U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., is now accepting applications for summer and fall internship positions in his Washington, D.C., Sioux Falls, Rapid City and Aberdeen offices.

The internship program matches interns' interests to South Dakota and federal issues and provides a firsthand opportunity to experience a wide range of office duties. Interns may attend hearings, research issues for projects and work with the office administrative staff. Students may also apply to intern in the press shop for Johnson. Press interns work on tracking media coverage, organizing clips, writing releases and other activities.

"This is an excellent opportunity for college students to experience the United States Senate, Capitol Hill and Washington, D.C.," Johnson said. "An internship in my Washington, D.C., office will provide students with a chance to serve South Dakota and gain first-hand knowledge of the federal government."

Internships in Johnson's state offices will provide students with in-depth knowledge of current issues affecting the state and the opportunity to work directly with South Dakotans. An intern in a state office will assist staff with special events, constituent casework and administrative functions.

Johnson is a member of the following committees: Appropriations; Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; Energy and Natural Resources; Ethics; and Indian Affairs. In addition to these committees, Johnson also is involved in issue areas that include economic development, health care and education.

College sophomores, juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply for Johnson's summer or fall internship program. College credits or a stipend are available. To apply for a state office internship, please call, toll-free, 800-537-0025. To apply for a Washington, D.C., internship, students should submit a cover letter, resume, references and a writing sample to:

Senator Tim Johnson, attention Lindsey Wagner, Intern Coordinator, or Jeff Gohringer, Press Intern Coordinator, to 136 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510; or fax application materials to 202-228-5765, or e-mail them to lindsey_wagner@johnson.senate.gov or jeff_gohringer@johnson.senate.gov.