Frequently Asked Questions for the Federal Service Student Ambassadors
WHAT, EXACTLY, IS A FEDERAL AGENCY?
For the purposes of this program, we are considering internships in the executive branch as well as internships with the Government Accountability Office, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Congressional Research Service. A list of executive branch departments and agencies is located here: http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/Executive.shtml.
I AM A GRADUATE STUDENT. AM I ELIGIBLE TO BE A FEDERAL SERVICE STUDENT AMBASSADOR?
Yes. Both undergraduate and graduate students (excluding law school students) are eligible to be an Ambassador. Any student who is returning for another full academic year on their campus after summer 2010 is eligible to apply. We do ask, however, that you think carefully about whether you will have the time and energy to devote to the effort. We estimate Ambassadors will work approximately seven hours per week on this effort, but this will obviously change from week to week based on various factors.
I DO NOT YET HAVE AN INTERNSHIP IN A FEDERAL AGENCY THIS SUMMER. AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
Yes. However, you must have applied for an internship in a federal agency to be eligible to apply for the Federal Service Student Ambassadors program. On the application, you will be asked where you have applied for a federal internship. Please be sure to note on your application if you have applied and are waiting to receive an offer.
I WORK FOR A MEMBER OF CONGRESS OR A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN. AM I ELIGIBLE?
No. Unfortunately, these summer experiences do not count as working for a “federal agency.” We are only considering internships in the executive branch (for example, internships at the Department of Energy, the FBI, the Environmental Protection Agency, etc.). These agencies are especially in need of talent—around one-third of thefederal full-time permanent workforce will be eligible to retire in the next five years! A list of executive branch agencies is located here: http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/Executive.shtml
I WILL NOT BE INTERNING IN WASHINGTON, DC THIS SUMMER. CAN I STILL APPLY TO BE AN AMBASSADOR?
No. We are only able to accept applications from students who will be interning in Washington, DC during summer 2010. We will be training Ambassadors in Washington, DC during the summer and unfortunately, do not have the funds to pay for travel costs associated with bringing Ambassadors to Washington, DC for this training.
I WILL BE INTERNING IN THE DC METRO AREA BUT NOT SPECIFICALLY IN DC. AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
Yes. If you will be working in the DC metro area (for example, Arlington, VA or Silver Spring, MD), you are eligible to apply to be an Ambassador. Ask your supervisor at your agency if you are within commuting distance to DC or check on a map to see if your office is close to a Metro station. We will be training Ambassadors in Washington, DC during the summer, and training sessions will be held at locations that are metro accessible.
HOW MUCH OF A TIME COMMITMENT IS THIS PROGRAM?
We are estimating that Ambassadors will spend approximately seven hours per week on this initiative. We understand that sometimes Ambassadors will spend less time, for instance, during finals or mid-terms. We also expect that some weeks Ambassadors will spend more than seven hours, for instance, when they are planning and coordinating an event on campus.
WHEN SHOULD I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION?
Soon! Applications are being reviewed as they are received. The last day applications will be accepted is June 18, 2010.
WHEN WILL I FIND OUT IF I AM AN AMBASSADOR?
When you submit your complete application package, you will receive an email confirming that your materials have been received. If your materials indicate that you will be a good candidate, you may be contacted for additional information. Finalists will be interviewed, and we will also speak with references before making a final selection.