FIU in Washington, D.C., Case Statement

FIU IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

NEXT HORIZON

FIU IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

NEXT HORIZON— T H E CA M PA I G N FO R F I U Next Horizon—The Campaign for FIU is the University’s groundbreaking fundraising effort. The campaign’s $750 million fundraising goal is ambitious and representative of just how high FIU has set its sights. FIU in Washington, D.C., plays a critical role in achieving this goal.

Through the campaign, we will secure the investment necessary to improve the future of every FIU student, elevate our Miami hometown, and expand FIU’s reach and research impact through our academic and policy programs, student internships, convenings, and partnerships in D.C. The Next Horizon of discovery and innovation; health and society; environment and resilience; influence and enterprise; and community, arts, and culture will be achieved by focusing on two pillars—student success and research excellence— and attracting investments in the following campaign objectives: • • • • •

Increase scholarships and student support Optimize 21st-century teaching Advance a vibrant, healthy Miami Accelerate research and discoveries Escalate discovery to enterprise

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FIU IN WASHINGTON, D.C., W I L L B E C O M E A G L O B A L LY R E C O G N I Z E D P L AT F O R M FOR ACHIEVING SOLUTIONS THROUGH P E O P L E , P O L I C Y, A N D PA RT N E R S H I P S. Florida International University in Washington, D.C., connects Miami and the FIU community with resources in our nation’s capital. In doing so, we catalyze impact in Miami, across the nation, and around the world. Through The Talent Lab, Idea Exchange programming, and FIU’s research enterprise, we provide our partners with access to researchdriven solutions and top-tier workforce candidates to rise to the challenges of our time and deliver results.

FIU in DC is a global platform for Miami’s top-rated public research university, showing what it means to be on the next horizon of higher education. Fueled by FIU’s $750 million Next Horizon campaign, we will build relationships that advance FIU’s faculty, students, alumni, and funding partners—amplifying FIU’s reputation as a major international university.

FIU IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

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annual programs and events position our faculty and students with thought leaders and policymakers on the most consequential topics.

“FIU in DC expands the University’s reach into the heart of the nation’s capital.

Having a seat at the center of decision-making means governmental agencies responsible for allocating funds for research are aware of the cutting-edge research at FIU. In addition, having a hub in D.C. helps us to convey the FIU story—the discoveries taking place here and our fantastic growth over a short time—and it provides a foot in the door for some of our hardest-working and motivated students. To continue our success, FIU must remain visible and active in Washington.”

— Dr. Ranu Jung, Professor and Chair of the College of Engineering & Computing’s Department of Biomedical Engineering; Wallace H. Coulter Eminent Scholars Chair in Biomedical Engineering

1,000 students are supported through experiential programming and academic seminars.

3,000

FIU alumni are making an impact in policy, industry, and national organizations in the metropolitan D.C. area.

FIU students gather with Roary during a networking reception in Washington, D.C. Over 100 students intern in the nation’s capital annually and scores of others visit for experiential seminars.

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FIU IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

FIU: AN ENGINE OF SOCIAL MOBILITY AND A RESEARCH POWERHOUSE Since 1972, FIU has positioned itself as one of South Florida’s anchor institutions, dedicated to enriching lives in both local and global communities. With a student body of nearly 59,000, we are among the top 10 largest public universities in the nation. A Hispanic Serving Institution, our students reflect the future of our majority-minority nation. More than half of undergraduates qualify for Pell Grants, and nearly 25 percent are first generation college students.

FIU has 11 colleges and schools, including the Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs with a Model UN team consistently ranked in the top five in North America; the College of Business; the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine; and the College of Law, No. 1 in Florida for first-time passage rate on the Florida Bar Exam.

Miami’s only public research university, FIU holds the highest research classification— Carnegie Research 1 for Very High Research Activity. FIU is also ranked among the top 25 public universities in the world for the number of U.S. utility patents produced.

At FIU, we are committed to solving some of the greatest challenges of our time.

That commitment begins in our labs in Miami but extends to influencing policy and accelerating solutions in Washington, D.C. From designing resilient coastal infrastructure to protecting water quality, from promoting cybersecurity to working to combat health disparities, FIU researchers are using real innovation to make a real impact.

#1

in the nation in awarding bachelor’s degrees to Hispanics and minorities

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new engineering building phase I under construction on the Modesto A. Maidique Campus

$237M

in annual research expenditures

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Top-50 programs and other top rankings among U.S. public universities

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U.S. patents held through leading-edge research

“Having a platform in Washington, D.C., provides unique opportunities for FIU entities, such as the Institute of Environment, to have a voice and presence where policy is made and the majority of federal funding entities are located.

We have been able to host national meetings and workshops at FIU in DC that have allowed us to showcase FIU’s exceptional students and faculty. For a rapidly growing institution such as FIU, it is essential that we have a stage in D.C. to get our message out.”

— Dr. Todd Crowl, Professor and Director, Institute of Environment; Director, Center for Aquatic Chemistry and Environment FIU’s Wall of Wind is featured at the National Building Museum.

