GovCentral

HISTORY Offers Opportunities for Teacher & Student Innovations—Register Now

Tue, 11 May 2010 10:25:00 -0700

HISTORY has developed an extensive education outreach program connected to America The Story of Us, including curriculum guides, contests, and a live webcast. We are pleased to be working with the President’s Committee for the Arts and the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services on library and student contests. A contest for teachers to submit innovative lesson plans is also underway! Enter now—deadlines are May 14 for teachers and May 28 for students

HISTORY is also pleased to present a free live webcast with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History on Thursday, May 6th at 12 noon ET. The webcast will feature artifacts from the Smithsonian’s collection with background context provided by one of the museum’s curators. A panel of historians will discuss the role of invention and innovation in American history, a central theme in the series, America The Story of Us. The panelists will also answer questions from students via email, video tape, and a live studio audience.
Register for this free webcast today! Send us your name, school name and address, your email address, and the name of your cable provider to america@aetn.com. After sending us your info to register all you need to do is log on to view the webcast via streaming video on May 6th at 12pm/11c, at http://www.history.com/classroom

Questions? Email us at america@aetn.com

America The Story of Us is an exciting 12 part series premiering on HISTORY Sundays 9/8c through Memorial Day. Each episode focuses on the ways everyday Americans harnessed technology to advance human progress, from the early colonies through the moon landing. This epic series is enhanced with computer generated imagery features commentary from historians and notable personalities. America The Story of Us will be excellent for professional development and is appropriate for 6th grade students and up.

America The Story of Us

Sundays at 9/8c

Improve Your Contract Management Skills!

Villanova University | Paid Advertorial — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:31:00 -0800

As a contract manager in the private or government sector, you know how vital your role is in maintaining a successful organization. Keeping your skills sharp is equally critical for boosting your earning potential, which can increase by 16%* with contract management certification.

Get Certified
The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) offers three certifications depending on your management role:

Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM) – Validates your understanding of the practice of contract management in the commercial environment.

Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) – Demonstrates that you understand all facets of contract management in both the commercial and government arenas.

Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) – Demonstrates that you understand the federal government regulatory environment.

Villanova Can Prepare You
You can get ready for any of these certifications through Villanova University’s Master Certificate in Contract Management programs. Whether you choose the 100% online commercial or government certificate, you’ll learn skills to enhance and gain an important credential to use throughout your career.[widget:school_finder_widget__govcentral]

The Master Certificate in Commercial Contract Management or the Master Certificate in Government Contract Management empower you with an in-depth understanding of contract law, procurement processes, federal and commercial law, and best practices. These master certificate programs not only demonstrate your commitment to continuing education, but will prepare you to obtain the prestigious industry certifications described above.

Earn Your Master Certificate in Contract Management 100% Online
The Master Certificate in Commercial Contract Management online program focuses on the commercial contract management process – from requisition to contract completion. Learn how to strengthen your negotiating skills for the private and public sector through a more thorough understanding of this process, while preparing for the CCCM or CPCM certification.

For those working in the local, state or federal government sector, the Master Certificate in Government Contract Management online program focuses on improving negotiating skills. It will also help you perform crucial tasks such as tracking and reporting the expenditure of taxpayers’ money. Earning this credential will also help you prepare for either the CFCM or CPCM certification exam.

Villanova University is an NCMA Education Partner. Both the Master Certificate in Commercial Contract Management and Master Certificate in Government Contract Management programs are offered 100% online, and are endorsed by the NCMA. Click here to find out how you can master your future in contract management.

*Certification Magazine

Take Command of Your Future 100% Online!

Villanova University | Paid Advertorial — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:09:00 -0800

No matter where you’re stationed, Villanova University salutes your service and strives to help prepare you for future success. Promote your advancement by earning your Master Certificate in Six Sigma or take courses in Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Six Sigma and/or Lean Six Sigma Black Belt – 100% online. With any of these exceptional programs, you’ll be able to immediately apply what you learn to your current job. You can also gain valuable Six Sigma certification that will serve you well throughout your career.

Advance Your Military Career or Prepare for Civilian Success
With Villanova, you can move forward with your education in Six Sigma while you serve your country. Since classroom attendance is never required, your studies won’t interfere with your active lifestyle. You’ll get a world-class education 100% online from Villanova University, a world-wide leader in professional education. Whether you plan to move up the ranks in the armed forces or transition to the private sector, you’re sure to benefit from new credentials by specializing in:

Master Certificates

• Master Certificate Six Sigma

• Master Certificate Six Sigma – Healthcare

• Master Certificate Six Sigma – Financial Services

• Master Certificate Six Sigma – Information Technology

Advanced Master Certificates

• Advanced Master Certificate in Lean Six Sigma

Individual Courses

• Six Sigma Green Belt

• Six Sigma Green Belt – Healthcare

• Six Sigma Green Belt – Financial Services

• Six Sigma Green Belt – Information Technology

• Lean Six Sigma

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

• Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt

Certification

• Six Sigma

You Will Also Benefit From:

• Dynamic Virtual Classroom – Interact with faculty and classmates in real-time using two-way IP instant messaging and shared white boards.

