Congressional Internship Resources
Background
In 1999, President Donald Haragan established a scholarship program to allow Texas Tech University students to travel to Washington, D. C. to learn firsthand how federal policy is formulated in our nation's capital. The program's objective is to provide students who have an interest in public policy the opportunity to participate in public service by observing and contributing to the policy-making process. The internship experience helps students understand the challenges and rewards of public life and develops their leadership skills.
Over 180 students have traveled to Washington D.C. under this program. Many have used their internship experience as a springboard into careers in our nation's capitol while others have chosen to continue their education by entering into graduate or law school.
Undergraduate students who have completed a minimum of 60 semester credit hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or graduate students with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 are eligible to participate. No particular major or disciplinary background is required. Students will acquire skills and experience that will serve them well no matter what career they choose.
Each student will receive a $4,000 scholarship to help defray costs associated with the internship. The student will be required to complete a minimum six semester credit hours though more may be earned.
Students may print the application from www.congressionalintern.ttu.edu or contact their Dean’s office of the respective colleges. Applications are due to the President’s office, Administration room 150 Thursday, October 8th, 2009 by 5 PM. For additional information about the program, please contact Amber Harris at 742-2121.
There will be information sessions held on Tuesday, September 22nd and Monday, September 28th from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. They will be held in the Administration building, in room 244.
Internships
The President's Congressional Internship Program is offered every Fall and Spring semester. Each semester, approximately 10 interns are picked to participate in the program. Interns live and work in Washington, DC for the duration of the semester that they apply for and are chosen to participate. They work full-time, 40-50 hours per week. Interns are placed in either a Congressperson or Senator's office based on the intern's political leans, issue interests, personality, hometown, and abilities. The internships are unpaid.
Before leaving for Washington, DC, interns attend two orientation sessions to help prepare them for the experience. They also attend two socials to get to know the other interns.
Life as an Intern
Academic Credit
Each intern must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 hours and a maximum of 12 hours at Texas Tech University while interning in Washington, DC. Before leaving for Washington, DC, interns work with their department to try to gain academic credit that fits into their degree plan for the internship experience. Students who need more hours to meet the minimum 6 hour requirement, or who need to earn elective hours can be enrolled in a General Studies credit (GST 4000 or GST 5000). These credit hours are earned through the interns' work on Capitol Hill. Furthermore, interns are enrolled as "full time" students at Texas Tech while they are in Washington, DC due to the number of hours that they work each week.
Scholarship
Interns receive a $4,000 scholarship to help defray the costs of living associated with the internship. The scholarship covers all housing costs and gives students spending money.
Interns are responsible for their tuition (a majority of the fees are waived), travel to and from Washington, DC, and entertainment.
Housing
Interns are given the option to stay in the "Tech House", locate two blocks away from the Capitol Building. The Tech House is located within walking distance of the interns' offices, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, the House Office Buildings, and the National Mall. The House is also located across the street from the Capitol South Metro stop, which allows for easy travel throughout Washington, DC.
The Tech House is fully furnished- linens, washer and dryer, cooking utensils, computer, wireless internet, iron, etc. All an intern needs to bring is their clothes. Single rooms and shared rooms are available.
Free Time
Interns are encouraged to explore the Washington, DC area and travel along the East Coast. Interns have the opportunity to tour the Smithsonian museums, White House, and National Monuments. Additionally, interns explore the Dupont Circle area, Old Town Alexandria, Adams Morgan, Georgetown, and Eastern Market. Traditionally, interns have traveled to New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Virginia Beach, Atlantic City, Boston, Gettysburg, Manassas, and other areas. There are ample receptions, Texas State Society and Texas Tech Alumni Association events, and festivals to attend.
Qualifications
Undergraduate students must have earned 60 hours and have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Graduate students must have a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA.
*All majors are encouraged to apply
Other Important Qualifications:
- Ability to communicate effectively through both oral and written means
- Involvement at Texas Tech
- Ability to get along with diverse groups of people
- Desire to learn and work hard
- Well mannered
To Apply
Turn in the following documents to President's Office Administration Room 150:
- The application and essays (typed)
- Transcript (unofficial is acceptable)
- Resume
- Letters of Recommendation
- At least one letter from faculty at Texas Tech University
- 3 letters are recommended