Leadership Development—Capitol Fellowship Program
The CLLARO Capitol Fellowship Program provides public policy training to college students--typically the first in their families to attend college--and places them in paid internships with state legislators and other public officials and policy advocates during the Colorado legislative session.
CLLARO's Capitol Fellowship Program is developing a new generation of civic leaders.
"I am proud and grateful to say that I finished my second year of studies here (at Harvard Medical School). I plan on specializing in Family Medicine and will return to Colorado to work in primary care with under-served and Latino communities. As a CLLARO Capitol Fellow, I learned the importance of using one's position of leadership and privilege to positively impact the community, and I plan to do so as a future physician. My time with CLLARO taught me many lessons, connected me to my community and to amazing mentors, opened many doors to opportunities, and was truly invaluable. My experiences working with CLLARO highlighted the importance of Latino leadership and community service. They helped me solidify my decision to pursue a career in medicine. CFP was tremendously influential on my career path and development. I sincerely hope that you can support this organization, so that they can continue their valuable work to support the development of our Latino youth, our future leaders, and our community." - Daniel, Capitol Fellowship Program
CLLARO's Capitol Fellowship Program (CFP) offers a unique public policy career training program and paid internships for 12-20 college-aged students with legislators, advocates, and public sector leaders. Fellows gain experience and knowledge applicable and valuable in all three sectors. Fellows learn the legislative process, community engagement, building trust with elected officials and others. Their lives have changed as their career options are broadened in unimaginable ways.
Fellows are first generation college students more often than not. Most come from low-income families. The program increases labor force opportunities for the next generation. Fellows learn how public policy is made; a skill set useful in all three sectors of the economy.
In 12 years, 162 alumni changed their lives and learned new skills essential to private, nonprofit and government careers. The alumni network provides career support and additional learning opportunities.
Recruitment for 2026 begins in the summer of 2025. CLLARO recruits from more than 12 colleges and universities in Colorado. To learn more about the application process, the program timeline and other details contact Alejandra Colmenero alejandra.colmenero@cllaro.org
Video By and About 2017 Fellowship
We review our public policy priorities on an ongoing basis. Last year our priorities addressed housing, education, health and safety, immigrant and workers’ rights, economic security, aging, civic engagement and equity for all Americans.
Advocacy at CLLARO often includes preparation of fact sheets for legislators. The following are two examples from the 2024 legislative session.
Latinos are an increasingly important presence in Colorado. Today, Latinos are nearly 25% of the state’s population. And thanks to their higher birth rates, their numbers are increasing. The Colorado State Demographer projects that by 2050, Latinos will be one in three. (Colorado State Demographer, Population of Colorado’s Race and Ethnic Groups, 2000-2040, 2018:Denver)
The needs and aspirations of Latinos in Colorado have not been adequately researched and are not adequately understood by policymakers.
The size and composition of Latino families are changing. CLLARO research is examining the consequences of those trends. For example, there is a rapidly growing population of Latinos over 65 years of age. Today, the CLLARO Research Institute is conducting groundbreaking original research on social isolation of Latino elders and its affect on their heath and well-being.
In addition to original research, the Research Institute conducts culturally responsive bilingual meeting facilitation and evaluation for other organizations.
