Interns for the 2010 Regular Session arrived at the Capitol today to begin their three- day orientation before starting their legislative working experience next week.
Around 20 students from various colleges and universities are participating in either the McManus Fellowship, Rollins-Burk, Herndon, Frasure-Singleton or Legislative Information Journalism internships. Each of these internships provides students from across West Virginia the oppurtunity to participate in the legislative process in a variety of ways.
Rollins-Burk interns are graduate students who are placed with lawmakers in leadership positions in both the House and the Senate and will rsearch relevant issues, assist in the preparation for floor deliberations and monitoring legislative activity.
Herndon interns are undergrad students who are placed with a Senator or Delegate for the entire session. Under this internship, students are introduced to, as well as develop, an understanding of the politics of legislation, legislative research, bill drafting, the role and function of committees and the executive-legislative liaison.Frasure-Singleton interns are undergrad students who shadow a lawmaker for one week. They research relevant issues, and are given the opportunity to sit in on committee meetings and floor sessions.
Legislative Information Journalism interns work for all members of the legislature during the entire legislative session. These interns also cover all floor sessions, committee meetings and other legislative activities. They also write news releases and participate in the publication of the legislative newsletter.
The 2010 Regular Session begins Wednesday, January 13.
