Resources for Students
A quick guide for welcoming former Members to campus
Make the most out of your Congress to Campus Experience
Research the Former Members
Look up the Former Members of Congress visiting your campus. Learn about:
1. The state and district they represented
2. Their party affiliation and committee assignments
3. Legislation they sponsored or supported
4. Key issues they were known for
Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Based on your research and interests, develop a few questions to ask the Former Members. Consider asking about:
1. Challenges they faced in Congress
2. Their views on bipartisanship
3. Advice they have for young people interested in public service
Complete the Program Survey
Fill out pre and post visit surveys. These help FMC evaluate and improve the program
Learn the Visit Schedule
Find out which classes, panels, and campus events the Former Members will be participating in. Make note of where and when you will have opportunities to engage with them.
Read FMC-Provided Resources
Review the materials shared by FMC, including resources on:
1. The continuity of Congress
2. Civic education and civil discourse
3. The structure and function of the U.S. government
These will help provide context for the visit and support meaningful dialogue.
Stay Informed on Current Events
Be familiar with current national and global issues, particularly those involving Congress or public policy.
Reading Resources
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Members of Congress worry about lack of plan as political violence rises.
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Civic education enables people to become informed and educated citizens, improving the health of America’s democracy. For those who want to learn about the ways that has been implemented in the past, here is a study on civic education that FMC participated in from the Task Force on the Value of Experiential Civic Learning:
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Former Member Interviews: Gerrymandering, Redistricting, and Partisan Primaries
In December 2024, Steve Scully, FMC Senior Fellow and host of SiriusXM's "The Briefing with Steve Scully," sat down with retiring Members of Congress to engage in broad conversations about their time in Congress, changes to Congressional culture, and ideas for reform at the local, state, and Constitutional levels. These interviews were conducted in collaboration with Unite America as part of a larger project, and we are excited to share the results of these ongoing interviews in a report coming later this Spring and in various compilation videos. Our first video in the series is entitled "Former Member Interviews: Gerrymandering, Redistricting, and Partisan Primaries."
Former Member Interviews: Congressional Culture
FMC Senior Fellow Steve Scully explores the evolving culture of Congress—how it has changed over the years, the challenges of partisan divisions, and opportunities for fostering collaboration. These interviews, conducted in partnership with Unite America, are part of a larger project with findings to be shared in an upcoming report and additional video compilations later this Spring. Our fourth video in the series is titled 'Former Member Interviews: Congressional Culture.’
Internship Opportunities
FMC Internships
FMC seeks interns to work year‑round in our downtown Washington, DC office, offering both full‑ and part‑time positions. Interns will support programming with current and former Members of Congress, Congressional staff, students, and our business and diplomatic partners.
House Internships
Work directly with congressional staff to support legislation, write memos, and attend hearings. You'll build policy skills and gain a close-up view of how the House shapes national decisions.
Senate Internships
Join a Senate office to help with research, communications, and constituent services. This front-row seat to policy development offers unmatched professional growth and a platform to expand your Capitol Hill network.