Riverside, Calif. (July 13, 2016) – Six students from California Baptist University were selected to participate in the inaugural Western Regional Council of Governments (WRCOG) Fellowship Program.

WRCOG focuses on solving issues pertinent to the 17 cities and various agencies it represents throughout the Inland Empire region.

The six students represent a variety of programs at CBU including the master's in public and business administration and the sociology and environment science majors.

The students selected were Tammi Philips (Banning's city manager office), Bobby Frisch (Hemet's city manager office), Nelly Telleria (Lake Elsinore's city manager office), Eduardo Sida (Perris' city manager office), Megan Elder (Riverside Museum cultural affairs) and Melissa Varela (Western Municipal Water District public information office).

Frisch said his first task will be incorporating infographics and other communication designs into the state of the mayor's address.

"I'm going into this opportunity thinking how beneficial this could be for me professionally, by learning how to work next to high-ranking government officials," Frisch said.

The fellowship is in its inaugural year, and CBU was one of two universities selected to recommend students to help fill open positions. Each student will work for a nine-month period, 32-40 hours a week, at a rate of $15-$17 per hour. 

Students were selected to various positions based on a combination of factors including their resume, work experience, skill set and performance during an interview.

Laura Acosta, associate director for CBU's Career Center, said this opportunity allows students unique access to top city and agency officials.  

"These fellowships will not only allow students an inside look into specific government and agency roles, but it will also allow them to develop professional connections," Acosta said.