Florida Atlantic University has received a $1 million gift from an anonymous donor to fund semester-long internships for students in Washington, D.C.

Florida Atlantic University has received a $1 million gift from an anonymous donor to fund semester-long internships for students in Washington, D.C. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, FAU students will serve as interns in Washington, D.C. Internship opportunities will include the U.S. Congress, the State Department, as well as other government offices and public organizations. These immersive experiences have the potential to lead students toward lifelong public service careers and service opportunities.

“This gift unlocks incredible opportunities for our students interested in a future in public policy and diplomacy, and I am extremely thankful to the donors,” said FAU President Adam Hasner. “As a former Capitol Hill undergrad intern myself, I know the power of this program to provide our students with a chance to help study real-world policy decisions, changing the trajectory of their lives while contributing positively to our world.”

Jeffrey Morton, Ph.D., professor of political science, who has worked with the donors in the past to create the Morton Research Forum and a study abroad program, proposed the internship program and serves in an advisory capacity in its development.

“It is opportunities such as this that continue to elevate the university’s standing and enhance the education of our students,” said Morton.

This internship program is the first of several envisioned under the President’s Fund. Future initiatives include a student-exchange program through the Florida-Israel Institute and a distinguished speaker series that brings top-level policymakers to campus for presentations.

“We are strong believers in providing students with life-changing programs, and as longtime supporters of Florida Atlantic’s diplomacy programs, we believe these internships will build a foundation for expansive career success,” said a representative of the donors. “We are very excited to work with President Hasner on future components of the President’s Fund, and we encourage others to support it as well.”

The President’s Fund program seeks to raise an additional $1 million during each of the next four years with a new program component to launch annually.

-FAU-