STATEHOUSE (September 29, 2009) - Indiana Senate Republicans are seeking college interns for the 2010 legislative session - a learning experience State Sens. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) and Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield) say offers a "unique behind-the-scene view of democracy in action. "

Hershman said applications for the three- to four-month, Indianapolis-based paid internships are available online at www.senaterepublicans.in.gov/internship.htm and due on Oct. 31.

"Graduate and undergraduate students studying communications, political science and history who are interested in state government should apply for a legislative internship with the Indiana Senate Majority Caucus," Hershman said.

"Qualified candidates will have successful academic backgrounds and will be teamed with full-time press secretaries and legislative assistants," Alting said.

Interns are invited to attend the General Assembly's ceremonial Organization Day in mid-November and officially begin their internships with an orientation at the end of December.  The internships last the duration of the legislative session.

According to Alting, students should plan to live in or near Indianapolis, because of the varied work schedule. A $700 bi-weekly stipend is paid to help with expenses, he added.

Media interns will gain practical experience in helping prepare and distribute news releases, guest columns, letters to the editor, direct mail, e-newsletters, e-invitations, Web updates, radio feeds, pod-casts and video productions. Legislative interns will work alongside senators and legislative assistants in responding to constituent calls, letters and e-mails, as well as staffing Senate committees and assisting with actual floor proceedings.

College Credit
Hershman said academic credit for the internship varies from college to college and is arranged between the interns and their academic advisors.  Interns often arrange correspondence or independent courses. A three-credit-hour state government course, conducted at the Statehouse throughout the session, is available to all interns.

Scholarship Opportunities
At the end of each year's legislative session, Verizon Communications offers a $3,000 scholarship to the top intern from each of the caucuses - Republican and Democrat. Additionally, each caucus awards a $1,000 scholarship in memory of longtime Senate staffer Rick Gudal.

More Information
Alting said for more information about internships with the Indiana Senate Republicans, students may also call intern coordinators toll-free at 800-382-9467. 

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Sen. Alting represents Senate District 22, which includes a portion of Tippecanoe County.
Sen. Hershman represents Senate District 7, which includes, Carroll, Clinton, Howard, Jasper, Tippecanoe and White counties.

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