ORONO — The 2015 Maine Government Summer Internship Program began May 26, with college students interning in various state agencies.

The Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center at the University of Maine administers the program — a full-time, 12-week, paid work experience.

Most students study at in-state colleges and universities, while others are Maine residents pursuing their education out of state.

For years, the program has offered the opportunity for talented college students to work within Maine state government. Interns provide valuable assistance to state agencies while gaining practical and professional skills in their fields of study. Most interns are based in Augusta, while others travel to work in various parts of the state.

A total of 1,712 students have participated in the program. Undergraduate and graduate students who either reside in Maine or attend a Maine school are eligible.

Local interns include:

Joseph Greco, of Greene, is a political science/business management major at Thomas College. Greco is a property management intern in the Bureau of General Services/Property Management Division with the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services.

Jesse Juntura, of Greene, is a government/global studies major at the University of Maine. Juntura is a migrant education field and office assistant in the Migrant Education Office with the Maine Department of Education.

Taylor Talmage, of Auburn, attends the University of Maine School of Law. Talmage is a legal intern in the Office of the Public Advocate with the Maine Executive Department.

Drew Olehowski, of Lewiston, is an environmental engineering major at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Olehowski is a hydrology-water resources intern at the Environmental Office-Surface Water Resources Division at the Maine Department of Transportation.