It is the intent of the Legislature that the institute provide public leadership training in two primary areas:

(a) Students nearing completion of the requirements for a bachelor of arts degree or for a master’s degree shall be eligible for internships with local, state, and federal government officials without regard to political party affiliation. The internship experience shall provide students with the opportunity to develop public leadership skills while gaining practical knowledge of the day-to-day operations of government and the political process.

(b) The institute shall develop and sponsor seminars, extension courses, and symposia on topics directly related to public administration in local and state government. The institute shall serve as a nonpartisan training center to provide elected officials with practical, intensive, and convenient instruction in topics such as public finance, staff administration, budget planning, drafting of legislation, and the legislative process. The institute shall issue certificates for completion of course and program modules.

(Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 593, Sec. 1. Effective October 10, 1999.)