Public Policy Institute
The Public Policy Institute is a prestigious student internship program established by Speaker Judith T. Won Pat. The program provides interns exposure to a vast network of distinguished leaders as well as to an array of professional and training opportunities for them to gain leadership, research, and work place skills and experiences.
The Institute is a unique and rigorous program where interns have the opportunity to learn first-hand about the island’s legislative process by participating in a variety of activities from bill research and writing, organizing and conducting public policy briefings, paging, and by providing executive-level staffing. Interns may also respond to constituent inquiries, draft correspondence, and assist with general office operations.
Promising students are selected from public and private schools on Guam and are placed in various offices of the Guam Legislature for an eight week period over the fall, spring, or summer terms.
Interns meet with distinguished leaders from a range of professional backgrounds. Interns also take fieldtrips to other branches of government in order gain a broader understanding of the three branches of government.
Participating schools may arrange for academic credit to be awarded.
Completion Requirements
In order to graduate, interns are required to:
- Work a minimum of 80 hours in the eight week period.
- Comply with legislative policies regarding work performance and personal conduct.
- Provide written and oral testimony on a bill.
- Participate in at least one policy briefing.
- Page during public hearings, meetings, or session.
- Assist constituents.To Graduate with Distinction students must achieve the following over and above the basic requirements for graduation:
- Work a minimum of 160 hours in the eight week period
- Demonstrated a high degree of professionalism.
- Conduct at least two policy briefings.
- Research and write an original bill.
- Participate in an outreach program or any other approved civic activity.
Eligibility
- Must be at least a sophomore in high school.
- Possess a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA.
- Demonstrate strong written and analytical skills as evidenced in the personal statement. The personal statement should describe why the individual should be chosen for the program. The applicant is encouraged to describe why s/he should be selected, state the individual’s area(s) of interests or passions.
- Submit a letter of recommendation from a school or government official.
- Copy of the most recent Report Card
Selection and Assignments
Acceptance into the Public Policy Institute is highly competitive. The most qualified candidates are selected on the quality of their application and rating from the interview process. The Speaker of the Guam Legislature shall make the final selections and assignments of interns to various offices based on stated interests, strengths, and weaknesses.
Cohort dates
- Summer June 1 – August 5
- Fall September 15 – December 17
- Spring January 08 – May 24