• Online Streaming Video Lectures – Learn via streaming video lectures using the Internet or CD-ROM

• Anytime Convenience – Access is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the world!

Get started today and save!

Removing Barriers to College

Peter R. Orszag, Director | Office of Management & Budget — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 06:06:00 -0700

This weekend I read a fascinating new paper about the impact of providing a simplified approach to financial aid for prospective college students.

Read the report: "The Role of Simplification..." by the National Bureau of Economic Research

The results are startling: high school seniors who were provided a modest amount of help in filling out the forms were almost 30 percent more likely to attend college and receive a Pell Grant the next year than a statistically comparable control group. The paper underscores two key themes we are promoting at OMB: the crucial role of behavioral economics (which often highlights the benefits from making things easy and simple) and the use of rigorous analysis (in this case, the study relies on random assignment).

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In particular, during tax season, H&R Block professionals offered help in completing student financial aid applications to a group of low and moderate income clients. One set of clients was assisted by their tax professional through the process of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Data already provided in their tax forms was automatically pulled into the form, and the tax specialist walked clients through a series of questions to complete the rest of the form. Families were immediately given an estimate of possible federal aid and cost information on four local post-secondary options. If the clients approved, H&R block then electronically submitted the completed FAFSA on their behalf. The result was a 40 percent increase in FAFSA submission rates, and a 29 percent increase in college attendance rates the next year (see chart).

These outcomes are very impressive, and point to the deleterious effects associated with the complexity of the current application process. The FAFSA is more than four times longer than the 1040 EZ tax form, includes 153 questions, and requires applicants to report detailed information about income and assets, much of which is difficult to understand and pull together, and often has little ultimate bearing on eligibility for aid. As this study demonstrates, small differences in application procedures can make a difference in program participation.

The Administration is already taking several steps to remove barriers from the FAFSA application process. These include the use of a shorter, simplified form as well as enabling online users to automatically transfer data previously supplied electronically in their tax forms directly into their FAFSA application. Congress is considering the Administration’s proposal to simplify aid eligibility requirements. This research underscores the benefits of these types of reforms -- and how important it is to remove barriers to college entry.

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Community College for Career Changers

John Rossheim | Monster Senior Contributing Writer — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 05:42:00 -0700

President Barack Obama has proposed a 10-year, multibillion-dollar initiative to beef up community college programs across the nation, with a primary objective of retraining Americans for the volatile workplace of the 21st century.

For tens of millions of underemployed, unemployed or insecure workers, this boost can’t come soon enough. But federal backing should eventually provide millions of career changers and new high school grads with relevant training at a very reasonable cost.

Of the $12 billion in proposed spending, $500 million would go to developing new online courses and $9 billion to challenge grants intended to spur innovations and enable more course schedules geared to the diverse needs of working students.

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As daunting as a return to higher education can be, mid-career workers should take comfort from these statistics: Of the nation’s 11 million community college students, 58 percent are age 22 or older, according to a January 2008 report from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). And 27 percent of full-time community college students are also full-time workers. Learn how you could join their ranks and use community college to make a career change.

Challenges and Opportunities for Community Colleges

With their budgets severely strained and more students than ever knocking at their doors seeking superior educational value, community colleges are under stress in 2009.

“Our enrollment is up 30 percent over a year ago,” says Katie Headlee, assistant director of student advising at Cascadia Community College in Bothell, Washington. “We’re seeing more and more people who need to add to their professional qualifications or entirely change careers.”

Some community colleges will be forced to increase class sizes; others may be forced to turn away some students temporarily. When you’re checking out community colleges in your area, it’s important to find out how they’re coping.

But regardless of economic strains, the curricular focus of community college is unlikely to change: They’re particularly strong in fields of study relevant to careers in local industry. And in 2009, they’re emphasizing fields like allied health, public safety and alternative energy.

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Community Colleges Offer a Range of IT Certification Courses

Information technology is one area of special strength for community colleges. For the IT certifications that can give aspiring technologists a toehold, many community colleges offer unsurpassed training.

Certifications in areas like desktop PCs and networking help career changers enter the field at a substantially higher pay level. “The Geek Squad says they pay entry-level technicians without a certification $10 an hour, but those with A+ start at $16,” says Gretchen Koch, director of workforce development programs at CompTIA.

