The Lawrence County Civic Scholars Internship Program seeks to enhance students’ understanding of local government, equip them to be informed and engaged citizens, and give vision and purpose to follow in their mentors’ footsteps as public servants.

This unique experience and opportunity will prepare students outside of the classroom to be agents of change in their communities. Upperclassmen from each school district can apply and interview for this program. Our advisory council will select students that reflect the highest desire to learn and make an impact.

Once accepted, interns will be partnered with a mentor (officeholder) and placed in that mentor’s department. During their time in the program, interns will observe and learn what their mentor and office does while working on a project assigned to them. This will take place over the course of a semester, with the intention of allowing student interns multiple occasions to visit, work, and learn.

At the end of the program, each intern will submit a composition and recording on not only what they learned but also suggestions they have for the county offices they worked with. They will also have the opportunity to be showcased and honored by the Lawrence County Commissioners during one of their meetings. Interns will have the opportunity to share their findings before their peers and peer mentors at the concluding meeting and reception, with a yearly award being presented to an outstanding intern.

The Civic Scholars Internship Program is working to grow the community leaders of tomorrow while giving students the real opportunity to impact their communities today. By giving students an up-close look at local government, this internship program helps them to better see how decisions in their communities are made, showing them a path to where they can make a difference. It also invites their suggestions for improvements from their experience and observations meaning their roles and expertise are being valued in real time.