On June 11, 2020, the day the Citizens League celebrates the successful conclusion of the fifth year of our Capitol Pathways program, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan joined our online celebration to deliver the Governor’s proclamation that this day is Capitol Pathways Day in Minnesota!
Since 2016, the Capitol Pathways program from the Citizens League places college students of color in paid internships with government offices, nonprofits, corporations, and law firms where they can gain experience and build relationships in and around the Capitol.
Each year during Minnesota’s legislative session, interns can expect to accomplish several things that will help them in their future careers:
- Build relationships with established policy leaders
- Gain exposure to various kinds of careers in government
- Get real-world experience in career fields they would like to learn more about
- Create a strong professional resume
> Click here to learn more about Capitol Pathways
Text of the Governor’s proclamation:
WHEREAS: Black communities, Indigenous communities, and communities of color make up 20 percent of the state population and make profound contributions to the fabric of Minnesota, yet people of color remain underrepresented in the Minnesota Legislature and other elected bodies involved in policy and decision-making; and
WHEREAS: Currently, the Minnesota Legislature is made up of 201 members, but only 21, or 10 percent, are Black, Indigenous, or people of color, which is not representative of the state’s diverse communities; and
WHEREAS: Capitol Pathways, a paid internship program for college students of color, was created with understanding that, in order to build a stronger Minnesota, our state government and its workforce must reflect the rich diversity of the state; and
WHEREAS: Entering its fifth year, the Capitol Pathways placed 37 college students of color within nonprofits, lobbying firms, corporations, and state agencies to connect them with established Minnesota State Capitol Leaders, gain exposure to careers in policy and experience the legislative process firsthand. After this program year, the program will have served 164 college students of color and partnered with 65 different organizations.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim Thursday, June 11, 2020,as: CAPITOL PATHWAYS DAY in the State of Minnesota.
