Experience a Semester in Washington, D.C.

Curriculum

Fall 2024: Foundational Learning Online

“Fundamentals of Public Advocacy for Informed Citizens” is a free, noncredit online course. Learners go at their own pace and earn a credential upon completion.

Developed by the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy, the course teaches how to interact with policymakers at all levels of government. Learners acquire an understanding of the different levels; which to contact regarding specific issues; how to effectively communicate positions; how to develop relationships with elected officials and staff; and how to advocate for positions and outcomes. This Fall experience will be taught by FIU alumna and former State Senator Anitere Flores.

In addition to this micro-credential, several others are available if you have scheduling conflicts, such as Civic Leadership and Engagement and DC Ready: Fundamentals of Government and Policy for Career Success.

Spring 2025: Immersive learning in the heart of the nation’s capital

The experience in Washington, D.C. includes three components that offer a comprehensive introduction to policymaking and advocacy at the highest levels.

Academic Courses: Up to Two In-person Courses

PAD 3003 (GL) Introduction to Public Policy and Service (3 credits): Provides an overview of the field of public administration by focusing on its development and importance in government operations. Must be taken in first 12 hours of upper-division coursework.

ISS 4385 Effective Governmental Communication (3 credits): Improves communications for governmental professions, enhancing research and effective writing skills, and developing briefing techniques.

Paid Internship (potential credit, per your department): A paid internship enables you to apply knowledge and skills gained from the micro-credential as you experience how policy is crafted and implemented and engage with key stakeholders in real-world settings. FIU’s student support team assists students to identify and apply for internships that align with their interests and connects them with mentors and coaches.

The Talent Lab: Learning Community: The FIU in DC center provides professional development presentations for students and recent graduates. The series enables students to: engage with policymakers across a spectrum of organizations; appreciate why communication is key to successful advocacy; understand how emerging technologies are transforming the career landscape and the skills to stay abreast of advances; recognize the value of seeking multiple perspectives on issues; and understand the value of entrepreneurial thinking, workplace soft skills, networking and goal setting.

Sample Internship Sites

Congress: Florida Members of Congress, Congressional Committees, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress

Executive Branch and Federal Agencies: The White House, White House Office of Science Technology Policy, Department of Commerce, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

National Strategic Partners: Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, MITRE Corporation, Partnership for Public Service, STEM Connector, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Global Leadership Council

Think Tanks: American Enterprise Institute, Brookings Institution, CATO Institute, Center for American Progress, Council on Foreign Relations, Heritage Foundation

Humanities and Culture: Smithsonian Museums

Adjunct Faculty and Guest Speakers Could Include

Former members of Congress and chiefs of staff, vice president of the National Association of Broadcasters, top officials from U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security, higher education lobbyists and public health experts.

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