November 2, 2006
Congressional Internship Program Gives Inside Look At Government
Texas Tech students learn real-life lessons during internships in Washington, D.C.
Written by Julie Box
Texas Tech congressional interns give a Guns Up with Congressman Randy Neugebauer. Students dream of one day pursuing a career in politics but find it difficult to know just how to get their foot in the door. However, for students who participate in the Texas Tech President’s Congressional Internship Program, that door has been flung wide open.
Texas Tech President Emeritus Donald Haragan established the President’s Congressional Internship Program in 1999 to give students the opportunity to learn how federal policy is born in our nation’s capitol. Over the past seven years, more than 120 students have traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the semester long program.
Ronald Phillips, associate general counsel and chief of staff for Texas Tech President Jon Whitmore, has been working with the program since it began. He believes the program is improving Texas Tech because it is a unique learning experience that students would not otherwise have.
“They learn about the legislative process, but more importantly, they learn how to interact with a diverse group of people,” Phillips says. “The interesting thing I’ve seen is the maturity these students develop in a semester. They have more confidence in themselves and in their interactions with other people.”
With aspirations of seeking elected office, Vance Ginn, a Texas Tech graduate student, decided to gain experience in politics through an internship in Washington, D.C. Ginn is one of eight students currently living and working on Capitol Hill as part of the program. He is working for the staff of Congressman Randy Neugebauer.
“I think that the experience and the contacts that I have from the program will do wonders for my career,” Ginn says. “Also, the great friendships that I have made within the Tech House and positions that they will achieve will give me endless networking opportunities. Finally, dealing with difficult situations at work and in a new environment is a tremendous achievement for me personally.”
To assist students participating in the program, Texas Tech provides a $4,000 scholarship which helps pays for housing and utilities at the Tech House. The house, which accommodates up to 18 students, is within walking distance of the Capitol, House and Senate office buildings.
According to Carmen Haworth, congressional intern coordinator, Tech House is an aspect that puts Texas Tech above similar programs at other universities that offer no housing for their student interns.
Texas Tech upper class students can attend information sessions on the program twice each year. Application deadlines are mid-Oct. for Spring interns and Friday before Spring Break for Fall interns. More information and application forms can be found at www.depts.ttu.edu/ttuintern.
Story produced by the Office of Communications and Marketing, 806-742-2136.
Web layout by Lisa Low