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CLEMENTS LEGISLATIVE STUDY PROGRAM

"I am proud to be one of the two founders and the current chair of TCCRI’s Clements Legislative Study Program because it has been instrumental in ensuring that conservative college students are able to learn about the legislative process through placement

in offices at the Texas Capitol." 

— Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Founded in 2009, the TCCRI Clements Legislative Study Program is a project of the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute (TCCRI) that gives conservative college students the opportunity to learn about public policy development up close and firsthand as interns at the Texas Capitol. The Program is the largest of its kind in Texas for conservative college students.

Each Texas legislative session, TCCRI places scholars in the office of a state legislator who is a member of the Texas Conservative Coalition (TCC), the conservative caucus of the Texas Legislature. While college courses in civics, government, and history are an integral part of a student’s educational experience, the Texas Legislature presents a unique learning environment for students interested in public service and public policy. Through the Clements Legislative Study Program, TCCRI helps ensure that its founding principles – Limited Government, Individual Liberty, Free Enterprise, and Traditional Values – are instilled in the next generation of conservative leaders. 

In addition to the experience that our scholars gain through working in legislative offices while the Legislature is in session, TCCRI staff also convenes regular meetings for the scholars at which they hear from prominent Texas conservatives, including Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, former Comptroller Susan Combs, Texas State University System Chancellor Brian McCall, and TCCRI Board Members, including Mike Toomey and Lara Keel.

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick serves as the legislative chairman of the program, and Rossanna Salazar and Logan Spence serve as the program’s private sector chairmen. To date, fifty-five scholars have graduated through the Program. Many of the scholars continue to work in public policy today, including as chiefs of staff in the Texas Capitol, as well as in executive branch agencies, and in political media outlets.  

 

As President Ronald Reagan famously said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” TCCRI’s Clements Legislative Study Program rises to that challenge in Texas by ensuring that conservative college students can begin to learn about the legislative process before they graduate, giving them the foundation to influence Texas’ policy and political landscape for decades to come.

The Program will last between January 14, 2025 to June 2, 2025.

REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS

To apply, submit an application to scholars@txccri.org. Attach a resume and cover letter. Additional materials such as a personal statement, college transcript or writing sample may be requested.

  • Currently enrolled as an undergraduate in an accredited four-year educational institution having completed at least 30 semester hours, or enrolled in an accredited graduate program.

  • Recommended applicant GPA: 3.25 or higher.

  • On- and off-campus activities should exhibit a clear commitment to advancing conservative principles, as well as an interest in public policy and state government. 

  • Demonstrate strong analytical and writing skills.

  • Successful completion of an interview with TCCRI staff, once application has been reviewed.

  • All accepted Clements Scholars will work with a state legislator and directly with TCCRI. Scholars will need to coordinate their time commitments with the program. Full-time and part-time work is possible. Please note the possibility of required weekend work later in the legislative session.  

  • Those accepted as Clements Scholars will be expected to participate in activities scheduled or sponsored by TCCRI, including reading assignments and meetings with authors and notable leaders. At minimum, TCCRI will host at least one mandatory monthly lunch meeting. All Scholars must attend unless they have a written excuse from their legislative office. 

  • Due to the nature of a legislative session, Clements Scholars may be expected to work during Spring Break.

CLASS OF 2023

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