The Maryland General Assembly's Legislative Intern Program offers approximately 100 of Maryland's college and university students the opportunity to provide research and staff assistance to legislators during each session and to have both an educational and practical work experience in the Legislative Branch of State government. Upon acceptance into the program, students interview for placement with legislators, committees, or caucuses of the Maryland General Assembly. Juniors and seniors presently enrolled in a Maryland college or university are eligible to apply. Students should have a minimum 3.0 cumulative average and proof of competency in college composition. Many of the interns are political science majors; however, students working toward degrees in other areas who are interested in learning firsthand about the process of State government are encouraged to apply.

Academic credits granted to interns by their colleges and universities range from three to 16, depending on the number of days per week the interns work in Annapolis and on the amount of additional academic work that is required by the sponsoring professors. (At Salisbury University, 12 credit hours are the maximum number of hours offered.)

The type of work assigned to interns is mainly legislative, although some duties are clerical in nature. Legislative responsibilities may include conducting research; drafting correspondence; preparing, recording, and reporting testimony; contacting witnesses; attending committee hearings; tracking bills; working on mailings; handling constituent problems; and writing newsletters. Each intern is awarded a stipend to help defray the costs of participating in the program. The total session stipend varies, depending on the number of days per week the intern works in Annapolis.

$600 per session = 2 days per week
$700 per session = 2.5 to 3 days per week
$1000 per session = 4 to 5 days per week

To apply, contact Dr. Adam Hoffman ("ahhoffman@salisbury.edu"), Department of Political Science, 274 Fulton Hall or PACE, 305 West College Ave. This is a spring semester internship only. Interested students should contact Dr. Hoffman no later than the second week of classes in the fall semester. Applications must be received by Dr. Hoffman no later than October 31 of the Fall Semester.

The on-site Maryland General Assembly Intern Coordinator is Peggy Schmeltzer ("peggy.schmeltzer@mlis.state.md.us").