E-mail: joe.braunwarth@gcccd.net
Phone: 619-644-7514
Office: 515A

Overview:

The general idea behind our political science internship program is that students can learn by volunteering in community organizations and reflecting on those experiences.  Students can earn one credit unit by volunteering 60 hours in an appropriate politically-related office.  According to Grossmont College’s Community Service Learning Program, this type of “experiential education” gives students opportunities to:

·        Apply classroom learning

·        Explore majors and careers

·        Broaden horizons

·        Gain job and life experience

·        Strengthen resume/employability

·        Make a difference

·        Improve self-esteem

·        Develop community awareness

·        Engage citizenship and critical thinking skills

·        Increase chances for university transfer, scholarships

Procedure

1.      Contact Dr. Braunwarth (in-person, via e-mail at joe.Braunwarth@gcccd.net, or by telephone at 619-644-7514).  Be prepared to tell him:

a.      why you would like to participate in the program

b.      the type of local office at which you would like to work

-   city council office,

-   state legislator office,

-   congressional office,

-   gubernatorial office,

-   senate office,

-   public defender or prosecutor’s office, or

-   other (please specify)

c.      indicate if it is important to you to work in either a democrat or republican office

d.   most offices require a letter of interest and a resume, now would be a good time to get one together.

2. Initial meeting with Dr. Braunwarth

1. Select an internship site and get the telephone number of supervisor
2. Pick up the packet of Work Experience forms
3. Get your add card signed

3. Register for Class (and pay the tuition!)

4. Call the supervisor to schedule and interview.

5. Meet with supervisor. Upon selection:

1. Set work schedule and clarify duties
2. Complete work experience agreement (make sure this is signed by your supervisor)

6. Return to Professor Braunwarth as soon as possible (after the above meeting):

1. A training plan specifying the goals and objectives of the internship.
2. The white copies of the Grossmont College Work Experience Agreement.
3. The Student Information Sheet.

At this point, you should have in your possession the yellow and pink copies of the Work Experience Agreement, plus your Time Sheet and your Evaluation form. Return the pink copies of the Work Experience Agreement to your supervisor.  Keep your Time Sheet up to date as your work progresses.  You need to work for at least 60 hours during the semester for one credit unit. 

7. Just before you reach the half-way point of your internship, schedule an office visit with Professor Braunwarth. Bring your partially completed Time Sheet with you.

8. At the conclusion of your internship, have your supervisor:

1. Sign your time sheet.
2. Fill out and sign your Student Performance Evaluation sheet.

9. Schedule your final visit with Dr. Braunwarth and bring:

1. your Time Sheet
2. your Student Evaluation Sheet
3. your 1-2 page type-written assessment of your internship.

Congratulations! You’ve earned one unit of college credit; learned more about the world; and gained some valuable work experience!