Exploring Opportunities: The Michael Curry Internship Program

The Illinois Governor's Office provides various programs for college students, recent graduates, and graduate students, offering excellent opportunities to experience firsthand the inner workings of state government. Among these, the Michael Curry Summer Internship Program stands out as a unique chance for students to gain practical experience in various state government agencies.

An Overview of the Michael Curry Summer Internship Program

The Michael Curry Summer Internship Program offers current college juniors, seniors, and graduate students in all disciplines, including law, an opportunity to work in one of the agencies under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Governor on a full-time basis for ten weeks during the summer. Positions are available in both Springfield and Chicago.

Eligibility and Requirements

Eligible applicants must be Illinois residents who have not previously participated in the Curry Internship Program. The program is open to college juniors, seniors, and graduate students in all disciplines (including law).

Application Process

The application process for the Michael Curry Summer Internship Program is done completely online. In addition to the completed application form, applicants must also submit:

A transcript (official or unofficial)
A personal statement (500 words or fewer)
- Briefly, what qualities will you bring to the Michael J. Curry Summer Internship program?
- What are your career goals or plans?
- How would your selection to this internship program assist you in achieving those goals?
A policy essay (750 words or fewer)
- Identify and analyze a public policy issue that you feel has a great impact on Illinois state government. State the issue clearly and factually.

Compensation

Curry interns will receive a stipend of \$2,800 per month. The Curry Interns are paid as a normal State of Illinois employee via normal payroll. If they work a full pay period, they will be paid as any other State employee. If they work less than full-time (37.5 hours a week), they should be paid the hourly equivalent of their monthly base salary (\$2,800.00), for the pay period(s).

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Opportunities Beyond the Curry Internship

The Governor's Office also offers programs such as the James H. Dunn, Jr. Fellowship. Dunn Fellows are recruited from public and private colleges and universities throughout the nation. Qualified applicants must have completed a bachelor's or higher graduate degree in the 18 months prior to the program's commencement and must have demonstrated a commitment to excellence through academic honors, leadership ability, extracurricular activities and community/public service involvement.

Internships within the Governor's Office

Governor’s Office of Constituent Affairs (GOCA)

Interns connect constituents to crucial state services, while developing an expertise in state government programs and functions. GOCA is responsible for all casework and correspondence, including official proclamations and letters from the Governor.

Office of Equity

The internship program within the Office of Equity provides highly motivated undergraduate or graduate students (including MSW, MPP, MPA, MA, PhD, and law students) an opportunity to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in State of Illinois government. In the program, future DEIA leaders gain hands-on experience in government and obtain tools for public service. Interns are mentored to support DEIA projects in collaboration with the Office of Equity team and will have the chance to develop special DEIA projects and initiatives that leverage their interests and expertise. The office seeks self-directed candidates who thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative work environment.

Discovering a Career in Education

The Illinois State Board of Education invites individuals to “Discover an A+ Career in Education.” They seek innovative thinkers and visionaries who will foster change to ensure that every child, from cradle to career, succeeds in Illinois.

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