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The Maddy Scholar Intern Program’s goal is to prepare the next generation of political, governmental, business, non-profit leaders for the San Joaquin Valley through internship opportunities in local, state and federal government offices in Washington, D.C., Sacramento and throughout the region.

Each year approximately 30 University students from the region‘s public universities (CSU Bakersfield, Fresno State, Stanislaus State and UC Merced) are selected as Legislative Scholar-Interns to develop public leadership skills while gaining practical knowledge of the day-to-day operations of government. 

Legislative Scholar-Interns receive academic credit as well as a scholarship and are selected based on their academic standing and leadership potential. Examples of placements include: U.S. Senate and Congressional offices (Capitol and district offices), California Assembly and Senate offices (Capitol and district offices) and the Governor’s Office.

2022-2023 Program Deadlines

  • Applications for the Summer 2023 Program is currently open. Priority deadline is January 19th at 5 PM and final deadline is January 26th at 5 PM. Click here to view the application.

Application Requirements:

  • Completed Application: All sections must be completed and signed.
    Please also email to gcruz0521@csufresno.edu:
  • Resume: Must be current and completed.
  • Personal Statement: No longer than ONE page with your name on the document.   Write a short biographical sketch.  Explain how a legislative office would benefit from having you in the office?  What interest, experience, or background do you have in public policy or government affairs (school, work, volunteerism, etc.)?  When and how have you exhibited leadership?  What is your long term commitment to making the Valley a better place?  How do you plan to do it?
  • College Transcripts: Copies (PDF file) of unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Your name must appear on the document. Official transcripts indicating expected graduation date and degree may be required if offered a placement.

When applicant is offered a placement, the applicant MUST:

  • Enroll into course to receive Academic Credit for internship in order to be considered for placement. All academic requirements need to be done prior to beginning of internship (Academic credit is granted through each academic department and graduate program. Applicants must contact their own school/academic department so advising staff can assist).  OR
  • Enroll into an Independent Study program for at least one (1) unit in order to be considered for placement.  All academic requirements need to be done prior to beginning of internship. (Independent Study Policies vary per each academic department and graduate program. Applicants must contact their own school/academic department so advising staff can assist.)

Eligibility:

  • Must have a 3.0 overall GPA or higher
  • Must be at least a Junior in standing (60 units completed) OR be a Graduate student in standing OR be in your second year at a community college during the semester of the internship.
  • Must be able to work 3-5 hours per day and at least 10 hours a week during the semester (Hours requirement is 150 hours total) for local placement and 8-10 weeks full time for summer D.C. and Sacramento placement.
  • Must act with the highest degree of professionalism and responsibility.  This includes understanding that changing your mind after you have been selected is highly unprofessional (by placing the legislative office in an unreasonably difficult situation) and selfish (by denying an otherwise qualified applicant from being selected).  In short, an applicant must understand the importance of fulfilling one’s obligations and honoring one’s commitments.

You can download the application HERE and submit to gcruz0521@csufresno.edu