Colonels at the Capitol Internship Program
What is CCIP? ♦ Application ♦ FAQs
What is the Colonels at the Capitol Internship Program?
Participants in the Colonels at the Capitol Internship Program (CCIP) are placed with a Kentucky legislator as they serve in the General Assembly and will spend Tuesdays and Thursdays during the spring semester in Frankfort. Interns will provide their own transportation and receive a stipend to help defray the costs of gas and meals. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on knowledge of the state’s political process while developing critical professional skills through research, communication, and networking.
Gain a Competitive Edge
Upon graduation, EKU students will find themselves pursuing employment opportunities in a highly competitive, global job market. Employers are increasingly looking for graduates with a demonstrated ability to utilize hard and soft skills in the work environment. Participation in the Colonel’s at the Capitol Internship Program provides students with an opportunity to develop these skills through real-world experience.
THE APPLICATION IS DUE MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2022
- What are the application requirements?
- What are the personal and professional benefits of this internship?
- What kind of responsibilities will I have?
- Who will I intern with?
- How will I get to Frankfort every week?
- How long does the internship last?
- What if I need to miss a day?
- How do I receive course credit for this internship?
What are the application requirements?
- Junior or Senior Standing (i.e., at least 60 credit hours completed at the start of the internship)
- 3.0 overall GPA
- 3.2 major GPA
- Completion of POL 101 (or equivalent course)
- Availability every Tuesday and Thursday during the spring semester through the end of the legislative session, which is no later than March 30 in odd-numbered years and April 15 in even-numbered years.
What are the personal and professional benefits of this internship?
Interns will develop hands-on knowledge of the state legislative process and policymaking. Opportunities for networking will allow interns to develop contacts with lawmakers, policy experts, and business leaders from across the Commonwealth. Responsibilities undertaken by interns will give them experience for careers ranging from lawmaking, policy analysis, lobbying, and public relations.
What kind of responsibilities will I have?
Interns will shadow their legislator, engaging in all the activities typical for a member of the General Assembly. This will involve interns in responsibilities including constituent service and communications, tracking legislation, and monitoring committee meetings.
Interns should remember that they are representing EKU. Representing the university well includes dressing professionally. Specifically, men are expected to wear dress pants, a jacket, collared shirt, and dress shoes. Women are expected to wear a pants suit or skirt. All interns will wear an EKU lapel pin when on the job. Representing EKU well also means professional conduct. Interns are expected to treat everyone with courtesy and respect, regardless of party affiliation.
Who will I intern with?
Interns will be assigned to a member of the Kentucky General Assembly or to an administrative office, such as the Legislative Research Commission. Assignments will be made by the CCIP coordinator.
How will I get to Frankfort every week?
Each intern is responsible for getting themselves to and from Frankfort every Tuesday and Thursday. Interns may choose to carpool. The internship coordinator will provide a way for students to get in contact with each other, but students must take the initiative to work out any ride-share arrangements. A stipend of $500 will be provided to each intern to defray the costs of transportation and meals.
How long does the internship last?
Students will work every Tuesday and Thursday during the legislative session. The session is scheduled to last from early January through the end of March (in odd-numbered years) and mid-April (in even numbered-years). Once the Legislative Research Commission has issued the official calendar, it will be distributed to the interns.
Interns may be required to participate in one or more training sessions. Details will be communicated by the CCIP coordinator.
What if I need to miss a day?
Interns are allowed two excused absences during the legislative session. Additional absences must be communicated to the program coordinator.
How do I receive course credit for this internship?
Students accepted to the program will register for POL 349: Applied Learning in Political Science, or for an internship/coop course offered in their major or minor. Students who successfully complete all the internship requirements will receive 3 course credits. To earn credit, students will need to keep a journal of their time in Frankfort as well as complete a final writing assignment reflecting on the internship. The CCIP coordinator, Professor Steve Barracca, will verify completion of course requirements and assign a grade.