Louisville Metro Internship Program
The Louisville Metro Internship program (LMIP) is an elective 3-credit hours course that encourages student involvement in local government and promotes active participation within the Louisville Metro community. This experiential learning practicum provides students with an opportunity to explore career interests while applying knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in a real-world setting (e.g. The Louisville Metro Council at City Hall). The primary purpose of this “town-gown,” government-university partnership is to provide a hands-on experience designed to advance academic learning, civic learning, and community engagement through reciprocal collaboration for all partners. More importantly, it allows students a unique opportunity to utilize, assess and sharpen their personal qualities/skills, and build professional networks. Because Louisville Metro Interns are assigned to individual legislative offices, the duties will vary from office to office, but should include research/projects, constituent work, and participation in meetings such as biweekly caucus meetings and council meetings as deemed appropriate.
Assuming a normal semester, students should anticipate and expect to:
1) Attend council meetings on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, generally after 1:00 PM (there may be some flexibility on this expectation depending on the individual placement).
2) Attend a few Louisville Metro Council Meetings on Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m.
3) Attend other meetings or events as requested by the council officials or staff.
4) Attend required dialogues or seminars arranged by the Intern Liaison at City Hall.
Class Requirements
1) Students are expected to spend at least 8 hours per week, Monday to Thursday. Fridays and weekends may be required for special events or activities. Time spent onsite should be documented as time in internship.
2) Students must complete at least 120 hours onsite for the duration of the internship. This does not include work hours spent on required class writing assignments or class meetings.
3) Students will complete an applied research paper (on an urban issue associated with your work as an intern) approximately 2500-3000 words in length. Topics must be approved by the faculty supervisor. More information on this assignment will be provided during the course of the semester.
4) The class portion of the internship (POLS 510-01) will meet on Tuesdays, 6pm-7:15pm, Fall semester, 2024.
LMIP Application Process
The application process opens March 1 and closes April 15. Students enrolled at the University of Louisville who are Political Science majors, minors, or graduate students (minimum 45 credit hours; 9 in POLS) are eligible to apply. Minimum GPA 3.0 (Undergraduate); 3.5 (Graduate).
1) STEP ONE: Complete the one-page application and send it with your:
a) cover letter, b) resume, and c) (unofficial) transcript directly to the Director of the Internship Program - Dr. David Imbroscio. Additional application materials (such as an updated transcript) may be required after the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
2) STEP TWO: After materials are received and reviewed, well-qualified applicants will be contacted by Dr. Imbroscio for a screening interview.
3) STEP THREE: Upon acceptance, students will be allowed to register for the course (POLS 510-01), usually within a week.
4) STEP FOUR: Students are required to complete Louisville Metro paperwork and a background check to intern in City Hall. Instructions and materials will be provided during late summer before the internship begins.
Additional questions about the Louisville Metro Internship Program? Please contact Dr. David Imbroscio, the Director of the Internship Program.