By Rachel Aretakis
The cost of living in Washington, D.C., may dissuade students from applying for unpaid internships, but Student Government is now offering a program that provides a stipend.
The Wildcat Interest Group recently secured two internships for UK students to intern with Sen. Mitch McConnell and Rep. Geoff Davis for summer 2012.
“UK is the only institution in the commonwealth that has ever attempted a program like this,” Nolan Jackson, the Wildcat Interest Group associate director, said.
The Wildcats in Washington Congressional Internship Program has two positions available for this summer, with a $1,500 stipend to cover living costs.
“A lot of universities don’t have financial abilities to support programs like this,” Jackson said.
While many students would love to go, Jackson said they don’t have the money to do so. “So if we can ease the financial burden, it’s worthwhile,” he said.
The stipend is provided through the interest group budget, and there are enough funds to cover eight internships with every Kentucky congressional office, SG Adviser Todd Cox said.
The interest group has contacted all eight offices and has heard back from McConnell’s and Davis’ offices.
“It’s just being proactive,” Cox said about getting the internships. “We think this is important that we have a voice at the table.”
The internships were secured in December, when two students traveled to D.C., supported by the UK Alumni Association.
There, they met with state congressmen, alumni and President Eli Capilouto to gain support. Jackson said the plans were finalized over winter break.
The internships consist of typical congressional duties, constituent services and day-to-day operations.
Jackson did a similar internship with Rep. Ben Chandler in Lexington last spring, and said it was a great opportunity.
Jackson, Cox and Kyle Snapp, SG deputy chief of communications, all said it is a good opportunity for students to get involved in state politics.
“Even if you’re not from Kentucky, you still have a stake in a program like this,” Jackson said.
The legislators said they had never been approached for a similar program, Jackson said, and that they were all supportive.
“They want Kentucky students in their offices,” he said.
UK Student Government leadership goes annually to D.C. to talk with legislators, so these internships have come from that, Cox said.
The internship program is open to all returning UK students.
Students can download an application from the Wildcat Interest Group website. Letters of recommendation, writing samples and a resume are among the requirements for the internships.
Applicants will turn the application in to SG first, where an internship selection committee will review applications and make recommendations to the congressional offices.
Cox said committee members have no ties to SG, and will consist of two administrators, one impartial student and one political science faculty member.
Jackson hopes many students apply and that this becomes an annual program.
“To be able to walk through Capitol Hill,” Cox said, “it’s just an awesome opportunity.”
Deadlines: Sen. McConnell internship is Feb. 12, and Rep. Davis internship deadline is March 1.
