Sept. 30, 2026
Photos by Mary Bean and Meghan Aslin
For Quin Roney, BS ’24, a semester spent interning in Jefferson City did more than give him experience in Missouri government. It gave him connections that would shape the beginning of his career.
“I met many representatives, lobbyists and legislative staff in the building,” Roney said. “Those relationships proved to be incredibly valuable, ultimately leading to an opportunity to work on a statewide campaign the following summer.”
Today, Roney works for the Missouri Speaker of the House of Representatives. And he credits his Civic Leadership Internship Program (CLIP) experience at the University of Missouri with helping him get there.
“Every job I have had since then has come directly from the connections gained from the internship,” he said.
Roney’s experience illustrates what CLIP is designed to do: move students beyond the classroom and into the places where policy is discussed, decisions are made and communities are represented.
And more Mizzou students than ever are taking advantage of that opportunity.
Historic growth
In just one year, CLIP more than doubled its number of student participants, placing a record 133 students in internships during the Spring 2026 semester.
The growth represents a dramatic increase from the 67 students who participated the previous spring and follows a steady recovery since participation dipped after the COVID-19 pandemic.
For Chad Follis, director of CLIP, the growth reflects what students increasingly recognize about the value of learning by doing.
“It’s just another unique avenue for students to experience policy and see how policy is made,” Follis said.
CLIP, operated through Mizzou’s Office of Community Engaged Learning (CEL), has connected students with civic leadership opportunities since 1999. Rooted in the Missouri Method, Mizzou’s commitment to learning by doing, CEL gives students opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world experiences through CLIP, service-learning courses, global service programs and a culminating minor in Leadership and Service.
Students can pursue government, lobbying and legal internships or work with nonprofit organizations at the local, state and national levels. Government interns typically work directly with a policymaker’s office, gaining exposure to the legislative process and contributing to the day-to-day work of public service.
Rather than simply observing public service, students become part of it.
“We want students to actually be doing the work — they’re actively contributing in whatever capacity they legally can,” Follis said. “They’re doing this work for the citizens, for the community, for the state.”
For Kinsey Evans, BHS ’24, this hands-on experience directly translated into another opportunity.
Evans participated in CLIP during the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions, first working in the Missouri House of Representatives under Rep. Patty Lewis.
“Because of my internship through CLIP, I was able to gain a connection with a legislative assistant and get a job as a legislative assistant for the 2025 session,” Evans said.
For students considering their first steps into a career, those connections can make a lasting difference.
Opportunities to get involved
CLIP’s historic growth shows that Mizzou students are ready to engage with the civic world — and the program’s future depends on a community willing to help create those experiences.
For students, CLIP offers a chance to turn what they are learning at Mizzou into meaningful professional experience. Applications for Spring 2027 CLIP internships are open through Oct. 11. Apply now.
For government offices and nonprofit organizations, hosting a CLIP intern is an opportunity to bring a Mizzou student onto the team while helping prepare the next generation of civic and community leaders. Organizations interested in becoming a CLIP partner can connect with the Office of Community Engaged Learning to learn more. Connect with CEL.
For the Mizzou community, supporting CLIP helps make these experiences possible for more students. Donations provide critical support for student internships and help expand access to hands-on learning beyond the classroom. Donate here.
CLIP continues to connect Mizzou students with the people and organizations shaping Missouri and communities across the country. With record participation and growing student demand, CLIP is opening the door for more students, partners and supporters to be part of what comes next.
