SHREVEPORT – LSUS student government president Katelyn Scheider will get a taste of how the Louisiana government works this summer.
Schneider was awarded a spot in the Governor’s Fellows Program, a two-month adventure in which college students assist a Louisiana cabinet-level agency in Baton Rouge.
The Bossier City native aspires to work with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services.
“I’m really interested in politics and social work, and I want to help people in any way I can and be a voice for those people,” said Schneider, a junior studying psychology with a minor in sociology. “I’ve always been great with kids. I work in a nursery, and both of my parents are teachers.
“Besides the experience, I’m looking forward to learning how state government and legislation works. I know we can have a big impact as students and citizens.”
Fellows must have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to public service, volunteerism and political involvement along with a 3.0 GPA.
On top of taking a class through LSU’s Department of Public Administration, fellows will be working 20-40 hours per week in their designated cabinet-level agency. Schneider will also live on LSU’s campus during those months.
Schneider learned about the opportunity through the Council of Student Body Presidents, of which she’s the vice chair.
Her on-campus involvement at LSUS stemmed from a “failure” as a freshman.
“I tried out to be an orientation leader, and I didn’t get it because I didn’t have enough social capital and wasn’t involved enough on campus,” Schneider said. “The first place I looked to get involved was the Student Government Association, and I enjoyed it so much that I took a leap and ran for president as a sophomore.”
The Parkway High graduate served as the SGA president this year and was re-elected for a second term as a senior.
“The SGA has everything to do with students, and we work closely with the Student Activities Board to make the on-campus experience the best we can,” Schneider said. “We want to let students know that we’re a first-hand resource. We’re for students, by students.”
