Federal Employment Programs
Opportunities to Explore Careers in the Civil Service
Federal agencies provide youth with a variety of opportunities to explore careers in the federal government and develop and learn skills necessary for employment through the Pathways Programs. Students can follow one of three paths depending on where they are in their education and career:
Internship Program
The Internship Program aims to provide students, from high school to graduate school, with paid, on-the-job opportunities to explore and experience federal careers while continuing to pursue their education. Internships are primarily administered by individual agencies, and those who participate may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service. Eligible students include those pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate at
- an accredited high school or college (including four-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges);
- a professional, technical, vocational, or trade school;
- an advanced degree programs; or
- other qualifying educational institutions.
Recent Graduates Program
The Recent Graduates Program was established to support the exploration of careers in the federal government for individuals who have recently graduated from a qualifying educational institution or program. The Recent Graduates Program is administered primarily by each hiring agency and typically lasts for one year—unless additional time is needed as a result of the structure of the program—and includes an orientation, ongoing mentoring, training, an individual development plan, and opportunities for career advancement. Participants must apply to participate within two years of competing their degree or certificate (except for veterans precluded from doing so because of their military service obligation, who will have up to six years after degree completion to apply) in order to be eligible.
Other Federally Supported Career Development Opportunities
In addition to the opportunities to explore careers in the civil service, many federal agencies and departments, including the U.S. Department of Labor, AmeriCorps, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Department of the Interior, provide opportunities for youth to explore careers, develop skills, and transition to employment. These programs strive to help both youth who are in school and those who are out of school develop skills and opportunities for employment.
Workforce Investment Act Youth Programs
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funds a variety of youth programs to support local workforce investment. These programs provide a comprehensive array of youth services that focus on assisting low-income youth ages 14 to 21 with one or more barriers to employment. Programs prepare youth for postsecondary educational and employment opportunities, helping them attain educational and/or skills training credentials and secure employment with career/promotional opportunities. Services include tutoring, summer employment opportunities, occupational skill training, leadership development, supportive services, mentoring, follow-up services, work experience, alternative secondary school offerings, and comprehensive guidance and counseling.
YouthBuild
The YouthBuild program enables at-risk youth ages 16 to 24 to obtain academic and occupational skills training leading to the completion of a high school diploma, GED, or industry-recognized credential. The program model includes a combination of academics, leadership development, and vocational skills to prepare youth for employment in the construction industry. Grants are awarded to qualifying organizations through a solicitation for grant applications (SGA). YouthBuild offers a wide range of experiences for participants, including opportunities to
- participate in community service and service-learning experience;
- receive personalized counseling, mentoring, and adult support from a caring role model who is committed to their success;
- obtain a high school diploma or GED for those who have dropped out of school;
- develop job skills focused on construction training, resulting in an industry-recognized credential;
- build leadership and civic engagement experience through shared governance of the program and the chance to make decisions and policies related to the program; and
- create a community of peers and ongoing support through an alumni network.2
Youth Conservation Corps
The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is based on service-learning principles that help youth develop environmental and civic responsibility while acquiring knowledge, job skills, and exposure to careers in natural and cultural resource management. Young people ages 15 to 25 from diverse backgrounds, including tribal and underserved populations, those who have little or no opportunity to experience the outdoors, and young women and girls, can participate in eight- to 10-week projects during the summer or through full-time employment.
- Leadership
- Responsible citizenship
- Service to community
- Life-coping skills
- Physical fitness
- Health and hygiene
- Job skills
- Academic excellence
A large focus is on preparing youth for the GED exam or for a high school diploma. Following the residential phase of the program, youth are paired with a mentor who continues an ongoing relationship with the youth for at least a year. A 2009 evaluation found that youth who participated in the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program were more likely than the control group to have attained a GED or a high school diploma and were more likely to be working or attending college.
Learn about these models and others by visiting the Transition to Adulthood and Aging Out of Care Youth Topic.
Resources
America’s Service Locator
America’s Service Locator is maintained by the U.S. Department of Labor and connects individuals to employment and training opportunities available at local American Job Centers. The website provides contact information for a range of local work-related services, including scholarship information, career development, and educational opportunities.
WorkforceGPS
WorkforceGPS is a website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. It provides information and resources for workforce professionals, employers, economic development professionals, and education professionals. Online learning events, resource information, and tools help organizations learn how to develop strategies that enable individuals and businesses to be successful in the 21st century economy.