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State Representative Ana Hernandez with the fall 2009 CHIP Interns

Check out the Fall 2009 CHIP Interns

 

 

The Center for Public Policy's Civic Houston Internship Program (CHIP) offers government internships to University of Houston and University of Houston-Downtown students each fall and spring semester.  Since its inception, the program has placed over 500 interns in local political offices.  Judging by the feedback from participating offices, the program is a resounding success. Numerous students have had the opportunity to change their status as a part-time intern to a full-time paid staff member.

Program Information  The Civic Houston Internship Program (CHIP) is open to University of Houston and University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) juniors and seniors, as well as post-baccalaureate students. Sophomores may apply as well but priority is given to upper level students.  All majors are welcome.  

The interns work an average of 8 hours per week over the 15-week semester in offices with elected officials at the municipal, county, state or federal levels.  Some interns are assigned to community service organizations and campaigns. The interns meet as a class four times during the semester.  Evaluation is based on a daily journal, a term paper, and an assessment by the office supervisor.  

The internship course counts as 3 hours of upper level political science credit for UH Central students, and as social science credit for UHD students.  Grades are based on a daily journal, a term paper, and an evaluation by an office supervisor.  Renee Cross is the program director and the instructor of record for the UH Central students. Dr. David Branham serves as the instructor for the UHD students. 

Check out the sample syllabus.

 

Application 

 

Approximately 40 internships are available each  semester, and the selection process has become increasingly competitive. Students with a 3.0 GPA and higher will be given priority in acceptance and assignment decisions.

The application must be typed (handwritten applications will not be accepted), and is downloadable in Word:

CHIP Application

Download the Spring 2010 CHIP application (Priority Deadline: December 11, 2009). 

 

Questions? 

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions

General questions about the Civic Houston Internship Program may be directed to Mike Angel at mangel2@uh.edu or 713 743 3976.

UH Students: All registration questions should be directed to the political science academic advisors.

UH-Downtown Students: Registration questions should be directed to Dr. David Branham.

 

Meet the Fall 2009 CHIP Interns!

 

Check out previous CHIP participants

Spring 2009 Spring 2005 Fall 2002
Fall 2008 Fall 2005 Spring 2001
Spring 2008 Spring 2004 Fall 2001
Spring 2007 Fall 2004 Spring 2000
Fall 2007 Spring 2003 Fall 2000
Spring 2006 Fall 2003  
Fall 2006 Spring 2002  

 

Council Member Jarvis Johnson meets with the spring 2007 interns at City Hall.

 

Outstanding Civic Houston Intern Award  

 

One $500 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding local CHIP intern each semester. Find out more about the award.