Pathways for Students and Recent Graduates

Introduction

The Internship Program replaces the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) and Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP). This Program is designed to provide high school to graduate level students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions with opportunities while still is school to work in salaried positions and explore Federal careers Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service. For complete program information, visit, www.usajobs.gov/studentsandgrads/

 Internship Program: This program is for current students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions from high school to graduate level, with paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school. For complete program information, visit http://www.opm.gov/HiringReform/Pathways/program/interns/

 Recent Graduates Program: This program is for individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs and seek a dynamic, career development program with training and mentorship. To be eligible, applicants must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion (except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation, who will have up to six years to apply). For complete program information, visit http://www.opm.gov/HiringReform/Pathways/program/graduates/

 Presidential Management Fellows Program: For more than three decades, the PMF Program has been the Federal government’s premier leadership development program for advanced degree candidates. This program is now for individuals who have received a qualifying advanced degree within the preceding two years. For complete program information, visit http://www.pmf.gov/

 Here are some key provisions of the Program:

Eligibility

 Current students in an accredited high school, college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate.

Program Administration

 The Internship Program is primarily administered by each hiring agency.
 Agencies may hire Interns on a temporary basis for up to one year for an initial period, or for an indefinite period, to complete the educational requirement.
 Interns may work either part- or full-time.
 Each agency must sign a Participant Agreement with the Intern that sets forth the expectations for the internship.
 Intern's job will be related to the Intern's academic career goals or field of study.
 When the final Pathways rule takes effect this July, agencies will have to provide OPM with information regarding their internship opportunities and post information publicly on www.usajobs.gov/studentsandgrads/ about how to apply for specific positions.

Program Completion and Conversion

 Interns may be converted to a permanent position (or, in some limited circumstances, to a term position lasting 1-4 years) within 120 days of successful completion of the program.

To be eligible for conversion, Interns must:

 Complete at least 640 hours of work experience acquired through the Internship Program
 Complete their degree or certificate requirements
 Meet position qualification standards for which the Intern will be converted
 Meet agency-specific requirements as specified in the Participant's Agreement
 Perform their job successfully.
 Agencies may waive up to 320 of the required 640 hours of work for Interns who demonstrate high potential as evidenced by outstanding academic achievement and exceptional job performance.
 In addition, students working in agencies through third-party intern providers may count up to 320 of the hours they work toward the 640 hour requirement.
 Time spent under previous Internship Program appointments may count towards required work experience hours.

**Original Source of Information: www.opm.gov**