Legislative Intern Program for College Students

The General Assembly's Legislative Intern Program offers approximately 150 college and university students the opportunity to provide research and staff assistance to legislators during each session and to have both an educational and practical work experience in the Legislative Branch of State government. Upon acceptance into the program, students interview for placement with legislators, committees, or caucuses of the Maryland General Assembly. 

Many of the interns are political science majors; however, students working toward degrees in other areas, who are interested in learning firsthand about the process of State government, are encouraged to apply.

Academic credits are granted to interns by their colleges and universities. Additional academic work may be required by the sponsoring professors.

The General Assembly meets annually for a period of 90 calendar days, beginning the second Wednesday in January and continuing through early April.  During the initial months, the busiest days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with few or no committee hearings scheduled for Mondays or Fridays.  Most legislators would like their interns to work the three days from Tuesday through Thursday or full-time.  However, realizing the demands of college scheduling, the General Assembly accepts students who are able to work only two days per week.

Since the legislature does not take any holidays during its 90-day session, interns are required to commit themselves to a weekly work schedule and to take no holidays or spring break. 

College students presently enrolled in a public or independent college or university are eligible to apply. Students must: 

• Be at least 18 years of age;
• Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade-point average. (A student with a lower G.P.A. may participate in the program if recommended by the sponsoring professor and accepted by the Intern Office);
• Have proof of competency in college composition;
• Receive academic credit for the internship; and
• Be able to work in Annapolis at least two days each week during the 13-week legislative session.

The type of work assigned to interns is mainly legislative, although some duties are clerical in nature. Legislative responsibilities may include:

• Conducting research;
• Drafting correspondence;
• Preparing, recording, and reporting testimony;
• Contacting witnesses;
• Attending committee hearings;
• Tracking bills;
• Working on mailings;
• Responding to constituents' inquiries; and,
• Writing newsletters.

A stipend is awarded to each legislative intern.  The total stipend varies, depending on the number of hours per week the student serves as an intern for the legislative session. The total stipend is payable in two installments.  The first half of the stipend is awarded midway through session and the second half of the stipend is awarded at the end of session. The stipend amounts are listed below:

• 2 days (15-18 hours) weekly = $3,120 per session
• 3 days (19-26 hours) weekly = $4,680 per session
• 4 days (27-31 hours) weekly = $6,240 per session
• 5 days (32-40 hours) weekly =$7,800 per session

Use this link to access the electronic application. You will need: (1) an essay in pdf (it should include a description of yourself, interests in State government, along with your objectives for an internship with the MGA, in around 200 words), (2) resume, and (3) unofficial transcript. All placements are made during the fall semester, and applications should be received by the Maryland General Assembly Human Resources by October 31.