As one of UC Merced’s first students, Josue “Josh” Franco seized the chance to help shape student government for future scholars on campus; now he has grasped a new opportunity on Capitol Hill.
The three-time alumnus (B.A. ’09, M.A. ’16, Ph.D. ’18) has been awarded the American Political Science Association’s Congressional Fellowship for 2024-25.
It’s been 15 years since Franco walked the Capitol hallways and he couldn’t be more thrilled to return, this time with his wife and fellow UC Merced alumna, Mayra (’09), and their sons, Ethan and Caleb, by his side.
“I am looking forward to serving as an APSA Congressional Fellow and experiencing Congress again,” he said. “I have a deep admiration for our system of government, a genuine appreciation for the halls of power, and a tremendous respect for how individuals and the public at large hold their elected officials accountable between elections.”
It’s been more than 60 years since a community college faculty member was awarded the APSA Congressional Fellowship. That makes this opportunity even more remarkable for him.
