Frequently Asked Questions

• The MCLEAPS (Maricopa County Leadership and Education Advancing Public Service) Internship Program at Arizona State University is a collaborative initiative between ASU and Maricopa County. It offers students paid internships in various Maricopa County departments, giving them hands-on experience in public service and local government operations.
• The program is designed to help students:
  • Develop professional skills
  • Gain insights into government operations and public policy
  • Network with county leaders and professionals
  • Contribute to meaningful projects that affect the local community
• Internships are typically offered in fields such as public administration, public health, law, criminal justice, and environmental services, among others. Students can apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, while receiving mentorship from professionals in their chosen area of interest.
• The MCLEAPS program often focuses on students who are interested in public service careers, providing them with exposure to the challenges and rewards of working in government.

• Interns are required to work full 40-hour weeks at their internship site.
• In addition to the actual internships, interns will attend 4 professional development sessions hosted by Maricopa County Training and Development, as well as two different workshop days in preparation to the end-of-term Recognition Event.
• The program is only offered in the spring and fall terms. The internships themselves run concurrent to the semester start and end dates

• Students must submit their application at https://links.asu.edu/mcleapsapp during the application window to be considered for the program. A full application will include:
  • Resume
  • Unofficial Transcript
  • Statement of interest
• Students may apply and be considered for more than one MCLEAPS internship opportunity, relevant to their studies and for which they meet the qualifications. Candidates will need a separate Statement of Interest for each position for which they apply.
• Applications received by the deadline will be reviewed by the ASU-MCLEAPS Internship Coordinator for referral to Maricopa County. Selected applicants will be reviewed and interviewed by Maricopa County. Successful candidates will be offered the internship at or after the end of the semester preceding the internship period, contingent on passing the employment background check.

You will receive a $6,000 stipend spread out throughout the semester as compensation for you work at Maricopa County. 

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. 

Students can earn credit hours towards their academic program through our internships. Please consult your academic advisor and the internship coordinator for your major or school to ensure the internship meets eligibility requirements towards graduation.