|
Meet Mirel Herrera, the First University of Houston Center for Public Policy Legislative Intern
|
||||||
|
UH political science junior Mirel Herrera is working as a full-time legislative intern in the Austin office of State Senator Mario Gallegos during the current legislative session. Mirel is actively involved in numerous issues ranging from higher education to voter identification. Mirel first gained experience as a Center for Public Policy government intern on the Rick Noriega for U.S. Senate campaign. She also worked as an intern with the Obama for America campaign in New Hampshire and Pennsylvania and as a field organizer for the Harris County Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign. Mirel plans to pursue a graduate degree in public policy and make public service and politics a central focus of her career. |
|
|||||
|
|
||||||
MICKEY LELAND CONGRESSIONALINTERNSHIP PROGRAMFounded by the late U.S. Congressman George Thomas “Mickey” Leland, the Mickey Leland Congressional Internship Program provides University of Houston and Texas Southern University students the opportunity to serve as government interns in Washington, D.C. Each year, 6-10 students spend a semester directly involved in the political process. Intern activities include providing assistance in legislative research and attending committee hearings. Supported by a major grant from Houston Endowment and matching funds from private entities, the Leland internship includes weekly seminars, furnished housing, and a monthly stipend. The program is directed by Renee Cross.
The 2009 Mickey Leland Congressional Interns
Standing, left to right: Riah Greathouse, Shiv Srivastava, Jamie Hart & Andrew Leba Seated: Rachael Parker, Natali Blevins & Melissa White
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
CIVIC HOUSTON INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (CHIP)Applications are now being accepted for the fall 09 semester; however remaining positions are limited so apply soon.
The
Center for Public Policy’s
Civic Houston Internship Program
offers
students the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in public
service. The program is offered to University of Houston
and University of Houston-Downtown students every fall and
spring semester, and is led by Renee Cross. 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.
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
TEXAS LEGISLATIVE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
|
||||||
Public Service Applicants On the Rise
A recent Houston Chronicle article reports an increase in applicants who
are joining the public service labor force. Read the full article
"Recession Brings Boom In Public Service Work" and find out how some college
graduates and current professionals are making the switch to volunteering and
why.
UH Student and CPP Mickey Leland Intern, Natali Blevins, Awarded the 2009 Women Professionals in Government (WPG) Scholarship
Natali Blevins, University of Houston senior and CPP's Mickey Leland Congressional Intern, was the recipient of the 2009 Women Professionals in Government (WPG) $1,500 Scholarship. The primary objective of the WPG Scholarship is to assist exceptional women who are dedicated to becoming public servants. Read more about Natali.
Tammy Oliver (left) and Dr. Jeraine Root (right) with the Women Professionals in Government award Natali Blevins the 2009 WPG Scholarship.
WPG's Kathleen Ownby (left) and Sheriff Adrian Garcia with Natali Blevins.
Mickey Leland Intern Andrew Leba(center) meets Congressman Mike Honda, D-CA (left) and Congressman Anh "Joseph" Cao, R-LA (right). Andrew, a UH biology and political science major, is interning for Rep. Mike Honda for the spring 2009 semester. Read more about Andrew and the other 2009 Mickey Leland Interns.
Mickey Leland Intern Jamie Hart (right) meets Congressman Al Green (D-TX) at one of the many receptions Leland Interns get to attend.
Government Interns Working Throughout Houston
The Center for Public Policy's spring 2008 internship program had a record-breaking number of 54 interns working in Houston area offices.
See who worked
where.
The Fall 2009 Civic Houston Internship Program's classes are scheduled for
August 28, October 2, November 6, and December 4
(Building and room TBA).
Application deadline extended for the Richard
Murray Endowed Scholarship. All political science undergraduate students
encouraged to apply on or before July 17, 2009.
Internships Increasingly Crucial to Success
As noted in the New York Times recently, internships are readily becoming mandatory for successful job seekers. Luckily for UH students, numerous internships are available – all offering academic credit and some providing benefits such as monthly stipends. Many former UH government interns have used their experience and new contacts as a way to get a jump-start on their chosen careers. Check out what former interns are now accomplishing.
