Florida State University’s innovative Applied Politics and Policy Learning Experience (APPLE) program recently marked its third anniversary with another impactful visit to Capitol Hill. The year-long experiential learning initiative offers students unparalleled insights into career opportunities in politics and policy.
APPLE is a one-of-a-kind program that provides a select group of FSU Political Science undergraduate students with training in active citizenship and civic governance, combining three semesters of experiential learning opportunities at the local, state and national levels.
“There is no other program like it in the country,” said Founding Co-Director and Political Science Professor Amanda Driscoll. “It is a truly transformative experience; our students emerge with unparalleled early career experiences that prepare them to enter their chosen professions with confidence.”
Students spend the fall semester working on projects relating to local policymaking and governance, meeting with representatives from Leon County, the City of Tallahassee and local stakeholder interest groups. In the spring, students participate in the Governmental Relations Legislative Internship Program, where they serve as interns for the fast-paced Florida legislative session.
The summer semester culminates with Washington D.C., where participants gain experience in internships of their choosing, living and taking classes at The Washington Center in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Following a White House visit coordinated by the office of U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL), the 12 APPLE students were joined by another 13 FSU undergraduates at the U.S. Capitol to meet with U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D–FL), who shared firsthand insights into federal policymaking and his experience as the youngest member of Congress.
The students also met with noted FSU alumni currently serving as congressional staffers, who shared valuable experiences and advice for navigating career paths on Capitol Hill.
Alumni speakers included:
- Trinity Tresner (’22) and Adriana Diaz (’24), Scheduler and Staff Assistant for Rep. Maxwell Frost;
- Khamare Garner (’22), Special Advisor for Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA);
- Jack Hitchcock (’24), Legislative Correspondent for Senator Rick Scott (R-FL);
- Daniel Muniz (‘23/’24), Legislative Aide for Rep. Addison McDowell (R-NC);
- Dominique Yelinski (’16), Deputy Policy Director for House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA);
- Edgar Barrios (’19), Communications Assistant for U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA).
This capstone event marks the culmination of many students’ internships in Washington, D.C., where they served as interns on Capitol Hill in lobbying firms, advocacy organizations and the White House.
“The APPLE program was the single most beneficial experience I have had in my undergraduate years,” said Elias Barcena, who interned at the Florida House and in the Office of Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL). “The insight I received from experiences in all three levels of government was extremely valuable, and I feel ready to enter the professional workforce.”
With three successful years of the program, and thanks to the generous financial backing of FSU’s Institute for Governance and Civics, APPLE is gearing up for the fourth cohort of students who will begin the program this fall. Members of the third APPLE cohort will serve as mentors to their successors while finishing their undergraduate degrees on campus.
The APPLE program offers a seamless blend of academic coursework, policy training and experiential learning designed to shape future leaders. This growing alumni network—with seasoned political professionals—ensures APPLE students benefit from strong mentorship alongside rigorous academic training.
For more on APPLE, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/polisci/apple/.
To learn more about the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy which houses the program and the Department of Political Science, visit cosspp.fsu.edu.