Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R,C,I-Smithtown) is announcing that the New York state Assembly is currently accepting Assembly Internship Program applications for the 2006 legislative session.

"This is a great opportunity for students to participate in New York’s legislative process, gain valuable work experience and earn credits towards their degree," said Fitzpatrick.

The Assembly offers two internship programs, one for qualified graduate students and another for undergraduates. The undergraduate internship runs from Jan. 3 to May 6, 2006 and offers 150 positions. Applicants must be matriculated in a college degree program, all majors are accepted, and must demonstrate academic ability, intellectual curiosity and receive the positive recommendation of their campus liaison.

Interns spend a minimum of 30 hours, exclusive of academic requirements, at the Capitol each week completing their internship assignments. A $3,500 stipend is provided to all accepted candidates.

Graduate internships are also available but limited to only 10 positions. The internship runs from Jan. 3 to June 21, 2006 and pays a stipend of $11,500. Graduate interns serve as research assistants or policy annalists with Assembly leaders, committees and research staffs.

Applications for both internships are due no later than Nov. 1, 2005. For an application and additional information, contact the New York state Assembly Intern Committee by phone at (518) 455-4704, e-mail at intern@assembly.state.ny.us or visit their Web site at http://assembly.state.ny.us:/internship/.