BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Today, Congressman McCarthy announced his office is accepting internship applications for his summer Congressional Internship program.

“I began my public service career as an intern, and invite all interested students and recent graduates to apply for internships in my offices,” McCarthy said. “This is an excellent opportunity to learn first-hand about our nation’s legislative process, as well as work to assist residents of California’s 22nd District.”

Applicants must possess good writing and computer skills, be at least a junior in college standing by the fall term and have a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average. Preference will be given to residents of California’s 22nd Congressional District (which includes most of Kern and San Luis Obispo Counties and part of Los Angeles County); however, all applications will be considered. Summer interns are responsible for their expenses, including transportation and lodging costs, but will receive a $1,500 stipend, before taxes. The summer Congressional Internship program is generally a 6 week session; interns typically spend 2 weeks in the Bakersfield district office followed by 4 weeks in the Washington, D.C. office.

Interested students may download the internship application here or call the Bakersfield office at (661) 327-3611 or the Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-2915 to request an application. Students are also required to submit a resume and a 250 word essay detailing their interest in the Congressional Internship program and what they expect to learn from the experience.

Applications and supporting documents should be sent to Congressman McCarthy’s Bakersfield office at: 4100 Empire Drive, Suite 150, Bakersfield, California 93309, or emailed to:

Robin.Lake-Foster@mail.house.gov.

Applications must be postmarked or emailed by Wednesday, April 15, 2010.

Congressman McCarthy also accepts applications for internships throughout the school year from college students who maintain a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average. Applications may be submitted year round to the address or email above. Please note that due to often lengthy delays in the delivery of mail to Washington, D.C. Congressional offices, it is recommended that students do not send applications by mail to Congressman McCarthy’s Washington office.