INDIANAPOLIS—Applications are now open for paid internships with State Senator J.D. Ford (D-Indianapolis) and the Indiana State Senate Democratic Caucus! 

Interns working with the Senate Democratic Caucus are assigned to assist legislators and staff, to expand their knowledge of the Indiana General Assembly and the legislative process. Senate interns work full-time assisting staff in various departments. Based on individual qualifications, interns will be placed in the communications office, member services division, policy analysis, attorney’s office or with tax and fiscal policy staff. Each intern’s responsibilities will depend on the legislators and staff with whom he or she is assigned.

Applicants can be either Indiana residents or out-of-state residents that are currently attending an Indiana college or university. Recent college graduates who are Indiana residents and those in graduate or law programs should also apply. 

Interviews are made on a competitive basis, with attention given to the intern’s online application, academic record, work-related experience, and other skills that individuals may bring to the Indiana Senate.

No specific major is required, but a successful candidate must want to learn about government and politics in a real-world setting.

Interns receive a pre-tax stipend of $375 per week, paid bi-weekly. Most, if not all interns, currently enrolled in school can receive academic credit for their participation in the internship. Academic credit depends on individual schools and departments. The total amount of academic credit is to be arranged between individual interns and their institution.

At the end of each legislative session, Verizon Communications offers a $3,000 scholarship to the top intern from each of the four caucuses. Additionally, the Senate Democrats award the $1,000 Rick Gudal Scholarship to the caucus intern who best exemplifies the public service legacy and love of education of former Senate Democratic staffer Rick Gudal.

“Our interns are a critical part of our Indiana Senate family each legislative session,” Sen. Ford said. “This internship is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in politics and government or just wants to see an inside glimpse of how the legislative process works. I would encourage everyone who can to fill out an application before the deadline!”

The Indiana Senate was named the 2014 Employer of the Year by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s Indiana INTERNnet program.

For more information and to learn how to apply, click here.