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Student Opportunities Legislative Aide Programs

The Glenn W. Jack Ellard Legislative Aide Program and The FACS Congressional Aide Program

The History of the Legislative Aide Program

In 1983, a local legislator, Bob Argo, made a comment in a class presentation that would change the lives of many Family and consumer Science students. He simply stated that he wished to be more responsive in his constituents in the form of answering letters, telephone calls, and visits to the capitol during the session of the General Assembly.

In response, Dean Emerita Emily Pou suggested a student assistant. Her offer was accepted. Because students would need financial support to live in Atlanta during the legislative session, Dean Pou asked Dr. Jessie Mize, former Department Head of Housing and consumer Economics, for her support. Over the years, many others have contributed to this program.

Since that time, the program has grown to include all four of the Athens area representatives and an aide to the Women's Legislative Caucus in the Georgia General Assembly, and one congressional (Washington) legislator from Georgia.

This program has had many able and visionary leaders. From 1983-1993, Dr. Anne Sweaney served as the Legislative/Congressional Aide coordinator. This program has since been supervised by Emeritus Dean Richard Endsley, Associate Dean Chris Todd, Dr. Mick Coleman, Associate Dean Dr. Jorge Atiles, and currently Associate Dean Dr. Jan Hathcote.

Legislative Aide

Spring semester internship during the Georgia General Assembly session beginning in January
Four students serve as aides to Athens-Clarke County Representatives
One student serves as an aide to the Women’s Legislative Caucus
Act as a guide at College of Family and Consumer Sciences’s Day at the Capital in February
Live in Metro Atlanta for Spring Semester

Congressional Aide

Intern with a legislator or federal agency in Washington, D.C., during the semester following application
Act as a guide for HACE’s Washington Study Tour in summer
Live in Washington, D.C.
Graduate Students must be in good standing
Apply to a legislator or federal agency well in advance
Graduate students will retain their assistantship funding

Why become an Aide?

Serve your college, community and nation
Learn how policies affect everyday lives
Meet influential people
Impact your academic and future career
Opportunity to proudly represent UGA and the College of Family and Consumer Sciences
Receive course credit; may satisfy internship requirement
Receive a $1,500 stipend for the housing, transportation, and professional clothing required

Selection Procedures for Legislative Aide

Have a minimum 45 hours completed as a College of Family and Consumer Sciences major – Junior or Senior—with a cumulative GPA of 2.7
Complete or enroll in Pre-Internship course at the time of application
Obtain a letter of recommendation from a faculty member
Submit an application with advisor’s signature
Application for the College of Family and Consumer Sciences Legislative Aide Program
Complete an interview with Aide Program Committee

Selection Procedures for Congressional Aide

Cumulative GPA of 3.0
Obtain a letter of recommendation from a faculty member
Submit an application with advisor’s signature
Application for the College of Family and Consumer Sciences Congressional Aide Program
Complete an interview with Aide Program Committee

For more information:

Mr. Justin Smith, smithjc0@uga.edu
Legislative Aide Coordinator
107 Dawson Hall, Athens, GA 30602-3622.
706-542-4087
http://www.fcs.uga.edu
http://www.uga.edu/gm/artman/publish/0606capitol_interns.html
Or contact College of Family and Consumer Sciences Associate Dean Hathcote at 706-542-4860

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