The University of Vermont and Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin have announced a new graduate program designed to train tomorrow’s leaders by putting them to work on issues facing the state today.

The Governor’s Cabinet Graduate Internship Program, administered by the UVM Department of Community Development and Applied Economics Master of Public Administration program, will provide new opportunities for top graduate students to work alongside state officials, doing meaningful work for the state while gaining invaluable experience in the public sector.

The program is open to graduate students attending Vermont schools and to Vermont graduate students attending out-of-state schools. “We want to encourage and support the next generation of public servants here in Vermont,” said Gov. Shumlin. “This program will provide outstanding young people with meaningful, engaging experience in service to our state, while introducing our agencies to these bright, innovative emerging leaders.”

Professor Christopher Koliba, director of the UVM Master of Public Administration Program, said of the new program, “Vermont provides a unique environment to study and engage in public policy. Our state government, known for its accessibility, is an outstanding learning laboratory for students of public policy. We are thrilled to be able to offer this experience to Vermont graduate students through our program, and look forward to seeing the great work that will emerge from this collaboration for Vermont.”

To learn more about the new program, view current internship opportunities and apply, students can visit the UVM MPA website at www.uvm.edu/mpa. While applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, students interested in fall opportunities should submit their applications by early August.