CAFNR at the Capitol
By Jessica McCormack, 3/6/06

If you ever went on a field trip while attending a Missouri public school, you have probably toured the Missouri State Capitol Building. There are, however, a number of CANFR students who visit the capitol several times a week, but not for a field trip. These students are involved in the Legislative Internship Program.

The program identifies the best students in higher education and gives them a chance to gain first-hand experience in the state government process. They serve as interns for the entire legislative session.

CAFNR students say they are enjoying the experience thus far.

“Working at the Capitol is providing insight and real world experience to how my state government works, and all the while I am serving the citizens of rural Missouri. It is an honor to work for the citizens my home district,” CAFNR freshman, Sarah Jackson, said.

“I'm really excited to have this opportunity. I try to work my hardest in the office in order to learn more about state government and politics. The whole process is very enlightening," CAFNR sophomore, Lindsay Grotjan, said.

The internships are unpaid experiences, but each intern is given a chance to utilize the skills they have acquired from other academic, leadership or personal experiences to provide significant staff support to their legislator.

Each intern’s responsibilities include but are not limited to assisting in writing press releases, helping with constituent business, research, and even co-drafting legislation. The interns keep very busy. Some even attend events on behalf of the legislator they work for.

Members of the Missouri legislator recognize the importance of each intern.

“I have seven new interns and each one of them is a vital addition to my staff. They will help to provide the highest level of service possible to the citizens in my district,” Senator Bill Stouffer (R-Napton) said. “I am happy to have them.”

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