Offshoring of jobs and economic volatility notwithstanding, bread-and-butter IT jobs will continue to be created, and community colleges train thousands to fill these openings each year. “There will always be a need for help-desk professionals, computer technicians, network administrators and Microsoft specialists,” says Koch.

Industry-standard certifications are the goal of the best-focused community college IT programs. “There might be some community colleges that offer a generic networking curriculum, but those that offer industry certifications are really setting up their students to find jobs,” says Fred Weiller, a spokesman for training programs at Cisco. The networking giant provides community colleges with curricula, instructor training and networking equipment for student computer laboratories.

“At a community college, the bang for the buck is huge,” says Christopher Cugno, a senior network engineer for Paramount Pictures in Hollywood. Cugno should know: he paired education at a technical training center with courses in PERL, C, Cisco and more at Rancho Santiago Community College's Santa Ana campus to change careers from grocery store manager. His work connecting Paramount business units around the world has earned him screen credits in films including Bee Movie and Shrek III.

Going Back to School for Mid-Career Workers

For workers who have lost hours or suffered a layoff, even the modest tuition at community colleges can be an obstacle to career change. Fortunately, help is widely available.

“We offer access to state and federal money for unemployed and underemployed students,” says Headlee. About 47 percent of community college students receive some financial aid, according to AACC.

It’s important to evaluate the quality of education offered by a specific community college before staking a career change on its programs.

“All community colleges are striving, but not all are achieving,” says Susan Stafford, author of Community College: Is It Right for You? “So you should go there and visit. Talk to people who have attended community colleges you’re interested in. Ask people in business about their experience with graduates of specific programs. Research how your community college is partnering with industry, how it’s participating in workforce development councils.”

Finally, expect a years-later return to school to pose substantial personal challenges. “To say it’s difficult is an understatement,” says Headlee. “The first step of walking in the building is difficult; so is getting into a study routine. But older students are serious about what they’re doing, so they tend to succeed.”

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See the original article on Monster.com

Improve Your Contract Management Skills!

Villanova University — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:31:00 -0700

Get Certified

The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) offers three certifications depending on your management role:

Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM) – Validates your understanding of the practice of contract management in the commercial environment.

Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) – Demonstrates that you understand all facets of contract management in both the commercial and government arenas.

Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) – Demonstrates that you understand the federal government regulatory environment.

Villanova Can Prepare You

You can get ready for any of these certifications through Villanova University’s Master Certificate in Contract Management programs. Whether you choose the 100% online commercial or government certificate, you’ll learn skills to enhance and gain an important credential to use throughout your career.

Earn Your Master Certificate in Contract Management 100% Online

The Master Certificate in Commercial Contract Management online program focuses on the commercial contract management process – from requisition to contract completion. Learn how to strengthen your negotiating skills for the private and public sector through a more thorough understanding of this process, while preparing for the CCCM or CPCM certification.

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*Certification Magazine

Get Uncle Sam to Pay Your Student Loans

Chris McConnell | GovCentral — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:48:00 -0700

Whether or not you work for the government, Uncle Sam can help pay for those pesky student loans. GovCentral researched three federal programs that will reduce your student loan payments or even make the payments for you. We’ve also found which careers can give you the best chance to qualify for them. Read on to find out how to get Uncle Sam to pick up the tab for your education.

Even if you don’t work for the government, Uncle Sam can pay for your loans or if you qualify, make the payments more affordable.

The three programs we're go into a little more detail are:

*Federal Student Loan Repayment Program*

*Income-Based Repayment*

*Public Service Loan Forgiveness*

**Federal Student Loan Repayment Program**

The Federal Student Loans Repayment Program is used by federal agencies to recruit and retain high-value employees. Last year, 33 federal agencies dolled out over $42 million to help repay student loans. The average benefit was $6,377, but you can qualify for up to $10,000 per year and a lifetime max of $60,000.

The Department of Justice provided assistance to over 37 percent of their employees, mainly those working at the Federal Bureau of Investigations. The agency with the highest average benefit was the Securities and Exchange Commission at $9,187 per recipient.

Here are some of the more common jobs that receive benefits under the Federal Loan Repayment Program. Click the links to find more information or search for jobs in your area:_

