Partnership for Public Service statement on Pathways Programs final rule

April 11, 2024

WASHINGTON – The nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service today released the following statement from President and CEO Max Stier, commending the Office of Personnel Management on the finalized rule released today to update the Pathways Programs:

“Building a more effective government means stocking government with a new generation of capable and diverse talent. With less than 7% of the federal workforce under the age of 30, federal agencies need streamlined ways to build their talent pipeline and make it easier for early-career employees to choose a job in public service. The Pathways Programs are a primary opportunity for federal agencies to hire interns and recent graduates into government positions and encourage early-career talent to pursue public service.

“The final rule released by OPM today updating the Pathways Programs continues to boost opportunities for people to enter public service through nontraditional routes such as Americorps, Job Corps, and apprenticeship programs. In addition, it makes important changes to encourage skills-based hiring and lowers required internship hours so agencies can more easily convert qualified interns to full-time positions. These updates from OPM are critically important, and we urge OPM to continue to identify ways to allow even more qualified early-career employees to convert into federal service.” 

During the past 22 years, the nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service has been dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. We work across administrations to help transform the way government works by providing agencies with the data insights they need to succeed, developing effective leaders, inspiring the next generation to public service, facilitating smooth presidential transitions and recognizing exceptional federal employees. Visit ourpublicservice.org, follow us @PublicService and subscribe today to get the latest federal news, information on upcoming Partnership programs and events, and more.  

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