About us
Since 1963, the Ohio General Assembly, has sponsored a 13-month, full-time, paid (salary plus benefits) legislative fellowship program. Up to 24 individuals are selected each year to participate in the fellowship, which is administered by the Legislative Service Commission (LSC), in conjunction with the Ohio House of Representatives, the Ohio Senate, and the Ohio Government Telecommunications (OGT)/The Ohio Channel. The cohort typically includes ten fellows assigned to work with members of the House, ten with members of the Senate, two with LSC, and two with OGT. Although completing the 13-month fellowship program does not automatically guarantee permanent employment with the General Assembly or the state of Ohio, many fellows are offered permanent positions with the General Assembly as legislative staff or with state agencies as legislative liaisons as a result of participating in the fellowship program. Post-fellowship opportunities in the private sector have included positions with lobbying or public relations firms. See our Fellowship Program Brochure for additional information on the program.
What you’ll do
House or Senate Caucus Fellows: One of the primary responsibilities for most fellows assigned to the House or Senate is to assist members with constituent outreach, including responding to inquiries from district residents when they have a problem or concern. Writing assignments might include press releases, newsletters, speeches, and committee memorandums. Fellows also research issues and perform administrative work.
Nonpartisan LSC Fellows: Fellows assigned to nonpartisan LSC draft and analyze legislation, including a bill’s fiscal effects on state and local government, conduct research to provide answers to legislative inquiries, and staff legislative committees. Fellows assigned to the Office of Research and Drafting (ORD) focus more on the “legal” side of legislative services, while fellows assigned to the Legislative Budget Office (LBO) focus more on the “budget” side of legislative services. Fellows are assigned many of the same duties as permanent ORD and LBO staff.
How to apply
If you need help with your application, email Fellowship@lsc.ohio.gov or call (614) 466-8734.
Complete the application on this site by following the link. Remember to indicate your political party affiliation preference in the Prescreening Questions section of the application and attach all of the following documents:
- Resume;
- Transcript from each college or university attended;
- A 500-750 word personal statement explaining why you are interested in the fellowship program and what makes you a good candidate for the program; and
- Two references (with email addresses and telephone numbers) who can speak to your academic or employment record. LSC will contact your references with instructions on how to upload their letters of recommendation for you.
Minimum qualifications and characteristics of a strong candidate
Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree before the program starts. There are no requirements placed on major field of study; all majors are considered. Most successful applicants have a strong academic record, and all have excellent written and oral communication skills.
Background Check Information
*** ANY OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT IS CONDITIONAL UPON THE COMPLETION OF A SATISFACTORY BACKGROUND CHECK.***
