South West Illinois News

Shantel Franklin has been selected as the 2016 Alexander Lane intern through the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute (PSPPI) at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

The young woman from Chicago will serve on the Illinois General Assembly’s legislative staff with the Senate Democratic Caucus under Senate President John Cullerton.

Linda Baker mentors students working through the Alexander Lane internship during their stay in Springfield. The university professor at the institute is the former Secretary of the Department of Human Services and Director of the Department of Employment Security. She is also the first African-American legislative liaison for an Illinois governor.

“The Alexander Lane Internship Program gives promising students a valuable opportunity to work directly with the General Assembly, learning important professional skills as well as learning how state government functions firsthand. It is a pleasure to work with the students directly and observe their interest in our democracy,” she said.

PSPPI Director David Yepsen said that the institute was pleased that such opportunities were made available to SIU with the help and support of private donors.

“Shantel is an impressive young woman focused on a career in public service. She will be an asset to the office and will substantially enhance her skill sets and increase her understanding of how government works and policies are made,” Yepsen said.

Franklin will graduate in May with a bachelor of arts degree in political science.