During the legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly, approximately 150 college students are given the opportunity to serve as legislative interns each year. Interested students apply and interview for placement with legislators, committees, or caucuses.
SESSION
The General Assembly meets annually for a period of 90 calendar days, beginning the second Wednesday in January through early April. The busiest days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Voting sessions are scheduled on Monday evening and Tuesday through Friday morning. Committee hearings are usually scheduled for the afternoon, with fewer on Monday or Friday.
ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY
Interested students must be presently enrolled in a public or independent college or university in Maryland with a 3.0 or higher grade-point average and competency in composition. Students must be earning credit and be sponsored by the instructor of an internship course. Students must be able to commit to at least two full days weekly for the legislative session.
STIPEND
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 (newly increased) 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
WORK ASSIGNMENTS AND DUTIES
- Research
- Writing Reports and Correspondence
- Tracking bills
- Communicating with witnesses
- Following committee hearings
- Preparing and reporting testimony
- Coordinating mailings & newsletters
- Responding to constituents’ inquiries
HOW TO APPLY
Contact your college or departmental internship coordinator for an application and sponsorship. Interested students submit an Intern Application*, including their sponsorship information, resume, essay, and transcript to the email address below. The target deadline to submit applications is October 31. For an extension, contact:
Carol Pelli, Intern Coordinator
Phone: 410-946-5124
Washington, DC Area: 301-970-5124
Toll Free: 800-492-7122 Ext. 5124
Email: Carolyn.Pelli@mlis.state.md.us
*Find the intern application at ter.ps/internBSOS, the first "Helpful Link."
