This internship presents the opportunity to observe firsthand the development of public policy in the legislative arena. Students will deepen their understanding of the structure and processes of Washington's legislative system; learn about proposed legislation on current issues facing the state; and participate in political discourse and analysis of policy proposals. Students will have an opportunity to explore matters around State and Tribal Government relations, and legislation and policy at the forefront of Tribal Sovereignty and rights.
Each student will work as an intern with a legislator and their staff for a regular 40-hour work week during the six-month legislative session. Intensive staff-apprenticeship activities may include conducting legislative research, drafting policy and other documents, bill tracking, and constituent communications. Interns are included in opportunities created by legislative program staff such as attending guest presentations, field trips, workshops on the state budget, shadowing public policy leaders, and attending media panels. Students also participate in mock floor debates with interns from across the state. Because this is a full-time internship, academic work will be minimal and designed to help students prepare for graduate school or future work in the public arena.
Students accepted as legislative interns will develop an internship learning contract profiling legislative responsibilities and links to their overall academic plans. Six times each quarter, interns will meet together in a seminar with faculty to share observations of the legislative process, address challenges, and discuss how our academic work intersects with issues that emerge over the course of the internship. After the legislative session ends, students will produce an integrative essay reflecting on their experience and the implications of their learning for future civic engagement. A final self-evaluation is required.
Student performance for the internship is evaluated by the faculty sponsor, field supervisors, and legislative office staff.
Olympia campus students use these CRNs:
16 credit: 20274
2-14 credits: 20275
Tacoma campus students use these CRNs:
16 credit: 20276
2-14 credits: 20277
Registration
One year of interdisciplinary study.
Students applying to become interns for the Washington state legislative session must complete the online application process in early October. This process includes the application, a transcript summary sheet, a personal essay, a letter of reference from faculty (discussing research and writing skills), and a personal reference (character, work habits). More information on the application process is available online ( www.leg.wa.gov/internships ). Applicants will be interviewed in person and assessed through a writing exercise. Internships will be awarded by the Capitol Senate and House of Representatives Education Program staff, and students will be informed of acceptance by late November. Academic Advising and the Career Development Center will offer support to applicants. Contact Academic Advising for more information.
Academic Details
community studies, government, law, political science, public interest advocacy, public policy, and social issues