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Special Emphasis Programs

A.  What is the Purpose of Special Emphasis Programs?

The Special Emphasis Programs are created to improve the recruitment,  job retention, and advancement opportunities of minorities, women and people with disabilities in the workplace. Special Emphasis Programs promote fairness and equity in the delivery of programs to our customers. They also help to educate our workforce about diversity among various races, genders, ethnic, and cultural groups so everyone has a better understanding and appreciation of our differences. 

Federal Women's Program (FWP) - This program was established to implement a recommendation of the President's Committee on the Status of Women and was later integrated into the Federal EEO Program after the issuance of E.O. 11478 (August 1969).  The activities of the FWP focus on employment needs and issues of women as they relate to Federal personnel policies and practices and equal program delivery.

Hispanic Employment Program (HEP) - This program was established initially by a Presidential Directive in 1970 as a 16-Point Program for Spanish-Speaking Americans.  It was designed to assure consideration of the needs and concerns of persons of Hispanic origin in all aspects of Federal personnel management and program delivery.  Hispanics are persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race.

Disability Employment Program (DEP) - Organized action plans and procedures which promote equal program delivery and the hiring, placement, and advancement of employees with disabilities.  The Selective Placement program has its modern origins in P.O. 89-554, codified as 5 USC 7153 and Presidential policy statements and regulations issued pursuant thereto.  The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued instructions (501) on affirmative action plans for the handicapped.

Veterans Employment Program - This program is directed at assuring that all veterans, particularly Vietnam Era and disabled veterans, have the full measure of equal program participation and employment in the Federal service.  The legal basis for the program include the Veterans Preference Act of 1944 (codified as 5 USC 2103); 5 USC 3114 (non-competitive appointing authority for 30 percent or more disabled veterans) and the Veterans Readjustment Appointment (EO I 1 521); Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (38 USC 2104).

Black Emphasis Program (BEP) - The purpose of this program is to provide focus on issues such as equal program delivery and employment, promotion, training and career enhancement affecting Black employees and applicants in NRCS.

American Indian Employment Program (AIP) - The purpose of this program is to provide focus on issues such as equal program delivery and the employment, promotion, training, and career enhancement affecting American Indian employees and applicants in NRCS.

Asian Pacific Islander Employment Program (APIP) - The purpose of this program is to provide focus on issues such as equal program delivery and employment, promotion, training, and career enhancement affecting Asian American employees and applicants in NRCS.

The Special Emphasis Program Managers do not only serve their constituents; they are available to provide assistance to all NRCS employees.

B.  What are the Objectives of the Special Emphasis Programs?

  • Advising management on the special concerns of underrepresented or underserved groups.
  • Ensuring specific actions are taken to ensure equal employment opportunities for underrepresented groups in connection with recruitment, training, retention, promotion and upward mobility.
  • Helping to promote the value of diversity in NRCS, and leading our employees to embrace this concept.
  • Evaluating and analyzing NRCS’s employment practices in order to identify barriers and recommend solutions for the advancement of minorities, women and people with disabilities.
  • Ensuring that all applicants and employees for NRCS employment and program activities are treated fairly and equitably.
  • Serves as a communication link between the National SEPM and the employees within the state.

C.  Who are the Special Emphasis Program Managers in Virginia?

Virginia Special Emphasis Program Managers

D.  Are there schools are scholarships with emphasis for the underrepresented groups?

Links to Schools and Scholarship Programs

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