The Ohio Legislative Service Commission is accepting applications for its 13-month Legislative and Telecommunications Fellowship Program, according to State Rep. Margaret Ann Ruhl. The commission will hire 24 fellows to work with members of the Ohio General Assembly during 2017.

“This is a great opportunity to get to know the workings of this great state of Ohio by working with the state legislature,” said Ruhl, a Republican from Mount Vernon. “I would encourage any college student to consider applying. Many go on to work for a legislator or find opportunities to meet other state leaders to further their careers.”

Legislative fellow duties include assisting members of the General Assembly with constituent work, writing press releases and speeches, assisting in legislative research, attending meetings, and performing administrative duties. Telecommunications fellows assist in televising Ohio House and Senate proceedings and in preparing educational video productions about the General Assembly and the legislative process.

Fellows receive full Ohio state employee benefits and are paid $31,200 annually, with the opportunity to earn a $2,000 bonus upon completion of the program.

Legislative fellowship applications must be postmarked by April 1 to be considered for the program. The application deadline for the two telecommunications positions is April 30. All applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree program by the December start date. Persons holding graduate or professional degrees may also apply.

The legislative fellowship program is open to graduates of all major fields of study who have an interest in learning about state government, and no political experience is required. The two telecommunications fellows must have majored or minored in a telecommunications-related field of study or have comparable experience.