In the Dorman Blaine Congressional Fellowship program at Mississippi State University, engineering students are given an opportunity to work on Capitol Hill for a Mississippi Senator or Representative and gain insight into the workings of government. This experience will be of benefit to any engineering student but those interested in careers in government, law, or public policy will the program of particular value. Engineering students will gain vital workplace skills and open doors to new opportunities.

The Dorman Blaine Congressional Fellowship will allow engineering students to:

  • Enhance communication skills
  • Improve ability to work on teams
  • Enhance your engineering career through unique experiences
  • Opening doors to career fields - engineering and patent law, government, and business
  • Live in Washington, D.C. for a semester and work on Captiol Hill
  • Observe government in action and watching the political process firsthand
  • Witness history being made
  • Visit historical buildings, monuments, and museums
  • Develop leadership skills, improve ability to communicate effectively, gain insight into ethics and standards of integrity

Experience gained while serving as a Congressional Fellow will prove beneficial when applying for employment or for graduate schools. The knowledge gained will be of life-long benefit both personally and professionally. The networking opportunities are extensive and include meeting public officials, captains of industry, and fellow students participating in similar programs from across the nation.

Congressional Fellows come from different majors. A listing of past Congressional Fellows and the offices in which they served can be found here.

 

Details

  • Fellowship opportunities currently exist with: Senator Thad Cochran and Senator Roger Wicker but we are constantly seeking new opportunities
  • Fellowships coincide approximately with fall and spring semester dates which will minimize the impact of class schedules
  • Fellows maintain their status as an enrolled, full-time student for financial aid and other purposes through enrollment in an experiential learning course--much like a cooperative education experience

 

Benefits

  • Gain experience not available to most students
  • Network with top-ranked student from other schools and make friends
  • Meet national leaders in government and industry
  • Experience Washington, DC and the rich political and cultural opportunities available
  • Observe government in action
  • Learn while having fun

 

Duties

Duties may vary from time to time depending on the needs of the Senator or Representative but typically will include:

    • Attending committee hearings
    • Assisting with preparation of briefings for members of the House and Senate
    • Researching legislation and items of concern to the Congressman and constituents
    • Responding to address requests and constituent concerns and problems
    • Using computer skills to develop presentations, reports and perform Intranet activities
    • Giving tours of the Capitol Building to constituent visitors
    • Assisting professional staff members with constituent mail, computer tasks, and office details

Support

Dorman
Blaine

In the fall of 1999 Dorman Blaine, a 1961 civil engineering graduate, made a generous gift to the Bagley College of Engineering to establish and support the Congressional Fellowship Program. Earnings from Mr. Blaine's endowment pay for partial support of the fellow's expenses which include:

  • Accommodations (rent, utilities, and furniture rental) close to the House and Senate offices
  • Travel-related expenses
  • Meal expenses stipend
  • Moving expenses stipend

Fellows are also typically provided with a monthly stipend from the Senator's or Representative's office. The objective of the college is to ensure that students can participate in this experience with little to no out-of-pocket costs.

Selection Guidelines

Fellows must be currently enrolled engineering undergraduates in good academic standing at Mississippi State University who:

  • Demonstrate leadership skills in the classroom
  • Are involved in college activities, professional organizations and honorary societies
  • Participate in community and civic activities
  • Possess strong oral, written and research skills
  • Have an interest in furthering their understanding the political process
  • Are committed to serving others

To be competitive for selection as a Congressional Fellow a student should have completed a minimum of 60 hours of college coursework, 30 of which should have been at Mississippi State, and have a GPA of no less than 2.50. Although exceptions are sometimes made, ideal candidates will have at least one or two semesters of coursework remaining following the completion of their fellowship.

Application Process

Interested students should download and complete the Congressional Fellowship application. In addition to the application, students must submit a current resume which includes at a minimum their work experience, student organization involvement, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. They are also required to submit a two-page essay detailing why they wish to receive this fellowship. Fellowships are limited and the process is competitive. A committee will review the applications and periodically schedule interviews for strong candidates.

Click here to download an application.

 

Contact Information

For more information contact:
Robert A. Green
Undergraduate Coordinator
160 McCain Hall
Box 9544
Mississippi State, MS 39762
662-325-2267