Contact NAU's Internship Coordinator for students
Additional resources
- Arizona Legislative Internship Program
- Arizona Legislative Internship FAQs
- Arizona Legislative Internship position details
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Gain firsthand experience. Build professional relationships. Develop skills for your future.
Undergraduate and graduate students of all majors from Arizona universities are invited to apply for competitive internships positions during each Legislative Session as part of the Arizona Legislative Internship Program. Previous knowledge of the legislative process is not required to apply.
Interns gain invaluable experience while earning 12 hours of undergraduate upper-division credit or 9 hours of graduate credit in their field of study, a stipend (paid bi-weekly over the course of the internship totaling $5,000), and a tuition waiver for the semester. Those selected for the internship positions will work full-time down in Phoenix at the state capitol during the Legislative Session from January through May (Spring semester). Students from outside of Maricopa County are eligible to receive a moving allowance of up to $1,000.
Monitor the Arizona Legislative Internship website for updated information including:
- Important dates and deadlines
- Application requirements
- Eligibility
- Position details
- Frequently asked questions
Want to learn the legislative process while being mentored at the Capitol in Phoenix?
What is The Arizona Legislative Internship Program? Accordion Closed
The Arizona State Legislative Internship (ALIP) is an internship experience offered from January through May where students work in either the Arizona State Senate, House of Representatives, Governor’s Office or with the Supreme Court for the Spring legislative session.
Interns will work roughly from 8am to 5pm under the mentorship of a legislative staff at the capitol for 18 weeks. During this time, duties of a legislative intern may include conducting research; writing summaries of bills; attending committee hearings; presenting bills in committees and caucus; preparing amendments; and communicating with legislators, liaisons of state agencies, lobbyists, constituents and members of the general public. The AZ Legislature hires around 60 interns per session to take part in the internship.
Who is eligible? Accordion Closed
Students who wish to apply for the ALIP must be currently enrolled in a Bachelors or Master’s program, have a cumulative G.P.A of 3.0, and have completed 75 credit hours (typically juniors and seniors). In other words, if you take 15 credit hours per semester, you will need to have completed 5 semesters or be in the middle of your junior year before the start of the internship in the spring.
An outstanding ALIP candidate has strong communication and writing skills, the ability to work in a team setting and self-starting independence. Interns do not have to be political science majors or know anything about the legislative process; your supervisors will teach you everything you need to know. The most important attributes of an intern are enthusiasm, a willingness to learn through hands-on experience, and interest in the legislative process. Students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Where do interns live? Accordion Closed
Please schedule a 1-1 appointment with the Internship Coordinator Tyler Lawhead via Handshake or send an email to tyler.lawhead@nau.edu. You are not able to apply to this internship without the approval of the Career Development office.
Please keep in mind that the ALIP requires each candidate to fill out an application that includes:
- The online application
- Two letters of recommendation
- One-page Personal statement
- Writing sample
- Transcripts (unofficial or official)
Is the program paid or unpaid? Accordion Closed
Interns who participate in the ALIP receive a stipend of $6,000, a tuition/fee waiver and earn up to 12 hours of undergraduate upper division credit or 9 hours of graduate credit upon successful completion of the internship. Students from outside Maricopa County are eligible to apply for reimbursement of qualified relocation expenses up to $1,000, with receipts.
How do I apply? Accordion Closed
Please schedule a 1-1 appointment with the Internship Coordinator Tyler Lawhead via Handshake or send an email to tyler.lawhead@nau.edu. You are not able to apply to this internship without the approval of the Career Development office.
Please keep in mind that the ALIP requires each candidate to fill out an application that includes:
- The online application
- Two letters of recommendation
- One-page Personal statement
- Writing sample
- Transcripts (unofficial or official)
When should I apply by? Accordion Closed
Students should prepare to apply for this program at least 6 months in advance due to the need to arrange housing in Phoenix if living in Flagstaff, as well as to practice interviews. The application deadline for the Spring 2025 session is approximately September 22nd (this date will be updated soon with the exact day in September)