Hamilton Scholars Application - Spring 2026

This is the application for the Hamilton Scholars Program hosted in Washington, DC.

Priority Deadline: Friday, November 7
Final Deadline: Friday, November 14

Name Name First Last
Panther ID Number
Phone Number (Cell)
E-mail Address
Select "Yes" below to confirm that you have read, understand, and commit to all expectations of a Hamilton Scholar, and meet all of the admissions requirements, as outlined on the "Who Should Apply" tab of hamilton.fiu.edu. If you have any questions or concerns about these commitments or requirements, contact Dr. Michelle Castro at mimcast@fiu.edu prior to completing the rest of this application.

Select "Yes" below to confirm that you have read, understand, and commit to all expectations of a Hamilton Scholar, and meet all of the admissions requirements, as outlined on the "Who Should Apply" tab of hamilton.fiu.edu. If you have any questions or concerns about these commitments or requirements, contact Dr. Michelle Castro at mimcast@fiu.edu prior to completing the rest of this application. Yes
Academic Information

Please provide your academic information
Cumulative GPA (must be 3.3 or higher to apply)
Credits completed (including current semester)
Major
Minor/Certificates
Are you currently in the Honors College (is required)

Are you currently in the Honors College (is required) Yes No
Are you a Fully Online Student?

Are you a Fully Online Student? Yes No
Are you planning to living in Washington, DC upon graduation?

Are you planning to living in Washington, DC upon graduation? Definitely Yes Probably Yes Might or Might Not Probably Not Definitely Not
The Hamilton Scholars Program is a selective opportunity for FIU Honors College students who are seeking to make an impact in the issue area about which they are most passionate. The Hamilton Scholars cohort will consist of a wide cross section of majors, including from the social sciences and STEM fields. Applicants are welcome to address how they would make an impact on the issue area of their choice from a public policy, science, engineering, or other perspective/role.

In order for the selection team to understand your commitment to your issue area, upload an essay, no longer than one page, detailing:

A public policy issue that you believe needs to be changed
Why you are interested in this issue
The current laws/regulations in place, and a brief statement of the current problem(s).
What Congressional committees and federal agencies have jurisdiction over this issue
What you've done so far to engage with this issue (courses, research, advocacy, volunteering, etc.), and
What DC-based organizatiosn are advocating on the issue, that you'd like to intern for or network with.

(Include at least two sources, at least one of which is from a DC-based organization)

Attach Files
Special consideration will be given to applicants whose work focuses on one of FIU in DC's priority advocacy areas areas, listed below. Students whose policy interests who do not already directly align with one of these areas are welcome to indicate a willingness to learn more about these areas, and how they envision their own work could relate. These FIU in DC priority advocacy areas are focused on advancing toward equity, and all applicants should focus on how they strive toward equity in their own work.

Special consideration will be given to applicants whose work focuses on one of FIU in DC's priority advocacy areas areas, listed below. Students whose policy interests who do not already directly align with one of these areas are welcome to indicate a willingness to learn more about these areas, and how they envision their own work could relate. These FIU in DC priority advocacy areas are focused on advancing toward equity, and all applicants should focus on how they strive toward equity in their own work. Population Health & Health Equity Environmental Resilience STEM Education Innovation in Defense-related Technology Latin America and the Caribbean Cybersecurity Small Business Higher Education Policy
Please briefly explain how your policy interest area currently relates to one of the topics above, or how you envision learning more about one of the specific topics above during your Hamilton Scholars experience, in direct relation to your own work and interests.
Please upload your resume below. Be sure to emphasize any work relevant to your public policy passion area.

Attach Files
What is your dream internship in Washington, D.C., what internships have you already applied for for the semester, and what internships are you planning to apply for? PLEASE NOTE: If you have not already applied to two DC internships, you will be required to show proof of having done so before accepting an interview for the Hamilton Scholars program (if selected for an interview).

Hamilton Scholars Application - Spring 2026

Hamilton Scholars Application - Spring 2026

Academic Information