New Program To Build Civic Service, Leadership Skills

The University of Texas at Dallas' School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences has launched the Initiative for Civic Leadership (ICL), a fellowship program that allows undergraduates to intern with local government and community organizations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area for class credit and experiential learning.

Students from all majors are encouraged to apply, said visiting assistant professor Dr. Amanda Clark, director of the program.

"Experience in any level of government is beneficial for any student major," she said. "Government jobs include every sector of our economy, from engineering policy analysts to cybersecurity experts to public health officials.

"In addition, even those with jobs in the private sector benefit from having knowledge of how government works and how it impacts their respective industries."

Students accepted into the program will have a fellowship experience that includes guest lectures, special events and seminars on professional development. Students will also complete a part-time or full-time internship along with 12 credit hours, including two upper-division courses and six credit hours for the internship.

"The program aims to inspire and prepare students to serve their communities and the nation by building practical, collaborative leadership skills."

Dr. Amanda Clark, director of the the Initiative for Civic Leadership

Internships last one semester or summer, and students will work a minimum of 20 hours per week. Some of the internships are paid, but pay is not guaranteed for all internships and varies by location.

Some of the possible internship opportunities include with the city of Dallas, Dallas County Health and Human Services, the Dallas County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the Dallas County District Attorney's Office, Clark said.

The program is accepting applications through Oct. 15 for internships in spring 2025, and through March 1 for internships in summer 2025.

"Once accepted, all fellows receive guidance from program faculty and staff on applying for local government internships," Clark said.

The program is similar to two other governmental internship programs offered at UT Dallas: the Archer Fellowship Program, which helps place students in internships in Washington, D.C., and the Texas Legislative Fellowship Program, which helps students acquire state legislative and executive agency internships in Austin.

One difference between those programs and the ICL is that students don't have to relocate to gain invaluable governmental work experience.

"The program aims to inspire and prepare students to serve their communities and the nation by building practical, collaborative leadership skills," Clark said.