A Partnership with Louisiana’s Office of the Governor, the Lamar Foundation,
Louisiana State University, Southern University and the Baton Rouge Area Foundation

Applications are Now Closed

The Governor’s Fellows Program in Louisiana Government is an opportunity for college and university student leaders to experience public policy in action, learn the rich history and current affairs of Louisiana government, and earn three hours of academic credit through LSU’s Department of Public Administration.

Each Fellow is assigned to a cabinet-level agency in Baton Rouge. Fellows will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience by collaborating with agency leaders on existing projects, observing firsthand the Governor’s leadership strategies and learning how state policies are developed. 

Fellows will also participate in a weekly speaker series, regular academic courses scheduled by LSU, and trips through Louisiana designed to enhance their overall experience and understanding of state government and current affairs.   

Requirements for Participation:

  • The fellowships are open to students attending a Louisiana institution and Louisiana residents enrolled in out-of-state accredited institutions.
  • Good academic standing
  • Demonstrated leadership and commitment to public service, volunteerism and political involvement
  • Ethical standards, including professional discretion and adherence to confidentialities
  • Strong commitment to personal growth, good government and nonpartisanship
  • Fellows are expected to participate in all Fellow’s activities throughout the duration of the program. This includes LSU classes & course work, activities with Fellows Cohort, between 20-40 hours of work within assigned executive agencies per week, and other opportunities that may arise.
  • Failure to adhere to the above requirements may result in removal from the Fellowship and loss of the stipend.

Classification Requirements:

  • Undergraduate students who have completed their freshman year
  • Graduate students who have completed at least one year of their degree program (e.g., MPA, JD, MSW, etc.);
  • In addition to graduate and undergraduate students, students who have completed at least one academic year at a two-year college and are at least 21 years of age may apply for the Fellows Program

Benefits to participating Fellows:

  • Student housing on LSU’s campus in Baton Rouge. (participants are encouraged to stay on campus)
  • Three hours of course credit offered through Louisiana State University’s Department of Public Administration
  • Up to a $1,500 stipend for additional expenses

Application Checklist

· Complete, unofficial transcript (an official transcript will be required for Finalist Candidates)

· Resume including education and employment history

· Letter of professional recommendation from a professor or supervisor

· Letter of personal recommendation (not from a family member)

· 500-word essay on a House or Senate bill from the 2024 Louisiana Regular Session. In your essay, please address whether the Governor supported or opposed the bill.

Please list the top three State Departments you are most interested in

Applications are Now Closed

 

Abbigale Ardoin

Louisiana State Police

 

George Bourdier

Louisiana Workforce Commission

George W. Bourdier, a native of New Iberia, Louisiana, is a rising senior at Washington University in St. Louis. There, he majors in Global Studies with a concentration in International Affairs and minors in Spanish. He previously interned in Commercial Real Estate with NAI Latter & Blum in Baton Rouge. George is a student-athlete on WashU’s varsity track and field team, competing in both the pole vault and sprints. He is an NCAA All-American in the pole vault and a UAA All-Conference honoree in both the 200m and pole vault. On campus, George is actively involved in the WashU Real Estate Club, the WashU Stand-Up Comedy Club, and Beta Theta Pi fraternity, where he serves as Executive Coordinator and New Member Educator. After graduation, he plans to attend law school.

 

Carson Condos

Louisiana Division of Administration

 

Peyton Curry

Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness

Peyton Curry is a current senior at High Point University, in High Point, NC. Peyton is a political science major with a minor in business administration. At High Point, Peyton has been a member of HPU’s Club Baseball Team, Turning Point Chapter, and College Republicans. He is a Co-creator of Enable Love, an advocacy group for disabled adults. During his spare time, Peyton enjoys indulging in sports, weightlifting, and spending quality time with his friends and family. Upon graduation in December, Peyton aspires to either attend Law School or start a career in counter terrorism at the federal level.

 

Brenden Daigle

Louisiana Department of Transportation

Brenden Daigle is a native of Lafayette, Louisiana and a Junior at the University of Louisiana. He is pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Cybersecurity, as well as minors in Mathematics and Legal Studies. Brenden is also involved in the Student Government Association as this year’s elected student body Vice President, the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity as a previous Chapter Treasurer and executive board member, the Order of Omega Greek honor society as its secretary, and the Interfraternity Council executive board as its Vice President of Development. In his free time, Brenden enjoys hanging out with friends, traveling, and creating music. After graduating, he plans to attend law school with the hopes of integrating new advancements in technology into public policy and laying the foundation for creating fair laws in a digitalized world.

 

Olivia Dyer

Louisiana National Guard

Olivia Dyer is a proud Dallas, Texas native and a recent graduate of Grambling State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. She previously served as a social media intern with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, and Coca Cola United. As a dedicated member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Olivia works alongside her Sorors to champion social action and policy reform. She aspires to begin her career on Capitol Hill as a congressional intern in Washington, D.C., with plans to pursue a master’s degree after gaining valuable experience in the field.