• "Criminal Investigator":http://govcentral.monster.com/careers/articles/26
• "Attorney":http://govcentral.monster.com/careers/careers_searc/search?global_search[keyword]=analyst&global_search[search_type]=career&q=attorney
• "Intelligence":http://govcentral.monster.com/careers/careers_search/search?global_search[keyword]=analyst&global_search[search_type]=career&q=intelligence
• "Mechanical Engineer":http://govcentral.monster.com/content/education-resources
• "GAO Analyst":http://govcentral.monster.com/careers/careers_search/search?global_search[keyword]=analyst&global_search[search_type]=career&q=analyst
• "MISC Administration":http://govcentral.monster.com/careers/careers_search/search?global_search[keyword]=analyst&global_search[search_type]=career&q=adminstrative
• "Information Technology Management":http://govcentral.monster.com/careers/careers_search/search?global_search[keyword]=information+technology&global_search[search_type]=career&q=information+technology
• "Management and Program Analysis":http://govcentral.monster.com/careers/careers_search/search?global_search[keyword]=information+technology&global_search[search_type]=career&q=program+analyst
• "Inspection, Investigation, and Compliance":http://govcentral.monster.com/careers/careers_search/search?global_search[keyword]=information+technology&global_search[search_type]=career&q=investigator
• "Nuclear Engineer":http://govcentral.monster.com/content/education-resources
• "Contract Specialist":http://govcentral.monster.com/careers/articles/25-contract-specialist
• "Accounting":http://govcentral.monster.com/content/education-resources
• "Miscellaneous Clerk and Assistant":http://govcentral.monster.com/careers/careers_search/search?global_search[keyword]=information+technology&global_search[search_type]=career&q=assistant
• "Business and Industry":http://govcentral.monster.com/careers/careers_search/search?global_search[keyword]=information+technology&global_search[search_type]=career&q=business
• "Electronics Engineer":http://govcentral.monster.com/careers/careers_search/search?global_search[keyword]=information+technology&global_search[search_type]=career&q=electronic+engineer
• "Financial Administration":http://govcentral.monster.com/careers/careers_search/search?global_search[keyword]=information+technology&global_search[search_type]=career&q=financial
• "Human Resources Specialist":http://govcentral.monster.com/careers/careers_search/search?global_search[keyword]=human+resources&global_search[search_type]=career&q=human+resources
• "General Engineer":http://govcentral.monster.com/content/education-resources

_Read More to Find out how the Government can reduce your monthly student loan payment_

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**Income-Based Repayment**

On July 1st, the government will introduce the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) program, a new payment option for individuals that have high student debt and lower-income.

As the name suggests, monthly payments will be calculated based on income and family size. For most people, payments are around 10% of your monthly income. The government will even pick up the interest on your subsidized student loans for the three years. If you have a balance after making payments for the next 25 years, the government will forgive the remainder of your student loan.

Resources on the Web:

"Sallie Mae":http://www.salliemae.com/after_graduation/manage_your_loans/repaying-student-loans/starting_repayment/income-based-repayment.htm

You can find more information about the Income-Based Repayment plan and calculate your estimated monthly payment

"IBRinfo.org":http://www.ibrinfo.org

An independent and non-profit source of information about the Income-Based Repayment program.

**Public-Service Loan Forgiveness**

The Public-Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program is targeted for people who currently work in “public service” jobs in the government or non-profit organizations. The program will forgive remaining student loan debt after the 10 years working for an eligible employer while making student loan payments. The PSLF program covers federal Stafford, Grad PLUS, or consolidated loans as long as they are a part of the Direct Loan program.

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The definition of an eligible job is pretty wide. You job is considered eligible for the PSLF program if you:
1. Work for any nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization;

2. Are employees by the federal, state, local, or tribal government (including the military, public schools, and colleges); or

3. Serve with AmeriCorps or Peace Corps full-time.

If you don’t meet these criteria, don’t worry; the Department of Education created a two-part test to check for eligibility:

1. Your employer is not "a business organized for profit, a labor union, a partisan political organization, or an organization engaged in religious activities, unless the qualifying activities are unrelated to religious instruction, worship services, or any form of proselytizing;" and

2. Your employer provides any of the following public services: emergency management; military service; public safety; law enforcement; public interest law services; early childhood education; public service for individuals with disabilities and the elderly; public health; public education; public library services; and school library or other school-based services.

You can also find more information about these student loan programs, and others, at the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid "website":http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/PSF.jsp

_Love it. Hate it. What would you like to see from GovCentral.com? Leave a comment below._

Secretary Duncan Announces Grant Competition to Retrain Displaced Workers, Help Rebuild America's Economy

Department of Education Presss Release — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:01:00 -0700

Milwaukee — U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan visited the Milwaukee Area Technical College today to announce a $7 million special competitive grant to establish innovative and sustainable community college programs that prepare displaced workers for second careers. This first-of-its-kind grant program will be used to develop national models that can be replicated across the country, especially in communities where autoworkers have lost their jobs.

Accompanied by Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, Milwaukee Area Technical College Acting President Vicki Martin and Manpower Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Joerres, Secretary Duncan called upon institutions of higher learning, private and public nonprofit organizations, and other agencies to propose model programs for training adults to pursue family-sustaining second careers. Secretary Duncan is one of several cabinet secretaries and other high-level officials from the Obama administration traveling across the Midwest this week to visit communities affected by layoffs in the automobile industry.

