PIERRE SD (Mitchell Now) – College and university students hoping to fill one of the twenty-six legislative intern positions being offered with the South Dakota Legislature this coming January have until October 16, 2026, to submit their application materials.
Students may be in any class year to apply, from freshman to graduate student, and all majors are eligible. Interns work closely with legislative leadership, assist lawmakers and LRC staff during committee hearings, conduct research and monitor legislation, attend closed-door caucus meetings, and help lawmakers with constituent services and other legislative tasks. They also have the opportunity to participate in outside events related to the Legislature.
Interested individuals must submit a completed application form, an unofficial copy of their college transcript, a one-page writing sample, and two letters of recommendation. To complete the application, the student must sign up for a free MyLRC+ account.
Deadline to apply is OCTOBER 16, 2026. Interviews with prospective interns will be conducted in October and November, and announcement of selections will be made in November and December. Orientation for all interns is January 11, 2027. The 102nd South Dakota Legislative Session runs from January 12, 2027, to March 31, 2027, with a recess from March 12-30.
Additional information on the internship program can be found on the LRC website. Students wanting more information can also contact the Intern Coordinator, Legislative Research Council, 500 East Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501; email InternProgram@sdlegislature.gov; or call (605) 773-3251.