I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the importance of public policy internships. As I was graduating from UT Austin in December 2004, I received a call from the Mexican American Legislative Caucus informing me that I had been accepted into their second class of the Moreno/Rangel Legislative Leadership Program. I did not know it at the time but accepting that internship would change my life and eventually lead me to where I am now.
My point? Internships matter.
For a young, Hispanic woman from a tiny town in South Texas with zero contacts in the Capitol (in fact, I had never set foot in our state capitol), this internship opened so many doors. It led to my self discovery of my deeply rooted conservative principles; it led me to meet Rep. Elvira Reyna who taught me the value of your name and word in this business; And, it eventually led me to my current role at TCCRI.
This is the reason I am so passionate about TCCRI’s Clements Legislative Scholar Program (CLSP). Our paid internship may be the opportunity that a young college student needs to create a long-lasting career in public policy. Our program has produced exceptional legislative and private sector leaders, and we are excited to continue to grow the program.
I hope you will consider joining us for a virtual event supporting the 2021 Class of Clements Scholars on September 29. The program provides a monthly stipend to each Clements Scholar placed in a legislative office for the duration of session. We are honored to have Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick serve as the Chairman of this program alongside our private sector co-chairs, Rossanna Salazar and Logan Spence.
About the Clements Legislative Study Program
The Clements Legislative Study Program, coordinated by TCCRI, and named in honor of Governor William P. Clements, Jr., was initiated in 2009, and provides a unique opportunity for bright young conservatives to learn the real meaning of government on the front lines during a legislative session. Each Clements Scholar selected into the program will serve as an intern in the office of a conservative state legislator, each student gets to participate in the legislative process and, importantly, be part of a program that carries on the values that Governor Clements supported: limited government, fiscal restraint, and personal responsibility. We are excited that TCCRI offers this exclusive educational opportunity to well-qualified college juniors and seniors, and graduate students.
All proceeds from the event will be used to fund the program and provide monthly stipends awarded to qualified students accepted to the 2021 Clements Legislative Study Program.  TCCRI is a 501(c)3 non-profit, so your contribution would be tax deductible. Please click here for the invitation and sponsorship opportunities.Â
Comments