The Georgia Legislative Intern Program

Should you be a Legislative Intern? Yes, if…

.                      •             you are Georgia college or university student of at least junior standing who wants to be a part of a dynamic state government even before you graduate.

.                      •           you are curious to see how state government really works – how it makes things happen here in Georgia .

.                      •           you want to help shape Georgia ’s future – in politics, business, law, media, education, medicine, or farming.  Here is your chance to meet and work with Georgia ’s leaders.

.                      •           you would like to enhance your education by obtaining the experience and contacts for future job opportunities.

Are there other requirements?  Yes

.                      •           You must be a legal Georgia resident and a U.S. citizen

.                      •           You must be a junior or senior at the time you serve your internship.

.                      •           Selection is based on academic standing and potential for leadership in politics and government as indicated by grades, work experiences, extracurricular activities, interests, and maturity.  You will be asked to furnish transcripts, as well as references from people who have worked with you.

.                      •           Interns must be undergraduates enrolled in a Georgia college or university and receive academic credit form the institution.

.                      •           A prerequisite for participation in the Georgia Legislative Intern Program is agreement by the student’s school that academic credit will be granted for the internship.  Each school decides the amount of credit, the department in which it is granted, and the requirements for earning credit.

 Semester System Reminder:

It is important to remember that most schools are now on a semester system and not a quarter system.  You need to work with your academic adviser to determine your academic needs.  Georgia State University is located one block from the State Capitol.  They have a comprehensive evening program to supplement any schedule.  It is possible to either cross register at Georgia State University or register as a transient student.

If you are interested in participating in this year’s program contact. Please do not contact any state offices. Dr. Trachtenberg will assist you in finding an internship:

Dr. Joe Trachtenberg, Political Science Program Coordinator, Department of Social Sciences, School of Arts & Sciences , Clayton State University, Morrow, GA 30260  Office: A & S Bldg., Room G-105E Email: joetrachtenberg@clayton.edu

What does an Intern do?

.                      •           This Internship is a full time responsibility.

.                      •           Most interns are assigned to a standing committee in either the House or Senate; a few may be assigned to legislative staff offices.

.                      •           Responsibilities include research bills or issues before the General Assembly, working with a legislative committee, monitoring the progress of legislation, and other duties as assigned by the committee.

.                      •           Above all, interns have the valuable opportunity to witness the lawmaking process firsthand.

How many interns are chosen?

Approximately 30 students are selected each year from Georgia’s public and private colleges and universities.

What about housing in Atlanta ?

Interns are responsible for finding housing in the Atlanta area.  There will be limited housing available at Georgia Institute of Technology at dormitory rates.  Information on this can be obtained from Georgia Tech’s Housing Office at 404-894-2470

Stipend:

The General Assembly determines the amount of the expense stipend.  The stipend will be approximately $280 per week.

Dates of service:

The internship period corresponds to the annual session of the General Assembly.  The session begins the second Monday in January and, with the usual budget recesses, concludes in March.  During the week prior to convening of the legislature, an orientation for interns is held at the Capitol.