FLAD launches new legislative internship program for U.S. young adults of Portuguese descent

The applications to the first edition of FLAD Legislative Internships are now open. This is an opportunity for the new generation of Portuguese-Americans to participate actively in the legislative process, gain first-hand experience in public office and engage in the promotion of the Portuguese-American community in the United States. For this first edition, FLAD is partnering with lawmakers Jim Costa, Michael Rodrigues and Jessica de La Cruz.

FLAD’s mission is to strengthen the ties between Portugal and the United States.

That is only possible if the new generation of Portuguese-Americans becomes the linchpin that furthers the relationship between the two countries. This is why FLAD created a program designed specifically for young Americans of Portuguese ancestry, aged 18 to 25.

This call aims at selecting four interns with an interest in public service and high academic record in any field of study.

These are paid, in-person internships, with the goal of providing to the selected candidates first-hand experience of the legislative process and knowledge about local and federal government.

Internships will run May through July with flexible starting date, length and working schedule.

Internships are available at the following offices:

Congressman Jim Costa  – Washington, D.C. Office, Capitol Hill;

Congressman Jim Costa – Fresno, CA Office;

State Senator Jessica de La Cruz – Rhode Island State Senate;

State Senator Michael Rodrigues–Massachusett State Senate;

Applicant eligibility:

All applicants must be US citizens of Portuguese ancestry, aged 18 to 25 (at the time of application).

All academic fields are accepted. The intern’s previous experience, academic background and educational goals are taken into consideration for task assignment during the internship.

Candidates are required to upload the following documents (written in English):

Résumé;

One recommendation letter (recommendation letters by family members are not accepted);

Cover letter explaining why you want to intern at a legislative office and what your Portuguese heritage means to you (up to 500 words);

Proof of vaccination or proof of medical exemption;

Copy of transcript

Applications will be reviewed by FLAD and the office of the legislator/s, who will agree on the candidates to choose, according to the following criteria:

Candidate’s academic record;

Demonstrated interest in public service.

Applications must be submitted through the online form available here https://flad.secure.force.com/CandidaturaMain?language=en.

Please check the official Notice of this call (FLAD Legislative Internships 2022) for application requirements and specific conditions of each office.

The call is open until March 31, 2022, 11:59 PM, Pacific Time / April 1, 2022, 2:59 AM, Eastern Time.

For further information, please contact [email protected].