Bowie State University Students Complete Legislative Intern Program in Annapolis
Bowie, Maryland (www.bowiestate.edu) – Several Bowie State University students successfully completed the Maryland General Assembly’s Legislative Intern Program. BSU football players Terrance Briscoe, Christian Robinson, Caleb Cranke, Marcus McLain, Richard Armstrong, and Peter Mensah supported several Maryland State Senators and Delegates with legislative responsibilities during a three-month period.
The students worked from the beginning of January until April 10th gaining valuable experience. While some duties were clerical in nature, most of the work assigned was legislative. Some of the responsibilities included conducting research; drafting correspondence; attending committee hearings; tracking bills; and handling constituent problems. According to Christian Robinson, “It was an exciting experience, because most people don’t get the opportunity in college to go out and work at places like the General Assembly during college. I got the opportunity to see something that I never would have saw on a normal basis in my normal environment. I think this is one of the best things that every happened to athletes at Bowie State.”
The General Assembly’s Legislative Intern Program offers students the opportunity to provide research and staff assistance to legislators during each session. Delegate Marvin Holmes (D-District 23B) was instrumental in coordinating this effort and made a commitment to himself and the community to adopt Bowie State. He said, “Having specifically football players come down to Annapolis gives them a leg up that they would not ordinarily have. I wanted the General Assembly to see how well behaved and how intelligent they are. That’s why I reached out specifically to the football players and they did an excellent job.”
Gaining this experience is advantageous for the students, because it is work experience they can add to their resume. Michael Lynn, head football coach for Bowie State University, said, “It was a tremendous opportunity for our young men to be a part of the Maryland General Assembly and be a part of the process and learn how laws are made in Maryland. Also, it’s an opportunity for the students to build a network of new people that can help them in the future.”
Approximately 100 juniors and seniors are accepted into the program each session. Upon acceptance, the process includes student interviews for placement with legislators, committees, or caucuses of the Maryland General Assembly. For more information about the Legislative Intern Program, visit http://dls.state.md.us/top_pgs/students/students.html.