"Education is the catalyst for a strong economy and the means by which adults will reinvent themselves and rebuild the industrial cities that have been the foundation of our nation," Secretary Duncan said. "The Obama administration is committed to supporting auto communities and workers, who have been displaced from their jobs. Community colleges are invaluable resources for adults seeking to acquire new skills that are needed by employers."

According to Manpower, the 10 hardest jobs for U.S. employers to fill in 2009 are:

Engineers
Nurses
Skilled/Manual Trades
Teachers
Sales Representatives
Technicians
Drivers (delivery and short-haul)
Information Technology
Laborers
Machinist/Machine Operators

Many of these careers are within the reach of a community college graduate and will be made even more accessible by Secretary Duncan's announcement.

The U.S. Department of Education launched its first special focus competition grant today from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) benefiting community colleges. The grant will provide seed funding for model programs in community colleges that help adults develop the skills they need to succeed in a new career.

The programs could provide services, such as tutoring, academic and career counseling, and help with the registration process. They also could remove financial constraints for adults returning to school, including child care, transportation, and textbooks. These innovative new programs must be sustainable beyond the three-year grant period.

The grant application will be announced online today, June 4, in the Federal Register, and published tomorrow, June 5. Applications will be due on Aug. 4. The Department of Education anticipates awarding approximately 28 grants by mid-September with projects beginning on or about Oct. 1. The estimated range of the grant awards is $300,000-$750,000 over a three-year period.

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Florida Tech University Online – Undergrad Degree Programs 100% Online

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:31:00 -0700

Success is Just a Degree Away

Florida Tech’s nationally recognized "associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs":http://clk.atdmt.com/BED/go/142427748/direct/01/ ensure your success by opening new doors — now and throughout your professional career.

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Undergraduate Degrees

• AA Liberal Arts

• AA Business Administration

• AA Accounting

• AA Marketing

• AA Healthcare Management

• AA Criminal Justice

• AS Computer Information Systems

• BA Criminal Justice

• BA Accounting

• BA Business Administration/Management

• BA Business Administration/Marketing

• BA Business Administration/Accounting

• BA Business Administration/Computer Information Systems

• BA Business Administration/Healthcare Management

• BS Computer Information Systems

• HR Administration Minor with any Bachelor’s

Academic Excellence Meets Online Convenience

Top-ranked Florida Tech stands among the most respected and visionary research universities of the 21st century. With Florida Tech you’ll benefit from an excellent education, and appreciate the convenience and flexibility of learning from anywhere at anytime. For your convenience, streaming video lectures are available online or on CD-ROM so you can take classes even if you’re in an area where the Internet is not always available. In addition, you can acquire your associate’s or bachelor’s degree with these out-of-this-world advantages:

• Anytime, Anywhere, 24/7 Learning

• User-Friendly — Log in and Learn

• Instructor-Led Streaming Video Lectures

• MP3 Lecture Downloads

• Faculty-Hosted Message Boards

• Live Chat Room and Email

• No Campus Attendance Required

Accreditation

Florida Institute of Technology is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, education specialist, and doctoral degrees.

A Contract for Success

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:05:00 -0700

Contract management plays a vital role in today’s government and business organizations. It’s a critical discipline utilized by buyers and sellers who manage customer and supplier relationships, control risk and cost, and contribute to organizational profitability and success. By earning your Master Certificate in Government Contract Management or Commercial Contract Management 100% online from acclaimed Villanova University you can acquire the essential skills to master the entire contract management process in an interactive multimedia classroom.

Become a Contract Management Expert

Aligned with the NCMA Contract Management Body of Knowledge, Villanova’s comprehensive online curriculum provides current and future contract managers with an in-depth understanding of the latest concepts, methods and practices of contract law, federal and commercial law, procurement processes and best practices. You will gain the real-world knowledge and in-demand skills you need for negotiating, decision-making and managing the complete contracting process, with either of these three-course certificate programs:

Master Certificate in Government Contract Management

- Essentials of Government Contract Management

- Mastering Business Skills

- Advanced Contract Management

Master Certificate in Commercial Contract Management

- Essentials of Commercial Contract Management

- Mastering Business Skills

- Advanced Contract Management

Earn Contract Management Credentials 100% Online

An institution rich in history, Villanova University has upheld the highest standards of academic integrity and excellence for generations. Dynamic master certificate programs continue this exceptional educational experience with the convenience of 100% online learning. You’ll benefit from:

• Anytime, Anywhere, 24/7 Learning

• Instructor-Led Streaming Video Lectures

• Two-Way Online Voice Communication

• Faculty-Hosted Message Boards

• Live Chat Room and Email

• Shared White Boards

• User-Friendly — Log in and Learn

Distinguish Yourself With NCMA Certification

Villanova contract management master certificates prepare you for industry certification, which can boost your income by 56%! The programs, which are endorsed by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), prepare you to test for these NCMA certifications:

• Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM)

• Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM)

• Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM)

Earning your Master Certificate in Contract Management online is the fastest way to gain professional expertise and valuable skills you can use right away. Get started today and save!

