Application deadline is September 12
Do you know a high school or college student interested in making a difference in their community—or in California—while they’re still in school?
“We’re calling on students across Assembly District 18 (AD-18) to apply today to join my Fall 2025 Student Internship Program,” Assemblymember Mia Bonta [1] wrote in her call for applications. “This one-of-a-kind opportunity is a two-month-long internship course held at our Oakland District Office from September 22 to December 12, 2025.”
[2]
Assemblymember Bonta’s office notes that many legislators and senior policy staff began their careers by interning in a District office. It is an invaluable way of understanding California’s democratic process, as well as an excellent opportunity to make important contacts while serving the community.
Interns will be challenged to create a unique policy proposal, working with local stakeholders and policy experts to draft and present a solution to a community issue they are passionate about. Working from the Elihu M. Harris State Building at 1515 Clay Street, in downtown Oakland, accepted interns must be high school or college students, have a minimum commitment of 10 hours per week in California policy, and have a connection to Assembly District 18, or California’s East San Francisco Bay Region.
All internship work is voluntary, and students will not receive any monetary compensation. Interns are expected to not have any other government or public office internship at the same time. Applicants must be able to commit to 10 hours per week, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Apply now
The deadline to file an application for an internship is September 12, so all interested students should apply online now [3].
Duties
One of the most important roles of a district office is to keep the local community connected with the legislative work taking place in Sacramento. This is accomplished through community-based events, constituent casework, correspondence, and everyday involvement with the AD-18 community. Interns provide support to District and Capitol staff with special events, constituent services and inquiries, and special projects related to general administrative duties of the District office.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate must be currently enrolled or have graduated from an undergraduate or community college program, including rising high school juniors and seniors. The ideal candidate will have a major in Political Science, Journalism, History, International Relations, Public Policy, Economics, English, Communications, Public Relations, Legal Studies or another similar major. However, all majors are welcome to apply. Additionally, the following qualifications are critical:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to work with minimal
supervision. - Critical thinking and creative problem solving.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and competing deadlines simultaneously.
Benefits
Interns will gain valuable education and work experience by fully participating in agreed-upon work hours.
Although the positions are unpaid, interns receive important and lasting benefits, including;
- An extensive understanding of legislative processes.
- Strengthened research skills.
- Networking and professional development gained by working directly with elected officials, community leaders, and local residents on issues and events related to AD-18 and the State of California.
Staff plays an involved role in mentoring and supporting interns who are pursuing careers in the public service sector. Interns may potentially earn a letter of recommendation from the Assemblymember and may also qualify for internship credit from their university or college.