published January 29, 2009, in UDaily, the University of Delaware's online news service, written by Beth Chajes and Lisa Moreland
2009 Legislative Fellows are, from left, Matthew Stieglitz,
Alyssa Koser, Lorraine Makone, Amy Clark, Brittany
Schwartz, Grant Newman, Monique Liston, Catherine
Brobston, Pamela Townsend, John Collins, Nicole
Gentile, Jonathan Contant and Daniel Wavra.
According to Jerome Lewis, director of IPA and founder of the program, “It is a hands-on learning experience for these students. They are able to observe and contribute to the decision-making process while working with individuals with diverse views and values such as state and local government officials, business and community leaders, and concerned citizens.”
The 2009 fellows have interests and ambitions as diverse as their duties.
For Pamela Townsend, a major in marketing and minor in legal studies, the economic downturn was actually an incentive to apply for the program.
“I've always wanted to understand the flow of money,” she says, “where it comes from, and where it goes, and who decides. I never really expected to do this, but the economy made it a really good opportunity.”
The insider's view also appealed to Grant Newman, who is majoring in political science and minoring in legal studies, sociology and leadership.
“I want to see the specific inner workings of government,” he says, “and then be able to go into the job market with tangible skills in crafting and handling legislation.”
For Catherine Brobston, a double major in mass communications and political science, the program is an opportunity to better define her career path.
“I definitely want to pursue political science,” she says. “I'm hoping this fellowship will help me determine which way to go—whether I should pursue a more nonprofit, community development route or more domestic politics.”
The fellows' assignments during the legislative session are made without regard to their own political beliefs or affiliations.
But, according to Brittany Schwartz, a major in interpersonal communication and minor in political science, that's rarely a problem.
“We know we may not be assigned to the caucus that represents our views, but objective research is our goal,” she says.
Graduate students and senior-level undergraduate students interested in applying for the...Legislative Fellows Program should contact one of the program's co-managers: Lisa Moreland or Bernard Dworsky.
For more information or to download an application, visit this Web site.
photos by Mike Baker
