The Maryland General Assembly (MGA) convenes annually for a period of 90 calendar days, beginning the second Wednesday in January and continuing through early April. The MGA Legislative Intern Program runs for 14 weeks, from Monday, January 11 through Friday, April 16, 2027. Internships are conducted in-person at the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis. Legislative Interns are required to attend a webinar prior to the start of the internship (dates and times will be provided upon selection), and a full-day, in-person orientation in Annapolis on Tuesday, January 12, 2027.

Legislative Interns work two to five days per week, including a Wednesday or Thursday for required programming. (Most legislators prefer their Intern work two to three days per week.) Interns will establish a regular weekly schedule with their legislative office and maintain it for the duration of the internship. Because the MGA remains in session continuously throughout the 90-day legislative session, interns are not typically granted time off for holidays or spring break and must maintain their regular schedule throughout the program.

Legislative Interns receive a stipend based on their established weekly schedule, paid in installments.

The stipend amounts below reflect total compensation for the full 14-week period: 

14-16 hours per week = $3,360 

Up to 24 hours per week = $5,040

Up to 32 hours per week = $6,720

Up to 40 hours per week = $8,400

Transportation to Annapolis and overnight accommodations are not provided. Free parking is available at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, with complimentary shuttle service between the stadium and the Maryland General Assembly.

Interns may be placed with a Member's office, committee, caucus, or delegation. Duties vary according to the needs of the office but are typically legislative in nature. Legislative responsibilities often include:

• Conducting research
• Drafting correspondence
• Preparing, recording, and reporting testimony
• Contacting witnesses
• Attending committee hearings
• Tracking bills
• Assisting with mailings
• Responding to constituent inquiries
• Writing newsletters

Interns placed with a committee typically do not perform constituent work, and specific duties vary by committee. Committee placements offer Interns an in-depth view of the committee process and hearings, a broader understanding of the legislation under consideration, and an opportunity to support all Members of the committee.

In addition to office assignments, Interns participate in a range of programming throughout the internship, including seminars, trainings, and events. All programming is held on Wednesdays and repeated on Thursdays. Legislative Interns are required to attend designated programming.

The Maryland General Assembly maintains a professional office environment, and Interns are expected to dress in business attire. Appropriate attire includes suits, sport coats, dress shirts and ties, dresses, skirts, slacks, and blouses.

The program welcomes applicants from all academic majors. Successful candidates demonstrate a high degree of maturity, responsibility, and professionalism, along with strong motivation to succeed. All applicants must have an excellent academic record and a favorable recommendation from a school sponsor.*

The MGA Legislative Intern Program is open to individuals who meet the following requirements:

• Currently enrolled in a public or independent college or university in Maryland
• At least 18 years of age; graduated from high school in 2025 or earlier
• Sophomore standing or higher (minimum 30 completed academic credits at time of application)
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Must receive academic credit for the internship
• Demonstrated competency in college composition
• Sponsor endorsement*
• Able to work in Annapolis at least two days per week during the 14-week program, including a Wednesday or Thursday

*Applicants must be sponsored by an eligible school sponsor: a professor, academic advisor, or career services representative from their institution. Sponsors confirm their endorsement and verify that the applicant will receive academic credit for the internship. No additional obligations are required of a sponsor.

APPLICATION OPENS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER, 21, 2026

The application link for the MGA Legislative Intern Program will open on September 21.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: October 15, 2026

In addition to completing the online form, applicants must submit the following materials at the time of application:

1. Resume (PDF Format)
   
   
2. Unofficial transcript (PDF Format): Typically available through your institution's student account portal.
   
   
3. Essay (PDF Format): A brief introduction, including your interest in state government and your objectives for an internship with the Maryland General Assembly (approximately 200 words or 2 to 4 paragraphs).
   
   
4. Sponsor Information: Applicants must provide the name and contact information of their sponsor: a professor, academic advisor, or career services representative from their institution. (Graduate assistants are not eligible to serve as sponsors.) Sponsor eligibility is verified as part of the application review process. The sponsor will be contacted via email to confirm their endorsement and verify that the applicant will receive academic credit for the internship. No additional obligations are required of a sponsor. Sponsor endorsement must be received no later than Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
   

IMPORTANT: Applications will not be considered under any of the following circumstances:

• Submitted documents are not in PDF format.
• The application is missing required documents.
• The applicant does not meet eligibility requirements.
• The sponsor is ineligible.
• Sponsor endorsement is not secured within one week of the application deadline (October 21).

Following the submission and sponsor endorsement deadline, complete applications are shared with legislative offices for review, and interviews are scheduled and conducted. While legislative offices extend tentative offers to candidates, official offers are ultimately extended by the MGA Legislative Intern Program and formalized through internship agreements executed by the Intern, the Member, and the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House. Most offers are finalized by mid-December.