LSC Legislative Fellowship Program
About the Program
The Ohio General Assembly, through the Ohio Legislative Service Commission (LSC),
has sponsored a legislative fellowship program for over 50 years. The LSC sponsors
23 - 24 paid thirteen-month legislative fellowship positions designed to provide
college graduates with practical experience in the legislative process. This experience
often leads to permanent employment opportunities in the legislature, state government,
or related areas.
Traditionally, 20 fellows are assigned to work with the majority or minority
party caucus in either the House or the Senate, with additional fellows being placed
with the LSC's Office of Research and Drafting and Legislative Budget Office and with
Ohio Government Telecommunications (OGT)/The Ohio Channel. Fellows assigned to a caucus
normally engage in research, constituent services, writing speeches and news releases,
and related administrative work. Fellows that work directly with LSC draft legislation,
perform legal or fiscal research, monitor sessions of the General Assembly, and attend
committee meetings. The fellows assigned to OGT work as production assistants, where they
assist in televising legislative sessions and in the production of public service communications.
The fellowship program begins the first week in December of each year and continues
through December 31 of the following year. The application period begins January
1 of every year. The application deadline for the legislative fellowship positions
is April 1. The application deadline for the telecommunications fellowship positions
is June 30. The only eligibility requirement an applicant must meet is the completion
of at least a bachelor's degree program by December.
Common bonds among current and former fellows include their strong interest in working
to help people and their ability to accomplish that through exceptional communications
skills. Work as an LSC legislative fellow has provided nearly 900 fellows an excellent
opportunity to:
- Learn the workings of state government;
- Understand the legislative process and its subtleties;
- Provide assistance to legislators and their constituents;
- Explore careers in public service.
For more detailed information on the legislative and telecommunications fellowship
program, contact:
Ohio Legislative Service Commission
Attn: Fellowship Program Coordinators
Vern Riffe Center
77 South High Street, Ninth Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215-6136
(614) 466-3615
Coordinator: Tynita M. White,
Tynita.White@lsc.ohio.gov
Testimonials
"An outstanding introduction to government services, the [fellowship] did much to
prepare me for subsequent legislative and executive branch service, including 7+
years as Ohio's state budget director."
Greg Browning, President, Capital Partners, an Ohio-based consulting
firm
"I had a great experience in the [fellowship] program, which introduced me to the
legislative and political processes. It also prompted me to enter law school. As
a 1998 graduate of the Howard University School of Law, I realize how my knowledge
of the legislative process helped to prepare me for law school."
Damon Scott, attorney on staff with the City of San Francisco Board
Supervisors
"One of the best jobs I have ever had. The lessons I learned about politics and
legislation and governing still serve me well here in Washington."
Linda Arnsbarger, Attorney at law practicing in Washington, D.C.
"Not only does the program provide excellent experience and understanding of state
government, but it provides skills which serve an individual well in the private
sector."
Michael Bennett, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, The Longaberger
Company
"The [fellowship] has provided me with a front row seat in Ohio's political arena.
Working for three state senators allowed me to interact with various groups involved
in state government and enjoy a diverse work experience."
Jason Wetzel, Wal-Mart Stores, Senior Manager of Public Affairs for
Indiana and Kentucky