Florida State University (FSU) has launched the FSU DC Study Away Program, providing students with new housing and internship opportunities in Washington, D.C. The program aims to give students practical experience through internships at various organizations, including government agencies, advocacy groups, corporations, and associations.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on September 25 to mark the opening of the program. Beginning in January 2026, participating students will live together in university-managed housing while focusing on their internships and academic coursework.
“Florida State is on the rise — this is our time,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “With more than 200 students and 7,500 alumni already in the D.C. area, this new housing initiative gives our students a front-row seat to opportunity. This is about giving our students access and a direct path to success.”
The initiative is a collaboration among FSU’s Division of Student Affairs, Career Center, and University Housing. Students can join during fall, spring, or summer semesters and benefit from networking opportunities while residing in Capitol Hill accommodations close to major city landmarks.
“This is more than a residence; it’s a launchpad,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for student affairs. “We’re planting our first spear in D.C., and our Seminoles will carry the spirit and values of Florida State into every boardroom and program they enter.”
Hecht also emphasized that the program provides convenience by packaging both housing and internship opportunities for participants: “In terms of student success, this is an incredible opportunity for our students to go where the work is… They don’t have to find it on their own or deal with housing. This is something we’re packaging for our students, very similar to our international programs.”
The two residences are located on historic Ebenezer Row near Capitol Hill. The updated facilities offer easy access to public transportation as well as local amenities such as grocery stores and parks.
“Located just blocks from the Capitol, 16 students will soon be able to call this place home, right here on historic Ebenezer Row,” McCullough said. “We’re going to have people coming here for our Study Away Program… These internships often turn into jobs… We’re really, really excited for our students to have this opportunity.”
Hecht added: “This property represents our deep commitment to student success and expanding Florida State’s reach… With this space, our students will build an incredible community… engage with Washington D.C., through internships in politics, think tanks, museums and corporations…”
Currently FSU has 113 alumni working on Capitol Hill—more than any other school in Florida—which helps position it among top universities nationwide.
“I think it’s all about access to D.C.,” said Josh Duncan, director of federal relations at FSU. “This housing project opens the doors to so many students who wouldn’t have had that opportunity before — it’s life changing. Our goal is to increase this number and further strengthen FSU’s reputation and presence here.”
Students accepted into the program will live either in a townhouse or condominium unit with shared amenities such as Wi-Fi and laundry included under one fee structure. On-site support will be provided by a house manager who communicates directly with university staff.
“When they walk in, they’re going to get a living environment that looks a lot like a home,” said Shannon Staten executive director of University Housing at Florida State. “They will have a staff member living on site who will be able to give them resources and support —to be a connection to us so if there’s a concern; the students can get us.”
Staten continued: “This connects the university to the students who are going somewhere else… It gives them the support that says ‘no worries we’ve got you.’”
FSU Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins stated: “FSU is incredible… Knowing that there are 7,500 alumni in D.C.—dedicated students and people in influential roles—we need continue spreading word about FSU.”
Applications for spring semester participation are due Monday October 13; more information can be found at career.fsu.edu/dc-study-away-program.
