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Undergraduate Students

The McClure Center supports life-changing undergraduate student internships focused on international policy and public policy journalism. In addition, the McClure Center is launching undergraduate research opportunities, several in partnership with other University of Idaho departments, programs, colleges and entities.

Since 2012, the McClure Center has partnered with the University of Idaho Martin Institute and School of Journalism and Mass Media (JAMM) to bring undergraduate students to the capital city. The Martin-McClure Ambassadorship and JAMM-McClure Legislative Internship programs are aimed at increasing knowledge of public policy construction. Undergraduate interns are located in the Capitol Annex across from the Idaho State Capitol. They gain exposure and firsthand experience in public policy analysis, design and implementation on multiple levels during their semester-long assignments.

The Martin-McClure Ambassadorship

The Martin-McClure Ambassadorship is available every summer. International Studies undergraduate majors receive a research award to explore a topic at the intersection of international affairs and policy. In previous years, Martin McClure students have created Idaho at a Glance reports on Refugees in Idaho (2014, 2016) and K-12 education policy in Idaho (2017). Every Martin-McClure Ambassadorship is unique. The summer research topic and final product are guided by contemporary social issues, students' own interests and center staff expertise. This ambassadorship offers an opportunity for students to use the resources in the capital city to better understand local and international relationships throughout the world.

  • Senior, International Studies or related field.
  • Good academic standing.
  • Not scheduled to graduate prior to the beginning of the Summer Semester.

  • Application Deadline: First week of Spring Semester
  • Committee Selection Decision: Midterm Spring Semester
  • Ambassadorship Orientation: First week of Summer Semester

Requires at least 8 weeks at 20 hours per week during Summer Semester.

Ambassadorship is located in Boise. Housing and travel not provided.

Martin-McClure Ambassador Katie Russell

Exploring opposite world perspectives, bringing together local agriculture and international trade.

Read More

Legislative Internship

The JAMM-McClure Legislative Internship began in 2015. Undergraduate students report to Boise for a semester of professional development. Legislative Interns act as JAMM News Service correspondents, covering the Idaho Legislative Session and other State Capitol events. Legislative Interns join the Idaho Press Club and receive press credentials to use while reporting on policy construction at the State Capitol.

Undergraduate students learn while they are on assignment. Whether it is pulling long hours watching a bill become law, attending contentious state committee meetings or interviewing experts and constituents, JAMM-McClure Legislative Interns gain valuable experience and publish articles in Idaho newspapers and produce stories for Idaho Public Radio. These interns also perform an essential service of reporting for communities that do not normally have the resources to dispatch reporters to Boise for the full Legislative Session.

  • Junior or Senior, Journalism and Mass Media or related field.
  • Good academic standing.
  • Not scheduled to graduate prior to the beginning of the Spring Semester.
  • Satisfactory completion of Journalism 101.

  • Application Deadline: Fourth week of Fall Semester
  • Committee Selection Decision: Midterm Fall Semester
  • Ambassadorship Orientation: 3 days prior to Idaho Legislative Session

Internship runs through the entire Legislative Session, usually begins on the second Monday in January and runs through April. During the legislative session, students will be required to be present in Boise and working from opening committee work at 7 a.m. to final committee work, sometimes running late into the evening. Once the Legislative Session has closed, the internship is complete. Daily tasking and assignments will come from the University of Idaho news editor and JAMM faculty.

2020 JAMM McClure Legislative Interns

2020 Legislative Interns discuss their experience during Session

Pundits Forum: Covering the Capitol

Learn more about the JAMM-McClure Legislative Internship

Other Opportunities

  • McClure Water Policy Internship
  • McClure Legislative Research Scholars
  • University of Idaho Office of Undergraduate Research: Research Grant Supervision, Resources and Design
  • Policy event attendance logistics
  • Telehosting events for University of Idaho Boise undergraduate students

McClure Center

Physical Address:
Capitol Annex Ste. 116

Mailing Address:
James A. & Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research
Capitol Annex
514 W. Jefferson Street
Boise, ID 83702

Phone: 208-364-4549

Email: mcclurecenter@uidaho.edu

Web: uidaho.edu/mcclurecenter

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