The Panetta Institute for Public Policy, a non-partisan foundation at CSU-Monterey Bay, covers all program costs, including air travel, housing in Washington, D.C. and Monterey Bay campus services during an intensive two-week orientation before departure to the nation’s capital.
Each intern also receives a stipend to help cover other expenses and can earn up to 20 semester credits.
The Congressional intern program is open to undergraduates in their junior and senior years or in graduate standing when the program begins in September at Monterey. During the two-week orientation there, Leon Panetta, former White House chief of staff in the Clinton Administration and a member of the House, and other legislative veterans explain how Congress works. Interns are then assigned for two and a half months to the Capitol Hill office of a member of the California delegation to the House.
Congressional experts say there is no substitute for first-hand experience, and House Republicans and Democrats alike work on a bipartisan basis with Panetta Institute interns.
Application forms for HSU students are available online at http://studentaffairs.humboldt.edu and from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Nelson Hall East, Room 216, and at the Government & Politics Office, Founders Hall, Room 180.
Candidates must meet the following criteria: exemplary maturity and leadership abilities; willingness to take on assigned tasks and hard work; demonstrated ability as a team player; superior academic achievement; advanced written and verbal skills, and clarity of speech appropriate for a congressional setting. Also required are a written essay stating the student’s reasons for her/his interest, accompanied by a one-page resume of work and service experience and a demonstrated commitment to community and public service. Eligible students must be first-time participants and registered for the Fall 2008 semester, concurrent with the Congressional Internship.
Deadline for application, resume and essay is 5:00 p.m. Monday, April 21, 2008 in the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs at Nelson Hall East, Room 216. Details can be downloaded at www.panettainstitute.org
or dial 707/826-3361.