Early Bird

Hart Center for Public Service places first cohort of student interns

The MSU Denver-based organization is preparing Roadrunners to become leaders in change.

By Josie Lavender

February 10, 2021

Last year, former U.S. Sen. Gary Hart and alumni of his campaigns founded the Hart Center for Public Service at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Recognizing the inclusive nature of public service, the center builds on Hart’s vision for service and calls on citizens from all walks of life to enact positive change in their communities.

Together, the center and MSU Denver will provide fellowships, research opportunities and community-based projects to improve the community at large and enhance American democracy. They will build opportunities for faculty members to design innovative coursework and provide students with Hart Center mentors, public-service internships and valuable experience through public-service fellowships.

While the center continues to refine its strategy and prepares for a public launch this year, it’s already working toward its goal of preparing MSU Denver students to become leaders of change in civic work. This semester, the Hart Center selected nine Roadrunners to serve in its first cohort of paid public-service internships.

“(Public service) is more than government and legislature,” said Helen Hall, program manager for the Hart Center. “Public service is any service to humankind.”

The internships range from patient care with the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition to equity projects with the United Nations Association of Boulder County. One MSU Denver student studying water management was even placed in a position with Denver Water. Soon, students will be paired with government, entertainment, sports and community leaders who will serve as mentors.

Meaningful compensation is also a priority for the Hart Center. Student interns will receive Denver’s new minimum wage of $15 an hour, which incentivizes students to enter public service and provides added financial stability. Keep an eye out for these Roadrunner interns reimagining their possible and the program’s public launch this year.

Learn more about the Hart Center for Public Service.