FIU has announced the opening of a dynamic new hub for alumni, faculty and students in our nation’s capital, and a reinvigorated approach to the university’s initiatives in Washington, D.C.
On the week of June 6-10, FIU will open the doors to its new hub just a few short blocks from Union Station and Capitol Hill. Building upon the strong foundation laid by our active alumni network in Washington, FIU in Washington, D.C. will provide a greater platform for its alumni, students and staff to engage with national thought leaders, co-work, and soon take advantage of professional and academic opportunities.
“As FIU’s footprint continues to grow in our Nation’s Capital, our collective voice in shaping policy and the political landscape grows with it. We welcome the FIU Family from across the country to join us in this little slice of Miami in DC.” said William A. Ramos, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
YOU TOO CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN DC!
In advance of this launch, alumni across the country are being asked to consider supporting our students and recent grads eager to intern in the District by making a contribution to the Make A Difference Scholarship Fund. This program provides financial backing to life-changing opportunities for Panthers who otherwise would not be able to afford to make their dreams realities.
“Our alumni network can make a critical impact on transforming careers for our brightest here in Washington,” said Katherine Vargas, class of 2004 alumna and current public affairs manager at Google. “I remember when I came to Washington for my internship, I had to take a loan because I couldn’t afford an unpaid internship and on top of that worked on the weekends to get some supplemental money. I’m glad that I was driven enough to want to come here at all costs; for many students who have family responsibilities, an unpaid internship is simply not an option. Let’s change that.”
To donate today, visit give.fiu.edu/dc.
STUDENT INTERNSHIPS AND ALUMNI EMPLOYMENT
One of the newer approaches in Washington is a greater focus on student internships and employment. As part of its efforts to bolster these, FIU Governmental Relations has brought on board Ethan Starkey to serve as an internship & career success manager, in partnership with the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute. Our alumni network has also always been critical to serving as mentors and opening doors to job leads in Washington. Already this year, 32 employment referrals have been made, six employment offers accepted, and 56 students have found internships in D.C. Thanks to corporate support, four internship partnerships have been funded.
DC LAUNCH WEEK: June 6-10th
During the launch week on June 6-10, FIU will host exclusive academic panels, legislative briefings, alumni gatherings, and more official opening activities. For more on the schedule, please email federal@fiu.edu.
The space—located at 440 1st Street NW in Washington, D.C., complete with a welcome center, multipurpose classroom, board room, and several co-working spaces—is available for faculty, alumni and friends to use throughout the year.
For more information, please visit washingtondc.fiu.edu.
For the launch week schedule, please email federal@fiu.edu.
To follow the launch of and work by FIU in D.C., add us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!