Elaine Laux interns in the office of Sen. Peggy Lehner through University of Dayton Statehouse Civic Scholars Program

2015 Jul 2

Elaine Laux of West Chester, Ohio, worked this summer in the office of Sen. Peggy Lehner as part the University of Dayton Statehouse Civic Scholars Program.

"We are developing the next generation of excellent and ethical public servants in Ohio, teaching them valuable networking skills and, hopefully, giving them a reason to work and live in Ohio after graduation," said Eileen Austria, Statehouse Civic Scholars Program coordinator. "It is amazing to see the professional growth our students experience in just eight weeks. This program has already produced some superstars."

For each of the past five summers, students have worked in the offices of Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted, among other state officials.

"At least 15 alumni of the program have received offers, have worked or are working in Ohio state government as a result of this program," Austria said.

The program started with funding from the University of Dayton's College of Arts and Sciences dean's office, the political science department, honors program and government affairs office. It was born from a demand by University of Dayton students for more internships. The program has received additional support from the AT&T Foundation, CareSource and the Dayton Power & Light Company.