Bill > HR8409

This bill establishes the Department of State Student Internship Program, a paid internship program that provides students the opportunity to learn about a career in diplomacy and foreign affairs. The key provisions of the bill include: - Eligibility criteria for the program, such as being a current student at an institution of higher education (either in the U.S. or abroad) and being able to obtain a security clearance. - Selection criteria for the program, including demonstrable interest in a career in foreign affairs and academic performance. - Requirements for the Department of State to widely advertise the program, including targeted outreach to underrepresented groups. - Compensation for student participants, including a minimum wage of at least the federal minimum wage or the minimum wage of the jurisdiction where the internship is located, as well as housing and travel assistance for certain participants. - A requirement for the Department of State to transition all unpaid internship programs to paid programs within one year. - Reporting requirements to Congress on the program's participation, security clearance process, expenditures, and compliance with the law. - Protections ensuring employee participation in data collection for the program is voluntary and subject to applicable privacy laws.