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:00:00 -0700

Human resource management covers a wide variety of tasks and functions within an organization, including: recruiting and hiring, employee compensation and benefits, corporate policy, employee assistance, and training. Within the field of human resource management there is an endless list of possible jobs. Some of these include: recruiters, EEO officers, employer relations specialist, benefits managers, training and development managers, and labor relations, just to name a few.

A bachelor's degree in human resources equips graduates with the necessary background and tools to enter a human resources career in a variety of business settings.

Programs typically include a comprehensive overview of human resources principles and practices, business and technology training and communication courses.

In general, course work for a bachelor's degree in human resources covers contemporary HR issues, organizational theory and design, behavioral science, legal issues in HR management, performance management and assessment, employee training and development, and compensation and benefits.

Students can also expect a human resources bachelor's program to include core business training in areas such as accounting, finance, information technology and marketing. Additionally, most programs require an array of general education courses to meet various general studies distributions and also allow room for electives.

With a bachelor's degree in human resources, graduates qualify for human resources leadership roles in private, public and nonprofit organizations. Specific HR competencies covered in these bachelor degree programs include training and development, strategic staffing, labor and employment law, managing organizational change, compensation and benefits, leadership and team building. Undergraduates with a bachelor's degree in human resources often work as human resources generalists, corporate recruiters and employee benefits managers, while others take positions as training specialists, employee relations managers and HR information systems managers.

Jobs in the human resource industry are plentiful. Because human resource management is needed in every industry, and just about any company with 50 or more employees has human resource workers, human resource professionals have a great deal of options available to them. Specific job availability and salary depend on the specific area one pursues. However, the Bureau of Labor statistics reported that human resource jobs are expected to grow 36 percent or more through 2012, and in 2002 the average annual salary for human resource managers was just under $65,000.

Median Salary by Job - Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS/BSc/SB), Human Resources (United States)

Compare your salary: Get a free Salary Report

Bachelor of Science in Health Administration

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:00:00 -0700

A Bachelor of Science in Health Administration provides a balance of health sciences knowledge with business administration skills. The degree is awarded by a college or university after completion of a minimum number of academic units, with a specific number of units in the Health Administration major. A BS in Health Administration is often the minimum requirement for most medical and health services manager positions. A BS is also a stepping stone toward a Master of Science in Health Administration or a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis on healthcare administration.

A BS in health administration typically takes four years to complete as a full-time student. Part-time programs and online degrees allow for flexibility and can increase or decrease the amount of time it takes to complete the degree requirements.

A BS in Health Administration will increase your salary. A Healthcare Administrator with a Bachelor Degree can make up to *$40,000 more a year* than a Healthcare Administrator with an Associate degree. Plus, career opportunities open up for those with Bachelor degrees. Employers look for candidates with advanced experience and knowledge, which is what you will get with a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration.

*Career Options*:

• Healthcare Administrator

• Department Manager

• Medical and Health Services Manager

• Administrative Assistant

Median Salary by Job - Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS/BSc/SB), Health Care Administration (United States)

Compare your salary: Get a free Salary Report

Well-Paying, Dynamic Federal Internships and Special Recruitment Programs for Young Professionals

Lily Whiteman | Federal Career Coach — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:52:00 -0700

One of the best kept secrets in government is that federal employers sponsor hundreds of well-paying, dynamic internship programs for students and young professionals. That’s right, even if you’re just starting your career, you don’t have to slave for free.

Federal internships are based all over the U.S. and available in virtually every field. The timing and duration of federal internships vary from program to program: some internships are held during the summer; some internships extend throughout the academic year; and some special management programs for young professionals last one or more years.

Here is a sample of programs:

• The Commission and Security and Cooperation in Europe: Students and recent grads spend one semester researching human rights, religious liberties, corruption and law, and free media; communicating with House and Senate offices about pending foreign policy initiatives; and assisting staff advisors with hearings and briefings; see http://www.csce.gov.

• Congressional Budget Office Internships: Summer positions in Washington, DC, available to undergrads and graduates of advanced degree programs in policy, economics, health analysis, and public administration. See http://cbo.gov.

• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Corporate Employee Program: College grads participate in a three-year internship program, which includes an orientation, rotations, on-the-job training, opportunities to earn certifications, and other activities to become Financial Institution Specialists. Financial Institution Specialists evaluate the practices, international controls, and management of financial institutions and their compliance with consumer protection, fair lending, and civil rights laws. For more info, type the program name into the search window at http://www.fdic.gov.

