Public Policy Institute of The Guam Legislature

Program Description

The Public Policy Institute provides interns exposure to a vast network of leaders in the public and private sectors as well as to an array of professional and training opportunities for them to gain leadership, research, and work place skills and experiences.

The Institute is a unique and rigorous program where interns have the opportunity to learn first-hand about the island’s legislative process by participating in a variety of activities from bill research and writing, organizing and conducting public policy briefings, paging, and by providing executive-level staffing. Interns may also respond to constituent inquiries, draft correspondence, and assist with general office operations.

Promising students are selected from public and private schools on Guam and are placed in various offices of the Guam Legislature for an eight week period over the fall, spring, or summer terms.

Interns meet with distinguished leaders from a range of professional backgrounds. Interns also take field-trips to other branches of government in order gain a broader understanding of the three branches of government.

Participating schools may arrange for academic credit to be awarded.

The program was first established by Speaker Judith T. Won Pat.
"I credit Dr. Won Pat for allowing me the opportunity to bring life to the idea. My students were looking for an opportunity I extended unto them and the Speaker crystallized it within her office. We've seen great minds come together, policy briefings delivered, and an overall enriching experience for students as a result of the program." - Wil Castro