The Maddy Institute has received a $150,000 grant from the City of Fresno to expand its internship program to provide more opportunities for students interested in public policy.
The grant was part of the city’s budget that was approved last month.
Driving: The Maddy Institute’s legislative internship program connects students to available internships in legislative offices throughout the Central Valley during the school year and in Sacramento and Washington D.C. in the summer.
- Over 550 students have participated in the program since its inception in 1999.
- Current participating elected representatives include U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, Rep. Jim Costa (D–Fresno), Rep. Josh Harder (D–Tracy) and Rep. David Valadao (R–Hanford).
- At the state, students can partner with the offices of Gov. Gavin Newsom, Asm. Juan Alanis (R–Modesto), Asm. Joaquin Arambula (D–Fresno), Asm. Jasmeet Bains (D–Delano), Asm. Devon Mathis (R–Visalia) and Asm. Esmeralda Soria (D–Fresno).
- There are also partnerships available with the Fresno City Council, Merced City Council and Kern County Board of Supervisors.
The big picture: Students will receive a $2,400 scholarship to intern with local state and federal district offices.
- Students who participate in the Bob Beverly Legislative Internship Program to intern in the State Capitol will receive a $6,000 scholarship.
- The internship with Costa’s office in Washington D.C. provides a $7,000 scholarship.
- Fresno City Councilman Tyler Maxwell, who represents the Fresno State area in District 4, made the motion to include the $150,000 grant in the budget.
What they’re saying: “The Maddy Institute is pleased to have the City of Fresno’s support,” said Maddy Institute Executive Director Blake Zante. “The city’s support is instrumental in maintaining the success of our internship program.”
- Maxwell added, “I have seen firsthand the positive impact and value that The Maddy Institute provides our Fresno community. I have had the privilege of hosting multiple Maddy interns during my tenure in office and have seen many of them go on to become great leaders. I am proud to support this program that continues to uplift and provide opportunities to numerous Fresno State students.”
