Legislative Internship Program

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Applications for the 2024 Internship are closed.​

*Emails regarding next steps have been sent out to all applicants who submitted complete materials by the deadline. If you have not received this email but did apply, please ensure the email you applied with is accurate, and check your spam folder. *​

Application Instructions 

Before applying, please read all instructions carefully and ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements:

  • Atte​nding a four-year college or university in Washington State OR Washington State resident attending an out-of-state college

  • Junior or senior status in good academic standing

  • Able to receive academic credit for the internship

1.  Follow the process required by your school to arrange for credit and a faculty sponsor. You are responsible for meeting all internal application requirements and deadlines set by your institution. Visit the School Policies page to find your school's requirements and contacts.   

2.  Request letters of recommendation​​ from one academic and one personal or professional reference: 

  • The academic reference should be from a college faculty member who can speak to your writing and research abilities and your general academic performance. It does not need to be from your faculty sponsor. TAs and community college faculty are acceptable references.
  • The personal or professional reference should be from someone who has worked with you and knows you well, such as an employer, coach, advisor, church or scouting leader, volunteer manager, or someone in a similar role who can speak to your character, work ethic, and interpersonal skills. Please do not use a family member or personal friend as a reference.
  • Send your references the link to the Internship Reference Form to upload their letters of recommendation. Letters are kept confidential. If your references enter your email address in the form, you will receive an email automatically when the letter is submitted. They can be submitted before the remainder of your application.
  • Letters of recommendation are not subject to our priority or final deadlines. While we request that letters of recommendation be submitted in advance of the final deadline, your application will not be disqualified if your recommender submits their letter after the deadline. 

3.  Obtain an electronic copy of your unofficial transcript from your current college or university. If you are a transfer student and have not yet completed a full quarter or semester at your current school, please submit a copy of your most recent transcript from your previous school. We require transcripts to verify your academic status as a junior or senior in good standing. We do not have a minimum required GPA. Evergreen students only:  please submit a summary of your attempted/earned credits, not your full transcript. 

4.  Prepare a resume and cover letter describing your work, volunteer, and academic experience, demonstrating why you meet the qualifications for the internship. Your cover letter should be formatted like a business letter and addressed to Myra Hernandez and Leo O'Leary.      

5.  Write a one-page personal essay based on one of the following prompts. Essays should be well-edited and tell us about who you are as a person. Your essay should clearly state which prompt you are addressing.              

  • What is a book, film, or work of art that has influenced you?
  • What is the best advice you have received? How did it impact you and what lessons did you learn?
  • Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, share your story.  

6.  Complete the online application​​ and upload your transcripts and written materials. Your cover letter, resume, and essay must be saved as a single document to upload. 

7.  Submit! Please note that the application form will not allow you to submit until all materials are complete, so make sure that your documents are prepared and ready to upload before you begin the application. Letters of recommendation are submitted separately by your recommenders.

8. Optional step: Complete the online application for the Rosa Franklin Legislative Internship Program Scholarship​

8. Writing Exercise: There is a one hour long virtual writing exercise that is done virtually on a date and time of your choosing. More information will be dispersed after applying. 

Important Notice: When creating your cover letter, resume, and personal essay,the use of artificial intelligence (AI) applications is not allowed. The purpose of the application materials is for our team to gauge your writing style, your voice, and to get to know you better. 

Applications submitted prior to 11:59 PM on October 22, 2023 will receive priority consideration for interview selection. All application materials must be received by 11:59 PM October 27, 2023 to ensure consideration. 

Applications will be considered by both the House and Senate programs. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted in late October about interview dates and times. Please note that, due to COVID-19, interviews will be completed virtually. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact internship staff at civic.ed@leg.wa.gov​. 

Please contact the internship coordinators at  with questions about the process or refer to our Frequently Asked Questions


Myra Hernandez
Senate Civic Education Director
Myra.Hernandez@leg.wa.gov​
(360) 786-7889

Leo O'Leary
House Civic Education Director
(360) 786-7889
Louis Lindstrom               
Senate Deputy Civic Education Director
(360) 786-7451

The Washington State Senate and Washington State House of Representatives are an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. The Senate and House not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability.​