General Assembly Fellowship

The Office of Government & Community Relatiosn offers an assistantship to one full time graduate student interested in state policy for the Virginia General Assembly Fellowship program each year. Fellows work during the fall and spring semesters in the Office of Government & Community Relations in support of the President’s Office. 

Fellows learn to track legislation and see how policy is made at the state level. They attend committee meetings and provide updates to administrators on campus. The position also provides exposure to the budget making process for the Commonwealth and how higher education and Virginia Tech fit into the larger state budget.

The fellowship recipient may take a class in the spring at the Virginia Tech Richmond Center or register for online courses and/or independent studies. This program can be used to satisfy the internship component of the Master of Public Administration and Public Affairs (MPA) program.

Time Requirements

• Fall Semester

The fellow has a regular assistantship and is based in Blacksburg and expected to make occasional trips to Richmond.

• Spring semester

The fellow serves in a full time role and is based in Richmond during the legislative session, January through early March, in order to monitor and participate in the activities of the General Assembly. After the session, the fellow returns to Blacksburg to help with end of session wrap up items.

Compensation

The General Assembly Fellow receives a full assistantship and tuition waiver for the fall and spring semesters. During the legislative session, a housing and food stipend is provided to cover lodging and meals.