Seven UGA Students Chosen to Serve as Georgia Legislative Interns

Writer: Mallory Lawrence

Seven University of Georgia undergraduate students have been named Georgia Legislative Interns for the 2024 spring semester.

The third- and fourth-year students who will participate in the Georgia Legislative Internship Program (GLIP) represent three UGA colleges with a variety of academic backgrounds, including political science, finance and family and consumer sciences. Students underwent a lengthy application process in the fall that included interviewing at the Georgia Capitol. The UGA Institute of Government in partnership with the UGA School of Public and International Affairs assists in the selection of UGA students for participation in the program. 

GLIP matches each student intern with an office or committee. Offices and committees include Speaker of the House, Minority Leader, House Committee on Ways and Means, House Committee on Rules, Majority Whip, Legislative Counsel, House Media Services and Majority Leader. The interns generally work 40 hours per week during the legislative session.

“The Georgia Legislative Internship Program offers students from across the state the unique opportunity to witness state government at work,” said Madison Drummond, student program coordinator at the UGA Institute of Government. “For undergraduate students, GLIP is an invaluable experience and reflects the commitment of the State of Georgia to developing the values of service and civic engagement among the university's greatest resource, our students. I am grateful for our ongoing partnership with GLIP and look forward to seeing the program's impact now and in the future.”

Clockwise from bottom left, Yannceley Armand, Jackson Cliett and Shania Nguyen-Tu take notes during orientation for the 2024 Georgia Legislative Internship Program. They are among seven University of Georgia undergrads selected as GLIP interns for the 2024 spring semester. (Photo by Sara Ingram, UGA)

This year’s students will participate directly in the legislative process by researching bills before the General Assembly, monitoring the progress of legislation, learning about the inner workings of state government and making contacts for future careers in public service.

GLIP began in the 1970s under the leadership of then Lt. Governor Zell Miller and is a paid internship opportunity coordinated by the Georgia General Assembly. Every spring semester, around 35 third- and fourth-year students from Georgia's public and private universities and colleges intern with the Georgia General Assembly. Students receive pre-approved internship credit from their university or college and a weekly living stipend.

“I learned so much in my time at the Capitol,” said Alexa Hernandez, a 2022 GLIP Scholar. “I would say my favorite part was the opportunity to be in the office and speak to senators, representatives, staff and lobbyists who come in each day. “

Meet the 2024 UGA GLIP Interns

Seven University of Georgia undergrads have been selected as Georgia Legislative interns for the 2024 spring semester. Front row, L-R: Shania Nguyen-Tu, Yannceley Armand, Jackson Cliett. Back row, L-R: Benjamin Bailey, Emanuel Hernaiz, Christian Dent, Hendley Jones. (Photo by Sara Ingram, UGA)

• Yannceley Armand, senior, Political Science, International Affairs; Loganville, Ga.

• Benjamin Bailey, junior, Political Science, International Affairs; Savannah, Ga.

• Jackson Cliett, senior, Political Science; Newnan, Ga.

• Christian Dent, junior, Political Science; Locust Grove, Ga.

• Emanuel Hernaiz, senior, Consumer Economics; Stone Mountain, Ga.

• Hendley Jones, junior, Political Science, Religion and Portuguese minors; Monroe, Ga.

• Shania Nguyen-Tu, senior, Finance; Augusta, Ga.