Political science major Nou Khang 鈥16 has long dreamt of interning for the Minnesota Secretary of State. This week, that dream comes true as she starts her internship courtesy of Minnesota Capitol Pathways, a program hosted by the Citizens League that aims to increase diversity in state government.
鈥淚n my application, I indicated that I was very interested in voters鈥 rights, so I was thrilled to get placed with the Secretary of State. I feel very lucky 鈥 it鈥檚 going to be a fun journey,鈥 says Khang.
During the course of her internship, Khang will aid with pre-registration of young voters, and legislative policy around equipment funding, emergency elections, minor party reform, expansion of mail-in ballots and early voting.
She looks forward to gaining real-world experience in state government. 鈥淚鈥檓 not sure yet what I want to do after graduation. Will l like campaign work? Will I prefer working at the Capitol? I鈥檓 excited for this opportunity to explore my options.鈥
Kang was among 25 college students of color from across Minnesota placed with government offices, nonprofits and lobbying firms where they can gain experience and build relationships in state politics.
鈥淭he Capitol Pathways internship is an inspiring program that opens opportunities for students of color to have real-world Capitol experience, and I鈥檓 excited for my office to host and mentor one of its students,鈥 says Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon in a press release announcing the 2016 cohort.
For more information about the Minnesota Capitol Pathways program, visit the .
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