Program Requirements/Commitments

• Participation in the program beginning October 2023 through May 2024.
• Participation during the 2024 New Mexico Legislative Session beginning January 16, 2024, to February 15, 2024.
• Participation in Program Orientation on October 23, 2023, time TBD.
• Participate in 6-8 days of legislative experience at the New Mexico State Capitol in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This includes pre-legislative session hearing(s) in November and December 2022 and events during the legislative session January 16 – February 15, 2024, also includes participation in one overnight trip during Highlands Day at the Legislature (date to be determined). Additional mandatory dates may be added.
• Additional dates and times for training and course offerings will be provided.
• Highlands covers all travel costs and meals.
• Participate in shadowing a legislator for a day.
• This year’s program may include a federal legislative component, to be determined.

Practicum

New Mexico Highlands Legislative Leadership Fellowship Practicum Program is designed to extend students’ learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting. The primary goal of the program is to provide an avenue for students to gain hands-on experience and apply academic knowledge in professional work environments related to their educational and career interests. A student can receive three (3) credits at the 300, 400, or 500-level for the combined legislative field experience and workshops. Students will shadow a representative for a day, follow a bill through the 2024 Legislative session, work with fellow students on a capital outlay request, attend legislative committee hearings, meet one-on-one with government leaders, and attend workshops (Practicum Lectures/Assignments focus on Understanding the New Mexico State Legislature and the Legislative Process, Multi-Generation and Gender Leadership Styles, Political Party Composition, Lobbyist & Lobbying).

Application Requirements

• Current Resume, Letter of Interest & Headshot– The Center for Professional Development and Career Readiness can assist you. You may contact them at 505-454-3251 or careerservices@nmhu.edu. The Writing Center can also assist you. Dr. Amanda May, Writing Center Director, can be contacted at 505-454-3450.

The letter should address the following:

1. Applicant’s leadership philosophy;
2. Examples of leadership applicant has demonstrated or experienced;
3. What applicant expects to gain from the fellowship;
4. Applicant’s commitment to complete the entire fellowship program;
5. Include name, phone, email, student ID number, and major.

Deadline

Application materials are due Friday, September 29, 2023, by 5:00 pm (MST) and can be sent via email to Yvonne Duran, Senior Administrative Assistant for Student Affairs, at deanofstudents@nmhu.edu.

Interviews

Students will be interviewed on the week of October 2, 2023, prior to determining the 2024 Legislative Leadership Fellowship Program student participants.

Acceptance Notification

Students will be notified of fellowship program selection no later than October 9, 2023.

New Mexico Highlands University offers an undergraduate major and minor in history, allowing students to pursue an enriching degree in a unique location that blends Native American, Mexican and European traditions. In fact, our students don’t have to go far to explore historical landmarks; we’re right on the path of the original Santa Fe Trail!

Our outstanding political science bachelor’s degree program offers concentrations in pre-law and liberal arts. The pre-law concentration provides an in-depth curriculum ranging from introduction to law to LSAT preparation. Our pre-law students receive comprehensive advising, and our graduates have an excellent track record of being accepted to law school and succeeding in the legal profession.

The liberal arts concentration provides a comprehensive education in American federal, state and local government and the political process with a focus on Southwest and minority political studies. International politics is another strong component of the program. Internships give our students real-world professional experience in political campaigns and other settings.