The Maddy Institute was awarded a $150,000 grant from the City of Fresno following the passage of the city’s budget on June 20. The grant will be used to expand The Maddy Institute’s legislative internship program over the next several years and provide more opportunities to San Joaquin Valley students with an interest in public policy.

Depending on the program, students receive a:

• $2,400 scholarship to intern with local, state and federal district offices.
• $6,000 scholarship for the Bob Beverly Legislative Internship program to intern in the State Capitol in Sacramento.
• $7,000 scholarship for the Costa D.C. Legislative Internship program to intern in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

“The Maddy Institute is pleased to have the City of Fresno’s support,” said Blake Zante, executive director of The Maddy Institute. “The city’s support is instrumental in maintaining the success of our internship program.”

Fresno City Councilmember Tyler Maxwell initiated the motion to include the grant in the city’s budget. The motion was unanimously approved by the Fresno City Council.

“I have seen firsthand the positive impact and value that The Maddy Institute provides our Fresno community,” Maxwell said. “I have had the privilege of hosting multiple Maddy interns during my tenure in office and have seen many of them go on to become great leaders. I am proud to support this program that continues to uplift and provide opportunities to numerous Fresno State students.”

Hundreds of Legislative Interns in Maddy Program

Established in 1999, The Maddy Institute has produced over 550 alumni through its legislative internship program. The program places students in legislative offices at the local, state and federal levels within the Central Valley, providing them with firsthand experience in public policy. In addition to professional experience, students receive scholarships and academic credit for their internships.

“On behalf of The Maddy Institute’s board of directors, we are grateful for the City of Fresno’s generous support,” said Melissa Frank, chair of the board of directors. “As a Maddy alum, this funding will bolster our efforts to foster the next generation of Central Valley leaders, empowering them to make a lasting impact on our region.”

The Maddy Institute, founded to honor former California State Senator Ken Maddy, is dedicated to inspiring and preparing future leaders in the San Joaquin Valley through leadership training, policy analysis and civic engagement.

In 2019, The Maddy Institute expanded its reach through a partnership with California State University, Bakersfield; California State University, Stanislaus; and University of California, Merced.