The Parliamentary and Central Executive Agencies Youth Internship Program in Ukraine

Agency for International Development and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. This initiative aims to regenerate human resources at public agencies, enhance the level of political and legal awareness among youth, and provide young Ukrainians with opportunities for career advancement in politics and civil society. The program allows young people to participate actively in the lawmaking and decision-making processes. Interns undergo a 10-month internship with secretariats of Verkhovna Rada committees and departments of the VR Secretariat, Ministries, and the Presidential Secretariat. In addition to the internship, participants receive training in public policy, gender policy, law-drafting, and the Rules of Procedure. The program has a long history, dating back to 1995 when it was established by the United States Association of Former Members of Congress in conjunction with the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. In 2000, the administration of the program was transferred to the Indiana University's Legislative Policy Development Project for Ukraine. Since 2008, the program has been administered by the Legislative Policy Development Program for Ukraine, implemented by Ohio State University. Over the past 14 years, 923 young people have completed internships with the Ukrainian legislature and public agencies. Many program alumni have gone on to pursue careers in civil service, including Andriy Mahera, Deputy Chairman of the Central Election Commission of Ukraine. The program has also expanded to include central executive agencies, including ministries and the Secretariat of the President of Ukraine. The program's success can be attributed to the cooperation between the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the U.S. Agency for International Development. The program's office is located within the Parliament's buildings, and the General Secretary Valentyn Zaichuk has supported the program by providing dormitory accommodation for interns. An Alumni Association was created in 2008 to develop the program further and create a strong professional network among program alumni.