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✦ Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have directly observed the applicant (in school or at
work) and can give an evaluation in one or more of the following areas: character, research skills, familiarity
with public policy issues, understanding of the governmental process, and ability to learn in a work setting.
Letters should not be requested from anyone who has not directly taught or observed the applicant. At
least one must be from a professor at the college you now attend.
✦
A letter from an appropriate college official endorsing the student’s participation and indicating the amount
of credit to be granted by the college and whether or not the student will be taking the Internship on a
“pass-fail” basis or receiving a letter grade. If this letter is written by the same person as one of the above,
it should be clearly stated as performing this dual purpose.
✦
A concise academic writing sample which provides a good indication of the student’s research and
communication abilities (item #19 on the application).
Submit Session Internship application and all supporting documents to the designated college/university liaison
officer. If you cannot locate your liaison officer, contact the Assembly Intern Committee. In this case, an appropriate
faculty member or administrator at your college/university should forward your application and supporting materials
along with a cover letter indicating the college’s/university’s academic endorsement of your participation.
Be sure to answer all of the questions thoroughly. The Assembly Intern Committee notifies applicants of their status
within two weeks of receiving their completed applications with all supporting documents.
ASSEMBLY POLICY:
For the Assembly Policy Prohibiting Fraternization with Student Interns, please visit our website:
http://nyassembly.gov/internship/
HOURS AND STIPEND:
Interns spend a minimum of 30 hours, exclusive of academic course requirements, at the Capitol each week
completing their Assembly assignments. The Assembly Intern Committee provides a $6,600 stipend to help cover
expenses.
EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT AND COLLEGE CREDIT:
The Assembly Session Internship includes an academic component beginning with a four-day Orientation to state
government and the legislative process. Each student is enrolled in the course, “Politics and Policy in the New York
State Legislative Process,” taught by the Assembly’s Intern Committee Professors-in-Residence. Some required
reading materials are made available to Session Interns by the Assembly Intern Committee. The Faculty also provides
supervision and research advisement through individual meetings and group discussions with Interns during which
their progress is monitored. Mid-Session and Final Student Evaluations are sent to college/university liaison officers.
Comprehensive Program – Since the Internship is a comprehensive, semester-long program, students are strongly
advised not to enroll in additional courses. Interns with specific additional academic requirements should receive
written or explicit approval from the Assembly Intern Office prior to the start of the 2020 Session Internship year.
Orientation – Includes sessions on legislative research, the role of legislative staff and interns, legislative/executive
relations, political parties in the Legislature, communication skills, the legislative process, and budget.
Issue Forums – Attendance is required and calculated in grade evaluations. The forums are designed to complement
the academic Internship curriculum. Experts in areas of government and academia join legislators in presenting
a review of the legislative process. Lecture topics include the State budget, the economy, education, and criminal
justice. Issue Policy Forums are scheduled on Wednesdays, which includes evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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