FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 22, 2002

Contact: Edmund Byrnes 202-606-2402

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OPM Director Addresses the Need for the Federal Government to Reach Out to Students and Recent College Graduate

Washington, D.C. – During a speech today before hundreds of college students at The George Washington University, the Director of the US Office of Personnel Management, Kay Coles James, stressed the need for a strong civil service and one that can handle the many challenges the federal government faces daily.

“We have a tremendous need for new talent, new energy, and new creativity to do the work of government in the 21st Century,” said James. “We need young people who have grown up with computers, who race effortlessly along the information superhighway and who are at ease with technology that changes daily. We are looking for go-getters with fresh ideas who are eager to make a contribution. We need your skills desperately…now.”

The address came during a forum for the launch of A Call to Serve: Leaders in Education Allied for Public Service, an innovative initiative co-sponsored by OPM and the Partnership for Public Service to recruit the “best and brightest” college graduates from around the country into the federal work force.

“Whether you wear the uniform of our nation in military service or take your place in the ranks of the civil service, there is no more meaningful work – no more noble calling – if you want to make a difference in the world right now, than the work of government,” said James.

The initiative is also meant to strengthen the ties between government agencies and 347 colleges and universities, and to spread the word about the many employment opportunities found in the federal government. (It is estimated that up to 50 percent of full-time permanent federal civilian employees will be eligible to retire over the next five years.)

In addition to Director James, Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao, Members of Congress, presidents of colleges and universities from around the country and other dignitaries were present to show their support for the initiative.

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OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.