Ralph Miller Public Service Internship Program

Every June, the Georgia Federation of Public Service Employees awards a year-long paid internship to a high school or college student. The Ralph Miller Public Service Internship honors the memory of Mr. Ralph Miller's commitment to public service and service to others.

This internship offers unique opportunities for participants to gain structured, hands-on experience in public service, labor unions, community engagement, and politics. The intern generally works full-time during the summer and around their studies during the school year. Typically, the internship involves working directly with various elected officials, political campaigns, labor union projects, and community service programs. The intern is assigned an FPSE mentor to help support their year-long growth, development, and exposure.

Qualifications:

  • At least a high school junior or a college undergraduate
  • At least a 2.5 GPA and two letters of recommendation
  • Ability to work 20-40 hours a week during the summer and handle special projects during their fall and spring semesters around their class schedule
  • Submit a complete application between April 1 and April 30
  • The intern will earn $20 - $25 an hour

About Mr. Ralph Miller:

A native of Alabama, Ralph Miller attended Alabama State University before graduating from Cal Lutheran University, where he served as Chair of the Black Student Union and played on its national championship football team. Drafted by the New Orleans Saints, Miller played tight end and was named an All-American. He also played for other NFL teams, including the Houston Oilers, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers, New York Giants, and San Francisco 49ers.

Miller’s trade union career began as a founding member of the NFL Players Association and as a Strike Captain during the 1974 NFL Strike. After leaving professional football, Miller joined the Los Angeles County Probation Department in 1976 and became a union steward shortly after. He was elected union president in 1997. His other union roles include serving as a regional President and National Vice President, representing public employees nationwide. He also served as vice president of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO. He was a member of the Board of Directors for the African American Community and Labor Leaders (ACLLA), as well as treasurer of the Coalition of County Unions.

Miller's community service included serving as president of the Pasadena Family Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, being a commissioner on the Pasadena Human Services Commission, and participating on the California Criminal Justice Committee and the California Probation Service Task Force, appointed by Chief Justice Ronald George. Miller also sat on the Board of Directors of the Miguel Contreras Foundation, which awards scholarships to promising students in the Los Angeles area.

Throughout his 45-year career as a Los Angeles County Deputy Probation Officer, Miller was dedicated to mentoring youth and advocating for public service, political involvement, community engagement, and union leadership. Miller played a key role in recruiting young leaders to carry on the work and support for quality public service.

End of Watch for Deputy Probation Officer Mr. Ralph Miller was March 5, 2025. In April 2025, FPSE named its Internship Program in his memory. The spirit and memory of Mr. Ralph Miller will forever live within FPSE and our Interns.