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FIU IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

FIU IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE T H E H A M I LT O N S C H O L A R S

FIU in Washington, D.C., is an integrated platform aimed at increasing FIU’s national reputation and federal support for FIU’s preeminent research, faculty, and students. We do this through a novel approach that combines advocacy for FIU’s research solutions and student success with convenings in our capital city that advance the national dialogue on critical issues.

“The FIU in DC team works tirelessly to offer FIU students from various disciplines internship opportunities in Washington. Interns, known as the Hamilton Scholars, are placed in federal agencies, think tanks, congressional offices, corporations, and other organizations in the nation’s capital.

Working in a dynamic and impactful environment, Hamilton Scholars gain first-hand experiences that enhance their knowledge, skills, and expertise. Another valuable aspect of the program is that our Hamilton Scholars have the opportunity to network with FIU alumni from across the political spectrum.

RESEARCH SOLUTIONS: FIU collaborates with the federal government and national partners to provide preeminent solutions for the challenges of our time. These include the University’s leading research programs on resilient coastal infrastructure, STEM education, cybersecurity, defense technology, biomedical engineering, health disparities and aging, and more. By paving the way for Washington-based advocacy efforts, we help grow the University’s portfolio of $237 million in annual sponsored research expenditures.

“Testimonials from those who have participated in the program express immense gratitude for the opportunity to work with national leaders who are charged with addressing, proposing, and implementing solutions to the problems and most critical issues facing our local, national, and global communities. The Hamilton Scholars Internship Program is realizing its dream of developing future leaders with a competitive edge.”

THE TALENT LAB: FIU’s students and alumni represent the creative, mission-driven, diverse future workforce our national partners need for multidisciplinary solutions. They go beyond the classroom and kick-start their careers in Washington as they engage mentors, participate in leadership seminars, and earn-and-learn in key internships throughout the capital. National leaders are also incorporated into our innovative academic programs.

IDEA EXCHANGE: Our dynamic hub on Capitol Hill serves as an access point and incubator for collaboration and consequential conversations. In any given year, we host national and international leaders, agency officials, presidential appointees, and corporate leaders to showcase the impact of our preeminent research through executive-style briefings and seminars. Our classrooms, offices, and quiet spaces offer faculty researchers, students, alumni, and Miami partners a place to call their own and a spot to comfortably convene with others.

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—Ruth Hamilton

Carlos Mondesir ‘21 presents to students visiting FIU in Washington, D.C., while interning at the U.S.

Ruth, former executive director of the Graham University Center, and Glenn Hamilton began donating to FIU in DC in 2016 and have launched the Hamilton Scholars.

Government Accountability Office before graduating with his Master’s in Public Administration.

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FIU IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

P R I O R I T Y I N I T I AT I V E S A NEW FIU IN WASHINGTON, D.C., FACILITY As we look toward a 2021 “reset” in our nation’s cities, including some excitement with the reopening of the central core of Washington, D.C., FIU envisions a dynamic, first-of-its-kind concept that would set a new standard for an engaged research university in Washington, D.C. A search is currently underway for a new facility: premium street-level space that would ensure visibility for FIU among government officials and visitors alike on their way to and from Capitol Hill. As Miami’s “embassy” in Washington, D.C., we envision creating an active hub that achieves some winwin for our partners: in-person and virtual executive education in disciplines that make sense for Washington, D.C. (i.e., top-ranked international business programs, engineering and technology, and hospitality management,

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to name a few). It would also allow us to showcase the impact of our faculty and their innovative research solutions in collaboration with government agencies that are relevant to these research strengths. This new location would enhance the academic experiences for FIU students interning in Washington, D.C., for a semester as well as expand the professional and social network of alumni recently moved to the region.

42%

more faculty interacted with Congress in 2019, including testifying at Congressional hearings and participating in other briefings.

Our premium location could also be an attractive site for national corporate partners and Miami-based visitors conducting business in the nation’s capital, serving as a hospitality hub for prospective clients, or providing other business development leads. Your support could help finance the purchase of this new facility or enhance our ability to enter a multiyear lease.

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STUDENT HOUSING As one of the nation’s largest public research universities, FIU comes to Washington, D.C., with big ambitions for its students. One of these is to secure student housing—a building that would allow us to co-locate FIU students coming to the nation’s capital to intern. By serving as a home base, this housing will help FIU students build community, fostering the best of that Miami spirit in a new city.

The vast majority of FIU students live offcampus, with most still living with their families. The search for and expense of securing housing often deters students from coming to Washington. Offering student housing would help our many first generation college students and students with limited resources to overcome these barriers.

We also foresee the residence hall offering classroom space for our student interns as well as guest rooms for faculty and administrators who come to Washington, D.C., on business. In addition to providing the latter with comfortable accommodations, the residence would also allow them to interact with current students in residence.

Similar to support for a new FIU in DC facility, your support could help finance the purchase of a student residence hall or give us the ability to enter a multi-year lease.

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FIU IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

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FIU students intern for Washington, D.C.-based organizations annually.

