Educational Programs for Visiting School Groups
Florida House hosts thousands of school children visiting our nation's capital. In an effort to provide a memorable experience for these young people, Florida House has created a civics lesson involving a presentation and discussion on the three branches of government and how a bill becomes law. With two branches of government, visible from the windows of Florida House, students are engaged in an opportunity to understand how their government works and what influence they can have in this process. In addition to this in-house educational program, Florida House has developed A Guide to Washington, D.C. for Florida Teachers©for Florida educators planning a school trip to Washington. Also available to teachers is a detailed lesson plan on the Spanish American War.


Summer Intern Seminar Series
Now in its tenth year, the Florida Congressional Delegation Intern Seminar Series is a popular activity for congressional interns during the summer. During an eight-week series, all Florida Interns are invited to Florida House once a week for a forum featuring a speaker significant to the state. Many delegation members vie for the opportunity to speak to the group of young people on subjects ranging from their personal road to Congress, to briefings on specific legislation, to question and answer sessions on Hill activity. In 1999, Florida House welcomed Mr. David Struhs, Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and Mr. Allison DeFoor, "Everglades Czar," as they briefed the interns on their testimony to a Congressional Committee concerning restoration of the Everglades. The interns also are given a private tour of the Supreme Court. Senator Bob Graham has said the following about the seminars, "These seminars provide an important opportunity for today's leaders to share their insights with the leaders of tomorrow". With over 40 participants per week, the Florida Congressional Delegation Intern Seminar Series is a valuable and memorable educational effort by Florida House.


Florida House Intern Program
In 1999, Florida House inaugurated a formal intern program. Styled after those of the Florida Congressional Delegation, this program provides an incredible opportunity for Florida college students to experience the excitement, culture, and educational opportunities of Washington, as well as the inner workings of our Federal Government. The internship requires the participant to focus on and gain proficiency in public relations, public speaking, research, writing, and computer skills, while gaining an invaluable knowledge of their government. Intern participation in the Operations of Florida House ranges from handling constituent concerns of Floridians visiting Washington, to providing unparalleled hospitality to guests of Florida House, to doing a specific research project relating to Florida and/or Washington. Florida House Interns are awarded a stipend of $1,000 to defray the cost of living while in Washington, through the generosity of individuals and businesses from Florida. Interns agree to a six-week session, and many are eligible for scholastic credit for their work. The Florida House Intern Program is an excellent educational and career opportunity for college students from Florida.

Lawton Chiles Public Policy Seminar
Each spring, Florida House hosts a briefing by Florida Congressional Delegation members. Named for the late, former Florida Senator and Governor, Lawton Chiles, this briefing, although open to the public, is designed for Sponsors and Patrons of Florida House. Florida House is pleased to have the participation of many Florida Congressional Delegation members, as well as other public policy leaders in Washington. These participants facilitate a roundtable presentation and discussion on topics significant to the people and state of Florida. This extraordinary opportunity for interaction with leaders from Florida and Washington legislators offers participants, not only a Capitol Hill insight into legislation that affects the State of Florida and our nation, but also the concerns of the Florida community. The Lawton Chiles Public Policy Seminar provides an educational forum for both elected officials and the citizens of Florida.


Florida Politics Research Sources
The Florida Political Science Association is comprised of scholars from Florida's universities and colleges. Its World Wide Web site provides links to government agencies and political organizations to help in the study of Florida Politics.


Public Radio Archives On Public Issues
Join Florida Public Radio's Buzz Conover for the live listener call-in program Florida On The Line. The program gives public radio listeners throughout the State a chance to talk directly to their public officials. Each month, guests ranging from the Governor to legislative leaders to members of the State Cabinet and agency heads, join host Buzz Conover to talk about issues of concern to Floridians. Listeners have the opportunity to call in and question the guests and hear their questions answered on the air.

The phone numbers to call to participate in the program are 1-800-926-8809 or in Tallahassee (850) 487-3086. Email: fpr@wfsu.org. The program airs on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM Eastern Time.

Capital Report is the premiere program of Florida Public Radio. Starting in 1976, the show has provided listeners with news and information from the state capitol and across Florida. During the legislative session, Capital Report airs nightly on the state's public radio stations and keeps the audience informed about the actions of the Florida's lawmakers. In the months following the session, the program airs weekly and tracks political news, the arts and culture of the state, and features commentaries by Florida writers. The award-winning news team of Jackie Beam, host and producer Susan Gage, assistant news director Danae Jones and news director Buzz Conover provide coverage of Tallahassee, and reporters from member stations contribute regularly to the show.

Please check out our Education Brochure for more information on programs offered at Florida House.