Legislative Aide program offers students unique glimpse into policy

The Legislative Aide Leadership Fellows Program offers College of Family and Consumer Sciences undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to spend spring semester in Atlanta during the General Assembly at the Georgia State Capitol building.

Participants will earn course credit as well as receive a $4,000 stipend to offset expenses while serving as a legislative aide.

The program gives students unique insight into the legislative process and provides opportunities to learn more about policy.

Anna Claire Stietenroth, a third year consumer journalism major and fashion merchandising minor, is serving as an aide for Sen. Frank Ginn during the 2020 session.

“To say that I am extremely grateful to be a senate aide at the Georgia State Capitol would be an understatement,” she said. “This unparalleled opportunity has allowed me to experience the legislative process firsthand and witness lawmaking in action.”

Ivana Barac, a fourth year consumer economics major, is serving as an aide for Sen. Bill Cowsert.

“My time as a senate aide has been challenging, thought provoking and fun,” Barac said. “Working with Senator Cowsert has made me appreciate and understand the legislative process more than imaginable. This opportunity would not have been possible without the utmost assistance from everyone at FACS.”

Legislative aides are paired with previous aides, who serve as their mentors while under the gold dome. Previous aides have gone on to careers in a variety of professions, including law, government and education.

Applications are first and second-year friendly and are open for spring 2021, 2022 and 2023. The deadline for spring 2021 is Friday, April 17, 2020.

To apply, visit /ssac/legislative-aide

This article was written by Alexis Smith, an intern in the FACS Student Success and Advising Center