Human Resources. In this semester program, a select group of fellows have the unique opportunity to study political economy and culture with a local government agency according to their interest area.

Students develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be informed participants in democratic life while also contributing to local policymaking, administration, and politics aimed at shaping San Francisco into a more inclusive and equitable city. The program will emphasize the historic and political-economic background of San Francisco through rigorous academic content, structured reflection, and professional development to prepare students with the knowledge and analytical skills to be ethical public service leaders. All majors are welcome to apply.

Margaux Farmer '23

Margaux Farmer '23

International Studies, Sustainable Development and Environmental Justice, McCarthy Fellow at the San Francisco Department of Environment

At the department, I learned the importance of details and that everything serves a purpose; from the support of a single tree for the city’s ecosystems to the contributions of each member on a project.

Margaux Farmer '23

International Studies, Sustainable Development and Environmental Justice, McCarthy Fellow at the San Francisco Department of Environment

Recent Placements/Partnerships

  • Department of Children, Youth, and Families
  • Department of the Environment
  • SF Recreation and Parks
  • Metropolitan Transit Authority
  • Department of Public Works
  • SF Board of Supervisors
  • Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing
  • SFUSD Board of Education
  • Department of Human Resources
  • SF Public Library

The McCarthy Fellows Power Hour at San Francisco City Hall

Remote video URL
Video Transcript

Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good

2130 Fulton St.
Masonic, Room 106
San Francisco, CA 94117
Hours

Monday - Friday:
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.