New York State Senate Student Programs offers undergraduate and graduate students exciting opportunities to learn about state government and to experience firsthand the legislative process. If you have ever thought about a career in public service or state government, now is the time to get started!
Scholarship Details
- Approximately 30 students are selected each year
- Recipients receive an $8,800 stipend paid in biweekly installments after an initial two-week payment delay
- Session Assistants must work a minimum of 35 hours per week, or 70 hours every two weeks
- Participants must complete the full program through the final scheduled date to receive their final stipend payment
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a full-time matriculated undergraduate student at an accredited college or university located in New York State
- Students from all academic majors are eligible to apply
- Freshmen are not eligible
- Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Must receive approval for off-campus study from their academic institution
- Must meet all institutional requirements for participating in off-campus study
Application Process
- Complete the Undergraduate Session Assistants Application
- Request official school transcripts and certification of your current coursework
- Prepare a one-page resume
- Obtain three confidential letters of reference from individuals familiar with your academic performance and professional potential
- Submit a list of three preferred legislative policy areas or areas of interest
- Prepare and submit a six- to eight-page paper or essay
- Write and submit two one-page memoranda, including a policy proposal and a rebuttal
- Write a personal statement
- Complete and sign the required student statement
- Submit all required application materials through your college liaison officer or academic advisor to the Senate Student Programs Office
Since 1978, the New York State Senate Undergraduate Session Assistant Program has given students direct access to state government and the legislative process. Approximately 30 undergraduate students are selected for this unique experience every year.
