Applications will be accepted from March 15 – September 15, 2024

The Texas Legislative Internship Program (TLIP) is an internship program in Austin, Texas during the spring semesters that the legislature is in session. This program is open to undergraduate and graduate students, and provides academic, professional, and practical support for an internship in a state legislative office for a full semester.

Students put their academic knowledge into practice as they assist legislative staff in administration, engage in research and writing assignments, participate in event organization and perform tasks at public events. They will acquire greater understanding of the legislative process, receive training in a learning environment and increase professional skills while earning six upper-level or graduate credit hours.

The program is an immersive experience that requires full-time participation. Students who are selected will be provided:

• Six hours of credit – 6 hours of internship credit. Students will be assisted in selecting another 6 hours of online or synchronous zoom class credit, allowing students to maintain full-time status
• Housing in Austin (at no cost to the student)
• Monthly stipend

Texas Legislative Interns may be enrolled in a maximum of 12 semester credit hours during the spring semester and cannot hold a job other than the legislative internship.

Work hours during the internship are determined by the host office, and students are sometimes required to work beyond 40 hours per week during peak time of the legislative session.

ELIGIBILITY

The Texas Legislative Internship Program is open to students from all majors who have an interest in the legislative process and Texas politics.

• Students must be in good standing at Tarleton
• Completion of core history and core government courses by the end of Fall 2024 (HIST 1302, HIST 1302, GOVT 2305, and GOVT 2306)
• Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Previous work or volunteer experience
• Completion of application and interview process

APPLICATION

A completed application consists of the following items:

1. Application letter: The letter should include a concise statement of the reasons you are interested in the internship. The letter should also describe the skills and experience that qualify you for this position and should answer the following questions:
   1. How the legislative internship will enhance your education and help you achieve your academic and career goals?
   1. What issues/policy areas would interest you as a legislative intern and why?
2. Resume
3. Transcript (unofficial)
4. Two (2) letters of recommendation: At least one letter should be from a faculty member in your major program.

Timeline

Spring 2024-Fall 2024

Applications will be accepted from March 15, 2024 through September 15, 2024, including throughout the summer. Selected students will be invited for an interview with faculty from the Dept. of Government, Legal Studies, & Philosophy. Finalists will also interview with President Hurley’s Chief of Staff and possibly the office of the State Representative prior to placement. Students who are selected will participate in a hybrid orientation during the winter-mester in preparation for beginning work in Austin in January.

Spring 2025

Students will coordinate with their respective Representatives’ offices to determine the necessary start date and weekly work schedule during the internship. Students must plan to be in Austin until May 8, 2025 when the Tarleton spring semester ends; however, often the legislative session sine die (last day) does not occur until the end of May, and students are allowed to stay until sine die or until the expiration of the apartment rental contract, whichever comes first.