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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 be reimbursed for 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.

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.

For more information, contact the CCIP coordinator, Steve Barracca at steve.barracca@eku.edu

FAQs

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 be reimbursed for 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.
The internship is open to all EKU students from any major (see eligibility requirements below).

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.

Specifically, 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.

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 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 name badge 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.

Interns are required to participate in one orientation session in the Capitol Annex in Frankfort. This event is held in early- to mid-January. Details will be communicated by the CCIP coordinator.

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. On the internship application, students specify whether they prefer to work with a Democrat legislator, a Republican legislator, or no preference. Every effort is made to honor these requests.

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. Interns will be reimbursed for the costs of transportation and meals based on a state employee per diem rate.

Students will work every Tuesday and Thursday during the legislative session. While specific working hours are set by the individual legislator, typically interns work from 8:30-4 pm. 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). In order to make the internship work with a full-time course schedule, interns typically register that Spring semester for only in-person class on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and online class.

Interns are allowed two excused absences during the legislative session. Additional absences must be communicated to the program coordinator. All absences should be communicated to your legislator or his or her legislative assistant.

Any intern accepted to the program is welcome to register for POL 498: Kentucky Legislative Internship. The instructor for this course is the CCIP Campus Coordinator, Steve Barracca. However, students may find it more in their interest to register for an internship course offered within their major or minor (e.g., CRJ 349, PUB 349, LAS 349, SOC 349, RMI 349, etc.). Each student should consult with their major advisor to determine which is the best option. The faculty instructor for the particular course can inform students about any course assignments, how many credit hours will be received, and whether successful completion of the course will result in a letter grade or a grade of pass/fail.

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: Introduction to American Government (or equivalent course, such as AP U.S. Government)
  • Availability every Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30-4 pm, 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.

The application deadline is September 15. Look for emails and announcements early in the Fall semester. For further information, contact the CCIP campus coordinator, Dr. Steve Barracca at steve.barracca@eku.edu.