The Senate Hispanic Research Council remains dedicated to strengthening the next generation of young leaders with this enriching fellowship program.  Scholars and Fellows will gain invaluable experience and exposure to the Texas Senate as full-time legislative assistants in the capitol during the 81st legislative session. 

 

Each participant is assigned to the office of a state senator or the Lieutenant Governor to perform a variety of legislative tasks, including legislative research summaries, bill tracking, constituent correspondence and drafting floor statements, articles, press releases.  Weekly development sessions complement the work experience and allow participants to meet with local and state leaders to engage in diverse discussions about leadership and policy that shape the community.

 

In addition, the Scholars and Fellows will devise a service project designed to benefit the community throughout the session.  The participants develop and implement a community service project during the session and additionally must present individual policy research projects at the end of the session. 

 

This unique fellowship program is named after the late Gregory Luna, a longtime Texas Senator, a strong education advocate and onetime chair of the Senate Hispanic Caucus.  During his tenure in the Texas Legislature (1985-1998) representing Bexar County, Sen. Luna was a champion of the people and strove to dissolve barriers for Texas’ less fortunate citizens. 

 

Eligibility Requirements

 

 · Scholars: Be an undergraduate student enrolled in an accredited four-year educational institution  having completed at least 60 semester hours.

· Fellows: Be a graduate student enrolled in an accredited program.

· Recent graduates welcome to apply. (Graduation no earlier than May 2008)

· Applicant must be 21 years of age or older (as of January 7, 2009)

· High academic achievement (preference given to applicants with 2.75 GPA or higher.)

· Demonstrate an interest and commitment to government, public policy, and actively participate in community service activities.

· Possess exceptional writing, composition and analytical skills.

· Evidence of leadership qualities and potential for further growth. 

· Program participants must be prepared to provide legal proof of eligibility for employment

 

Program Requirements

 

· Applicants should understand that all program participants are considered full-time staff by the members’ office where they are placed.  Though responsibilities may vary from office to office, program participants should expect to work beyond a typical 40-hour work week. 

· Attend orientation and weekly meetings held at 7am. (*Please note the possibility of required weekend events/workshop)

· Participate in all SHRC sponsored activities.

· Collectively develop and implement a community service project.