Florida State University's APPLE Program Celebrates Third Anniversary with Prestigious White House Visit

Florida State University's innovative APPLE program has marked its third anniversary with a highly impactful visit to Capitol Hill, solidifying its position as a leading experiential learning initiative in the country. The Applied Politics and Policy Learning Experience (APPLE) program offers 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. The program recently celebrated this milestone with a visit to the White House, where 12 students were joined by 13 additional FSU undergraduates to meet with U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost and notable alumni currently serving as congressional staffers.

Key Takeaways:

• APPLE is a one-of-a-kind program in the country, providing students with unparalleled insights into career opportunities in politics and policy.
• The program offers a seamless blend of academic coursework, policy training, and experiential learning, designed to shape future leaders.
• Students spend the fall semester working on local policymaking and governance projects, 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, serving 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.
• Notable alumni speakers included Trinity Tresner, Scheduler and Staff Assistant for Rep. Maxwell Frost; Adriana Diaz, Scheduler and Staff Assistant for Rep. Maxwell Frost; and Dominique Yelinski, Deputy Policy Director for House Majority Leader Steve Scalise.
• The program has a growing alumni network with seasoned political professionals, ensuring APPLE students benefit from strong mentorship alongside rigorous academic training.

Statistics:

• 12 FSU APPLE students visited the White House on their summer trip to Washington, D.C. in 2025.
• 13 additional FSU undergraduates joined the APPLE students at the U.S. Capitol to meet with U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost and alumni.
• 3 semesters of experiential learning opportunities are offered through the APPLE program, combining local, state, and national experiences.
• 100% of APPLE students participate in internships in Washington D.C., with opportunities in Capitol Hill, lobbying firms, advocacy organizations, and the White House.
• 20 notable alumni have spoken at the program, including Trinity Tresner, Adriana Diaz, Dominique Yelinski, and others mentioned.

Sources:

• [Florida State University News: "Florida State University's APPLE Program Celebrates Third Anniversary with Prestigious White House Visit"]
• [Source not explicitly provided in the original text]