New York State Senate Undergraduate Session Assistants Program
Offered by New York State Senate
About this scholarship
The New York State Senate Undergraduate Session Assistants Program places about 30 college students in Albany for four months of academic work and direct legislative experience. Participants serve at least 35 hours each week from early January through late April and receive an $8,800 stipend paid biweekly. Home institutions may award up to 15 credits under their own rules. Applicants must attend an accredited college or university in New York State, have been full time in the preceding spring and current fall terms, and hold at least a 3.0 GPA. First-year students are ineligible; the Senate primarily selects juniors and seniors, although exceptional sophomores may be considered. Applications move through the student’s campus liaison or college-level officer and include the official form, transcripts, current-course certification, a one-page résumé, three confidential references, policy-area preferences, a six- to eight-page academic paper, two one-page policy memoranda presenting and rebutting a proposal, a personal statement, and signed certifications. Housing is not provided. The Senate’s annual deadline is the last Friday in October, which is October 30 in 2026, but colleges may impose earlier internal dates. Applicants must remain through the program’s final day to receive the full stipend.
Eligibility
- Attend an accredited college or university in New York State
- Have enrolled full time in the preceding spring term and the current fall term
- Be an exceptional sophomore, junior, or senior; first-year students are not eligible
- Hold a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Obtain approval and routing through the campus liaison or college-level officer
- Submit the form, transcripts, course certification, résumé, three confidential references, writing samples, policy preferences, and signed statements
- Be available for at least 35 hours weekly in Albany from early January through late April
- Meet the campus deadline and the Senate’s October 30, 2026 deadline