 

Kyle Hidalgo

Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

Kyle Hidalgo is a native of Sun, Louisiana. He is a senior at Southeastern Louisiana University and a member of Southeastern's Honors College. He majors in Political Science and Economics. Last year, he served as Southeastern's Student Body President. Kyle is a founding member of the Theta Nu chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, where he has served in numerous officer roles. Kyle has also held officer roles in multiple organizations, including Vice President of the Honors Student Association, Vice President of the Interfraternity Council, and Member of the Southeastern Debate Team. Kyle has interned at a law firm in Hammond, has worked for the FDA, and is a counselor for Louisiana Boys State. Following graduation, he plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration and ultimately earn a Ph.D.

 

Madeline Joffrion

Louisiana Department of Health

Madeline Joffrion is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and is a rising senior at the University of Arkansas majoring in biology with a pre-dental focus. She combines her academic studies with practical experience working as a dental intern throughout the semesters, further developing her skills and passion for dentistry. Madeline also volunteers at the non-profit organization 99 Balloons where she aids in their mission to change the story of disability. As an active member of the founding chapter of Chi Omega and participant in various campus organizations, Madeline has gotten the opportunity to serve in many different philanthropic roles supporting the community of Northwest Arkansas. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, walking her dog, baking, and spending time with family and friends. After graduating college, Madeline plans to attend dental school and pursue a career in pediatric dentistry, where she hopes to make a positive impact on children’s health and smiles.

 

Zane Jones

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Zane Jones is a Construction Management major at Louisiana State University, with minors in Business, Technical Sales, and Political Science. Originally from Slidell, Louisiana, he has worked for the past year and six months as a Pre-Construction Intern with Mapp Construction in Baton Rouge, contributing to bids and takeoffs for multimillion-dollar commercial projects. His previous experience also includes internships with ISC Group and Broadmoor Construction, where he assisted in managing documentation and project controls for large-scale industrial construction efforts as well as commercial. Zane has served as a legislative intern in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, where he conducted policy research, drafted constituent correspondence, and attended Congressional hearings. His time on Capitol Hill strengthened his understanding of the legislative process and deepened his commitment to public service. He is also an active member of several local political organizations. Most recently he served in a leadership role within LSU’s Construction Student Association, where he oversaw the largest annual fundraising event and promoted student involvement in the construction industry. As a leader in LSU’s CSA, he helped achieve record attendance, fundraising, and student participation for the event.

 

Rylie Theriot

Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources

Rylie Jeau Theriot, a native of Morgan City, Louisiana, is a senior at Louisiana State University at Alexandria dual-majoring in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Her achievements include being the sole Louisiana Delegate to attend the 2019 FBI Youth Leadership Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Rylie played Division I Softball for the United States Military Academy at West Point before transferring to LSUA, where she became Team Captain and received the Best Teammate Award for the NAIA softball team. Academically, Rylie consistently maintains an honors-level GPA. Her extensive awards include the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Bronze Good Citizenship Award, the Congress of Future American Leaders Excellence Award, and selection as a National Security, Diplomacy, Intelligence, and Defense Youth Leadership Candidate. Beyond her studies and athletics, Rylie is actively involved in campus life as a member of the Psychology and Criminal Justice clubs and also volunteers for the Miracle League of LA, coaching softball for children with special needs. Rylie plans to pursue a masters and doctorate in Neuropsychology and Criminology with a goal to work in criminal investigation, profiling, and targeted violence prevention. 

Justin Thomas Jr.

Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority

Justin Thomas Jr. is a native of Shreveport, Louisiana. He is a senior majoring in Political Science and minoring in Mass Communications with a concentration in Broadcasting at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Justin is a distinguished Harvard Law School Zero-L Program Honoree and Louisiana Governor’s Fellow, with a strong commitment to creating policies that support underserved communities. On campus, he actively contributes as a Jaguar Ambassador, a member of OnThisBluff, American Sign Language Club and the newly elected Senator for the College of Government and Social Sciences. He also holds leadership roles in several organizations, including the College of Entrepreneurs Activities Coordinator SU Pre-Law Society PR Chair, SGA Executive Cabinet Intern, Men’s Federation PR Intern, and serves as a mentor with the NAACP At-Risk Youth Program. Additionally, Justin gained valuable experience as an intern at the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, furthering his legal expertise. After graduation, he plans to pursue a Master’s in Public Policy, followed by a Ph.D. in the same field. He is passionate about civic engagement, social justice, and transformative leadership and is determined to shape inclusive, impactful policies for future generations.

 

Mackenzie Ward

Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services

 

 

 Previous Governor's Fellows

2024