Introduction
The West Virginia Legislature was established by the West Virginia Constitution as the lawmaking branch of state government.
Our Legislature is comprised of 100 delegates and 34 senators elected to represent the voice of their constituents. These legislators meet in formal session for 60 days each year. During session, the city of Charleston becomes a mecca for people and groups promoting ideas they believe should become law. Bills which affect you, and affect every citizen of the state, are researched, drafted, discussed, changed, debated and voted upon during these 60 days.
This surge of activity, the incoming tide of information and increased numbers of citizens participating in the lawmaking process necessitate the hiring of additional staff to assist lawmakers in their public service. If you want to help shape West Virginia’s future, here’s your chance to work one-on-one with state leaders. Internships with the Legislature provide a transitional step from the academic world to the work world.
Student interns enhance their education while making valuable contacts for future job opportunities, and often get ahead of competitors for choice positions. Former interns have gone on to obtain jobs within the Legislature, state agencies and private organizations following the completion of their internships.
A way to enhance your education--a chance to work with state leaders--an opportunity perhaps to land a fantastic job after graduation--it’s all right here, with the West Virginia Legislature.
McManus Fellowship
The Lewis McManus Fellowship will be offered each year to one second-year graduate student who is seeking a master’s degree in public administration through West Virginia University or Marshall University, or the two universities’ joint program. The student selected will serve as a legislative intern for the duration of one academic year, including one regular session and monthly interim sessions, and will be provided with a stipend and per diem pay during interim sessions. That student will also be granted one year’s tuition and fees at his or her university. Finalists will be chosen by the two colleges, and the recipient will be chosen by a House committee.
Number of positions: 1
Eligibility:
- Second-year graduate
student who is seeking a master’s degree in political administration through
West Virginia University or Marshall University, or the two universities’ joint
program
Contact:
Sara L. DeBarr
West Virginia House of Delegates
House Minor Committees
Building 1, Room 200-A, East Wing
Charleston, WV 25305
phone: 304.340.3386
fax: 304.340.3377
e-mail: sara@mail.wvnet.edu
Walter Rollins Scholars & Robert W. Burk, Jr Student Interns
West Virginia graduate students are chosen to assist lawmakers serving in leadership positions of the Senate and the House of Delegates. Walter Rollins Scholars participate in the lawmaking process by researching relevant issues, assisting in preparation for floor deliberations and monitoring legislative activity under the direction of those in the highest positions of legislative leadership. Robert W. Burk, Jr. Student Interns assist standing committee chairpersons and other leading senators and delegates. These students receive firsthand knowledge by observing the making of public policy, studying how the legislative structure bears upon the manner in which decisions are made and aiding legislators in their daily work activities.
Number of positions: Rollins Scholars: 2 , Burk Interns: 4
Eligibility:
- Students enrolled
in graduate degree programs of all majors at accredited WV public or private
colleges or universities
- In good academic standing
Contact:
Sara L. DeBarr
West Virginia House of Delegates
House Minor Committees
Building 1, Room 200-A, East Wing
Charleston, WV 25305
phone: 304.340.3386
fax: 304.340.3377
e-mail: sara@mail.wvnet.edu
Judith A. Herndon Fellowship
Undergraduates are selected to participate in the 60-day session as Herndon Fellows and are assigned to assist a sole legislator from either the Senate or the House of Delegates The interns are required to perform research and various staff functions. Among other job-related responsibilities, participants are introduced to and develop an understanding of the politics of legislation, legislative research, bill drafting, the role and function of committees and the executive-legislative liaison.
Number of positions: 10
Eligibility:
- Full-time undergraduate
students of all majors and disciplines from both public and private institutions
of higher learning in West Virginia
- Completed 60 undergraduate hours
- Achieved grade point average sufficient for admission into degree program
- Completed course in political science or extensive public affairs experience
Contact:
Dr. Stephen Cupps,
Program Director
Marshall University Graduate College
100 Angus E. Peyton Drive
South Charleston, WV 25305-1600
phone: 304.746.1968
fax: 304.746.2063
e-mail: scupps@marshall.edu
Frasure-Singleton Internship
Undergraduate students are selected to assist a specific senator or delegate for one week during the regular 60 day session. Participants are assigned to a legislator who assists in explaining the legislative process. They attend committee meetings and public hearings where legislation and issues are extensively discussed. They sit on the floor during daily sessions surrounded by legislators determining the fate of legislation. They aid legislators with issue research, constituent requests and other legislative tasks.
Number of positions: 50 (25 per week of a two-week period during mid-session of the Legislature)
Eligibility:
- Full-time sophomores,
juniors and seniors of all majors and disciplines from two and four year, public
and private institutions of higher learning
- In good academic standing with (at least) one course in government.
- GPA is taken into consideration
Contact:
Sue Tewksbury, Program Director
Building 1, Room 314-W, West Wing
1900 Kanawha Blvd., East
Charleston, WV 25305
phone: 304.347.4858
Legislative Information Journalism Internship
Aspiring journalists are selected to work for all members in both the Senate and the House of Delegates during the 60-day session by providing services offered by the Legislature’s Reference & Information Center. The selected participants are assigned to cover floor sessions, committee meetings, public hearings, press conferences and other legislative activities. Chosen participants are required to participate in the publication of a weekly newsletter, compose news releases and cutlines and respond to media and citizen requests.
Number of positions: 4
Eligibility:
- Full-time undergraduate
(juniors and seniors) or graduate students majoring in the field of journalism
or a related accredited program enrolled in both public and private WV colleges
and universities
- In good academic standing
- Familiar with Wordperfect, Microsoft Word, or similar word processing program
- Skilled in AP style
- Ability to proofread effectively
Contact:
Bill Thomas
Building 1, Room MB-27
1900 Kanawha Blvd., East
Charleston, WV 25305
phone: 304.347.4833
e-mail: wthomas1@mail.wvnet.edu