VCU news

By Alisa Sweeney
VCU Communications and Public Relations

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Virginia Capital Semester program gave 20 students the opportunity to work with state lawmakers this spring.

The internship program, coordinated through the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, allowed students to learn about the legislative and executive branches of the state government during the 2010 Virginia General Assembly session.

Participating students came from four Virginia universities and represented a variety of study areas, including political science, sociology, international studies and public relations. Each student worked with a delegate or senator for at least 20 hours each week.

“It’s a really great way to reinforce what I’m learning in my classes and see how it’s applied in real life,” said TiffanyAnn Johnson, a VCU public relations student interning with Democratic Sen. Yvonne B. Miller.

Johnson managed Miller’s social networking sites. She valued seeing her senator at work and the professional connections that she made through the program. 

Participating students said the Capital Semester program allowed them to see the legislative process firsthand and reinforced their love for politics.

“This program really gave me the stepping stones to discover what I am passionate about, and I couldn't be happier with the result,” said Johnsie Addy, a VCU criminal justice major who interned with Republican Del. Thomas D. Gear. “I am learning things here that could never in my wildest dreams be taught out of a book.”

The application to participate in Virginia’s Capital Semester in 2011 is due Oct. 1. To learn more, visit www.vcu.edu/capitalsemester.