![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081024060011im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) Learning
Opportunities
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081024060011im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/greenline.jpg)
The National Science Foundation requires a world-class staff that has the knowledge and tools necessary to sustain the level of excellence required to perform the Agency's mission. The NSF Academy has been established to serve as the central locus of learning for NSF. The following are some of the programs and resources available:
- GoLearn Web-based e-Learning includes thousands of courses in administration, management and leadership development, project management, financial management and other related subjects, including in Information Technology (IT).
In addition to offering a variety of e-learning courses, the GoLearn site acts as a virtual university that hosts free resources and tools such as e-Books, a Search & Select feature, Resource Center links, an e-mentoring Learning Service, and a Competency Management Center. The site is continually growing with the addition of products and services and performance support tools to meet the needs of the Government workforce.
- Onsite classroom courses are also offered on a wide variety of topics, ranging from MicroSoft Word to project management.
- Each year the NSF Academy sponsors a series of Program Management activities scheduled to coincide with the arrival of new staff. The Program Management Seminar describes the role of NSF's program officers in conducting the business of the Foundation and examines the special skills needed to accomplish their work.
- NSF's Independent Research/Development Program enables NSF staff to maintain their research program while employed by the Foundation.
- The ACE Program is NSF's upward mobility program designed to focus attention on the various options employees and supervisors can use for career development and advancement.
- NSF's After Hours Program provides tuition assistance to competitively selected NSF employees, at grade GS-9 or below, for the purpose of developing additional skills and advancing their careers. Selected participants attend government and/or non-government training during non-duty hours.
- The Leadership Development Program is a comprehensive, integrated, yet individualized program based on identified competencies which provides a broad spectrum of leadership training and developmental opportunities to current and potential supervisors, managers and executives of NSF.
- The Learning Resources Center provides a variety of books, cassette tapes, workbooks and videotapes for you to check out or use in the Center. Topics include: career development, leadership and management, quality improvement, personal skills development, family, health and retirement issues, and many more. Catalogs, brochures and announcements of training activities are also available.
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