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FIU students interned for members of Congress representing districts throughout the country.

“I am a Hamilton Scholar for the spring 2021 semester. I hope to continue in governmental communications for a federal agency where I can use my digital multimedia skills in the STEM and public policy fields. The FIU in DC program has not only connected me with professionals and alumni but helped grow my skill set. These resources have provided me with opportunities that will build my skills and set me apart in the job market. I have no doubt that postgraduation I will land a dream opportunity with their guidance.”

— Lazaro Bosch, Digital Communications and Media major and FIU in DC intern. After graduation, Lazaro secured a job offer from NASA to use his expertise to reach out to young students and get them excited about futures in STEM. 11

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FIU IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP AND INTERNSHIP STIPENDS FIU students reflect the University’s key role as a public anchor institution: 82 percent of our students are minorities, 22 percent of undergraduates are the first in their families to pursue a college degree, and 56 percent of financial aid recipients come from families with annual incomes of $30,000 or less.

Most internships in Washington, D.C., are still unpaid, putting them out of reach for our deserving and driven student population. For these students, the costs of participating in a D.C. internship often prevent them from pursuing the opportunity.

Like leaders at the national level, Miami’s anchor institutions today recognize that more must be done to ensure that our hometown’s future leadership is better prepared to lead within the context of our national challenges, economic trends, and global diplomacy—all of which intersect in Washington, D.C. Through FIU in DC, the University has taken bold steps to give our students engaged leadership opportunities in one of the top 10 global cities of the world.

You can help advance our mission by supporting internship stipends, a gift that will transform our students’ lives and the future of civic leadership in both Washington, D.C., and Miami for generations to come.

82%

of FIU students are minorities.

“I interned in the office of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, where I helped constituents with issues such as immigration and homeland security. I’ve learned that my calling is to be a public servant.”

—Carolina Machin, an undergraduate in Communication Arts with a Pre-Law track

22%

of FIU undergraduates are the first in their families to pursue a college degree.

56%

of FIU’s financial aid recipients come from families with annual incomes of $30,000 or less.

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FIU IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

JOURNEY WITH FIU TO THE NEXT HORIZON

“I was part of the October 2019 Master in Public Administration Fly-In, in what was just supposed to be a class trip for me. Instead, it opened my eyes to the many opportunities that are available.

One of the first agencies we visited was the Government Accountability Office, whose mission caught my attention. The skills that I learned at GAO helped me to receive my job offers. I started working as a budget and management analyst for Broward County three weeks after my internship ended. That Fly-In and FIU inspired me and reminded me that anything is possible.”

FIU in Washington, D.C., seeks to solve for a better future through people, policy, and partnerships in our nation’s capital. Our three pillars of engagement — Research Solutions, The Talent Lab, and Idea Exchange programming — provide a national platform for research faculty and students to work on critical challenges and form alliances with key decision makers.

Now we seek the passion and philanthropy of FIU alumni, family, and friends to realize these ambitions. With your generous support, we will establish a permanent foothold in Washington, D.C. Through tasteful, centrally located, and flexibleuse facilities, the University seeks to showcase the impact of our preeminent research and provide unique academic and career experiences for students. By increasing contracts and grants for our research enterprise, we will accelerate discoveries and bolster the competitiveness of our graduates, the economic development of South Florida, and the national reputation of FIU. With your partnership, FIU in DC will serve as the newest solutions center for such challenges on a global scale, while enhancing our reputation as a living laboratory for the future of public higher education in the United States.

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— Carlos Mondesir ‘21, FIU in DC intern

CA M PA I G N F U N D I N G OPPORTUNITIES STUDENT SUCCESS

RESEARCH EXCELLENCE

Promote Student Success through FIU in Washington, D.C. • New Residence Hall • New Interactive Classroom Facility and Decision Theatre • Scholarships and Leadership Stipends • Student Housing and Living Stipends • Support for The Talent Lab • DC Fly-In Experiential Seminars

Advance Policy in Critical Research Areas • New Facility to Showcase Preeminent Research • Policy Fellows Elevate FIU’s Most Impactful Research Programs through Programming in Washington, D.C. • Environmental Resilience • Resilient Coastal Infrastructure • STEM Education Research • Latin America and the Caribbean • Water Quality and Sea Level Rise • Cybersecurity • Health Disparities and Aging 15

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FIU IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

“FIU students and faculty embody the diversity of thought, entrepreneurial spirit, global mindedness, and commitment to public service that our country will need to advance solutions for our greatest challenges.

By supporting FIU in Washington, D.C., you will help transform our students’ lives and ensure that our top talent can assert leadership and make an impact in our nation’s capital.”

—President Mark B. Rosenberg

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Front cover: Making an Impact—FIU alumnus Peter Smith ‘06, JD ‘09 first came to Washington for a prestigious Presidential Management Fellowship and is now at the Social Security Administration helping craft policy and coordinate multi-agency data-sharing projects.

FIU IN WASHINGTON, D.C. WASHINGTONDC.FIU.EDU 202-558-3481 FIUINDC@FIU.EDU

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