Five Ways Donations Make a Difference

How Giving Back to the IOGP helps Future Interns

D.C. interns at an education seminar with IOGP
Director Neil Abercrombie

1. Students rely on you. Many students worry that internships are an investment they simply can't afford. Many phenomenal internships are unpaid and cost of living back east can be a struggle for students. Your support can help students feel confident in accepting internships that will better their lives.

2. You support exceptional students. Your donations are going towards some of the brightest students on campus. The internship process is competitive; as a result, top tier individuals are selected to represent Utah State in Washington, D.C., and Salt Lake.

Our USU interns for the 2015 Legislative Session
in Salt Lake City

3. With your help, minds are expanded. Internships are the most beneficial and influential part of a student’s education. For many students, these are essential steps to finding a job after graduation. Outside the walls of Old Main, Aggies are able to gain a broader view of who they are, how they can give back, and a better understanding of future opportunities.

4. You affect America’s future. One-fourth of the interns we place are majoring in Political Science; the rest come from a variety of majors across campus. Students understand the impact of government in every industry. Participating in an internship expands understanding of government processes, allowing our Aggies to become better-informed citizens and better-equipped leaders in their careers.

Aggies enjoying the Fourth of July celebrations in
D.C. last summer

5. The IOGP depends on you. IOGP scholarships are limited to the amount of donations received. Only with your help can the IOGP fulfill its mission to enhance understanding of government institutions and the political process with opportunities that bridge practical skills and academic learning.

For more ways to help fund USU students' internships, donate online.

Student's Perspective: Interning at the Utah Legislature

Q&A with Shaundra Lembke, intern for Utah Senator Brian Shiozawa (R, Cottonwood Heights).

Shaundra and Sen. Shiozawa
Photo cred: Utah Senate Facebook Page

 What has been your overall internship experience?
My internship was amazing. I could not have asked for a better legislator to work with. I was able to sit in on important meetings with influential people and see how everyone involved wants to make a difference.



What was the most surprising aspect of your internship?
I expected to see much more head-to-head politics from beginning to end. The public can have such negative views about the legislators and the process. My experience proved to be different: the interactions, disagreements, and agreements were usually professional. They respect each other and really want to get something done that is best for the state of Utah. The public may not like what is passed, but should understand they’re all trying to produce the best proposal that satisfy the diverse opinions and needs of the people.

What was the most challenging part?
Reading the Senators mind? (laughs) You really need to pay attention to what is going on and who is involved in your particular bills and processes.  Every day was exciting and different. I needed to be ready when something or someone is needed that we did not anticipate.

How did the reality of your internship experience differ from your expectations?

Sen. Shiozawa (bottom right) and Shaundra (center)
championing the cause of birthdays.
Photo cred: Utah Senate Facebook Page

The legislators come from a variety of backgrounds. Each of their own careers and experience benefit the process and iron out the bad legislation. Because sometimes there is bad legislation that perhaps the sponsor and supporters only see one side of. But everything had consequences, good or bad. Senator Shiozawa worked a lot on Healthy Utah. The reality is that there were politics happening, mostly in the end, in order to get something passed for the expansion of Medicaid. It was difficult to see some legislators unwilling to lean one way or the other when something clearly needs to be addressed.

What are some tips you would give to future interns?
Stay on top of what is going on during the session. The more you know the more you can help. Go in with respect to your legislator. You will learn so much from the places and meetings you get to attend. Be discreet with the conversations you are privy to. Most of all, if you’re considering an internship: do it.  You'll never have so much fun learning about politics.

Shaundra Lembke is a History major and is graduating from Utah State in May.