Third-year University of Georgia student and Banks County 4-H alum Georgia Simmons has been in the center of the political action this fall with the Georgia 4-H Washington DC Intern Program.
Simmons, an environmental resource science major in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), works in the office of U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock. As an intern on his staff, she interacts directly with policy experts and lawmakers, participating in the legislative process while earning a semester of credit hours.
The internship is a part of UGA’s extensive Washington Semester Program, which provides UGA students an opportunity to live, work and learn in Washington, D.C. Interns live in Delta Hall, UGA’s residence in the capital city, forming lifelong bonds with service-minded peers, working a full-time internship and taking classes related to their major.
4-H alum gains hands-on legislative experience
Simmons’ internship has a two-prong focus on administrative and legislative responsibilities. She engages with constituents by answering phone calls, organizing visits and giving tours. She also helps residents with issues and questions by connecting them with casework teams in Atlanta.
Legislative duties for Simmons and other interns include drafting memos, completing contact sheets and writing letters to constituents. Simmons has been assigned to three different legislative teams: agriculture, energy and environment; transportation and infrastructure; and democracy, justice and science. “I work hand in hand with the legislative staff on every team, and it has taught me invaluable lessons on teamwork and cooperation,” she said.
As a Banks County 4-H’er, Simmons got an early start serving her community. She found her spark in the 4-H Project Achievement public speaking contest, competing in the wildlife and marine sciences area. After a successful high school 4-H career, she served for three summers as a camp counselor at Rock Eagle 4-H Center and Burton 4-H Center.
“We are so proud to support internship opportunities for collegiate 4-H’ers and celebrate civic engagement and leadership – two of our core content areas,” said Melanie Biersmith, Georgia 4-H state leader. “Previous alumni of the Georgia 4-H Washington internship program have gone on to make substantial contributions as leaders in their chosen fields, and we are grateful and excited for Georgia to experience this chance to learn and serve.”
UGA’s Washington Semester Program combines internships and coursework
Georgia 4-H’ers have been visiting the U.S. capital on short-term experiential learning trips for nearly a century. In 1960, Georgia State 4-H Leader Tommy Walton worked closely with Sen. Richard Russell to establish the 4-H Washington Intern opportunity, allowing collegiate 4-H’ers to learn about the legislative process and civic engagement through an immersive program.
“All of my experiences in 4-H prepared me for this chance to serve and lead in Washington,” Simmons said. “It is an honor to represent Banks County, the University of Georgia and Georgia 4-H in such a special environment.” Simmons began her internship on Sept. 10 and will complete her service on Dec. 6.
Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the premier youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches hundreds of thousands of people annually through UGA Cooperative Extension offices and 4-H facilities.
For more information about Georgia 4-H programs, visit georgia4h.org. Learn more about undergraduate learning opportunities in CAES at caes.uga.edu/students.
