Assemblyman Brabenec Highlights Role of Interns in Public Service

Every summer in the Hudson Valley of New York, a group of bright high school and college students step into public service through Assemblyman Karl Brabenec’s internship program. These interns bring with them energy, curiosity, and a genuine desire to serve their community while gaining a firsthand look at how state government works.

Brabenec said the interns not only contribute to the daily operations of his office but also help shape the experience of constituents who reach out for assistance. They answer calls, schedule meetings, guide residents through state programs, and lend a hand at local events—ensuring that every voice is heard and every concern addressed.

The program is more than just an office job. Interns sit in on meetings, attend community functions, and witness how policies move from ideas to laws in Albany. For many, it becomes their first close-up lesson in civic engagement and leadership. “They see what it means to listen to people, to solve problems, and to work hard on behalf of neighbors,” Brabenec explained. “These are lessons that last a lifetime.”

This year’s group, he noted, has been especially impressive. They navigated complicated state programs on behalf of residents, brought fresh perspectives to the office, and carried themselves with professionalism and heart. Watching students grow in confidence and develop a deeper understanding of civic life, he said, is one of the most rewarding aspects of his role.

Brabenec also sees the program as an investment in the region’s future. By opening doors for young people to explore careers in government and public service, he hopes to inspire the next generation of leaders. “The next generation of leaders is right here in the Hudson Valley,” he said. “Giving them the opportunity to serve, learn, and grow is an investment in the future of our community, and I am honored to play a part in it.”

For students, the internship provides real-world experience, skill-building opportunities, and the chance to make a difference in their community. For the district, it offers the reassurance that tomorrow’s leaders are already preparing today.