• Federal Trade Commission: Entry-level lawyers, economists, and PhDs conduct research, educate consumers, and the business community and enforce laws in a fast-paced and challenging environment. See http://ftc.gov.

• FBI Programs: Undergrads and grad students work with special agents on important cases in DC or forensics labs in Quantico, Virginia. One prestigious program recruits language students. See http://fbi.gov.

• Global Change Education Programs: Undergrads in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience spend multiple summers researching global change in U.S. labs and universities, and participate in professional development activities. The Graduate Research Environmental Fellowship Program supports grad students studying global change. See http://www.atmos.anl.gov/GCEP.

• John A. Volpe Transportation Internships: Grad students in engineering, science, and social science alternate periods of work and study, or continuously work part-time in a world-class lab in Cambridge, MA. Interns work side-by-side with transportation leaders and receive a salary plus travel and up to $10,000 for tuition. See http://www.volpe.dot.gov/.

• Justice Department Programs for Lawyers: A highly competitive summer program recruits law students. The Attorney General’s Honors Program recruits entry-level attorneys. See http://www.usdoj.gov.

• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): The Undergraduate Student Research Program offers college graduates mentored internships at NASA facilities throughout the U.S. Most students work on projects that will be incorporated into aerospace and future missions. See http://www.epo.usra.edu/usrp. The Contracting Intern Program recruits college grads with business expertise. See http://ncip.nssc.nasa.gov. Find various other summer and year-round mentored internships, fellowships, and research positions at http://www.education.nasa.gov/edprograms/stdprograms/index.html#interships and
http://www.nasajobs.nasa.gov/studentopps/employment/programs.htm. Also, type internships into the search window at http://NASA.gov and at http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov.

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• National Cancer Institute Health Communications Internships: Grad students work on health communications projects for six months near Washington, DC. See http://internship.cancer.gov.

• National Gallery of Art Internships: Summer and year-round positions as curators, lecturers, and other positions in Washington, DC for college grads and grad students. See http://www.nga.gov.

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INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIPS

Federal internships that are based overseas internships provide unparalleled opportunities to earn substantive, career-boosting experience addressing hot-button issues such as global warming, trade, and disaster relief.

All four Foreign Service agencies sponsor overseas internships for students and recent grads during the academic year and summer. These four agencies are 1) The State Department; 2) the United States Agency for International Development; 3) The Department of Agriculture; and 4) the U.S. Commercial Service. In addition, the Association of Schools of Public Health also places interns in international positions in federal agencies.

Other agencies that sponsor U.S.-based internships addressing international issues include the African Development Foundation; agencies in the intelligence community including the CIA; the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, the Department of Health & Human Services, the FBI, the Federal Communications Commission, the Government Accountability Office, the Library of Congress, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, and the Voice of America.

INTERNSHIPS FOR MINORITIES, WOMEN AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Many federal internship programs are specially recruiting for minorities, women and people with disabilities. In addition to paying excellent salaries, many of these programs cover travel and housing. Here is a sample of such programs:

• CIA Programs: Interns work with highly-skilled professionals and observe how the CIA contributes to foreign policy. Summer and year-round internships and scholarship/internship packages are available for undergrads and grad students who are minorities or have disabilities. See http://www.intelligence.gov.

• Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc., Programs: Undergrads work for Congressional Black Caucus Members in the summer. See http://cbcfinc.org.

• Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Internships: Undergrads spend the summer and college grads spend nine months working for Congress in positions that offer dynamic assignments, interaction with high-level official, and professional development activities. See http://chci.org.

• Defense Intelligence Agency: Minorities, women, and people with disabilities who are undergrads and grad students are in demand for summer and year-round internships. See See http://www.dia.mil.

• Energy Department Programs for Minorities: 1) The Minority Education Institution Student Partnership Program: Undergrads and grad students conduct research and work on policy, business, and communications issues in nationwide labs and offices. They work side-by-side with leading scientists, engineers, and other top professionals to develop professional and leadership skills. See http://doeminorityinternships.org. 2) The College Student Summer Internships for Native Americans at Sandia National Laboratories is discussed at http://www.eere.energy.gov/tribalenergy/internships.cfm. 3) The Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship provides summer internships for minority students in science and engineering throughout the U.S. See http://fossil.energy.gov/education/lelandfellowships.

• National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO): Students from historically and predominantly black colleges and universities are placed in federal offices during the summer and school year. Stipends, travel expenses, and housing are covered. See http://nafeo.org/.

• Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS): Does it get any better than this? Interns work in state-of-the-art labs in beautiful, groovy Boulder, CO, on fascinating scientific projects, are mentored by top scientists, and live in modern group housing. Activities include conducting research and attending science writing workshops and other trainings. This is a multi-summer program and salaries increase each year of participation. See http://ucar.edu/soars/index.html.

• Women’s Research and Education Institute for Women and Public Policy Fellowship: Grad students and recent grads who are committed to women’s issues work for 8 months in Washington, DC as Congressional aids. See http://wrei.org.

• Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities: This program serves as a pipeline for undergrads, grad students, and law students who have disabilities into summer and full-time jobs throughout the federal government and private organizations. See http://opm.gov; type Workforce Recruitment Program into the search window.

FINDING MORE INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS

Almost every federal agency sponsors an internship program. But unfortunately, most of these programs are not advertised on USAJOBS.gov, and the federal government has not created a consolidated directory of its internship programs.

Find federal internships by using these resources:

• How to Land a Top-Paying Federal Job (Amacom Books) by Lily Whiteman features a comprehensive, hyperlinked directory of internships and special recruitment programs for students and recent graduates as well as a directory of programs that are specially recruiting minorities, women and people with disabilities. The book is on sale on Amazon.com here.

• Check the career sections of the websites of your target agencies. A hyperlinked A-to-Z directory of agency websites is posted here. Also check the career sections of national parks, forests and marine sanctuaries and federal libraries, museums and federal research laboratories.

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• A list of science-based opportunities for students of all levels, recent grads, and post-docs is posted here.

• More internship programs are listed on these sites:

 http://thejobpage.gov/starting.asp;

 http://thejobpage.gov/students.asp#;

 http://www.students.gov/STUGOVWebApp/Public;

 http://studentjobs.gov

‘Free Government Grants’: Don’t Take Them For Grant-ed

Federal Trade Commission — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:04:00 -0800

“Because you pay your income taxes on time, you have been awarded a free $12,500 government grant! To get your grant, simply give us your checking account information, and we will direct-deposit the grant into your bank account!”

Sometimes, it’s an ad that claims you will qualify to receive a “free grant” to pay for education costs, home repairs, home business expenses, or unpaid bills. Other times, it’s a phone call supposedly from a “government” agency or some other organization with an official sounding name. In either case, the claim is the same: your application for a grant is guaranteed to be accepted, and you’ll never have to pay the money back.

But the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, says that “money for nothing” grant offers usually are scams, whether you see them in your local paper or a national magazine, or hear about them on the phone.

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Some scam artists advertise “free grants” in the classifieds, inviting readers to call a toll-free number for more information. Others are more bold: they call you out of the blue. They lie about where they’re calling from, or they claim legitimacy using an official-sounding name like the “Federal Grants Administration.” They may ask you some basic questions to determine if you “qualify” to receive a grant. FTC attorneys say calls and come-ons for free money invariably are rip offs.

Grant scammers generally follow a script: they congratulate you on your eligibility, then ask for your checking account information so they can “deposit your grant directly into your account,” or cover a one-time “processing fee.” The caller may even reassure you that you can get a refund if you’re not satisfied. In fact, you’ll never see the grant they promise; they will disappear with your money.

The FTC says following a few basic rules can keep consumers from losing money to these “government grant” scams:

-Don’t give out your bank account information to anyone you don’t know. Scammers pressure people to divulge their bank account information so that they can steal the money in the account. Always keep your bank account information confidential. Don’t share it unless you are familiar with the company and know why the information is necessary.

-Don’t pay any money for a “free” government grant. If you have to pay money to claim a “free” government grant, it isn’t really free. A real government agency won’t ask you to pay a processing fee for a grant that you have already been awarded — or to pay for a list of grant-making institutions. The names of agencies and foundations that award grants are available for free at any public library or on the Internet. The only official access point for all federal grant-making agencies is www.grants.gov.

-Look-alikes aren’t the real thing. Just because the caller says he’s from the “Federal Grants Administration” doesn’t mean that he is. There is no such government agency. Take a moment to check the blue pages in your telephone directory to bear out your hunch — or not.

-Phone numbers can deceive. Some con artists use Internet technology to disguise their area code in caller ID systems. Although it may look like they’re calling from Washington, DC, they could be calling from anywhere in the world.

-Take control of the calls you receive. If you want to reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive, place your telephone number on the National Do Not Call Registry. To register online, visit www.donotcall.gov. To register by phone, call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236) from the phone number you wish to register.

-File a complaint with the FTC. If you think you may have been a victim of a government grant scam, file a complaint with the FTC online at www.ftc.gov, or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

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The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

25K in Scholarships for Military Dependents

Military.com — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:25:00 -0800

The fourth annual Homefront America, American Patriot Freedom Scholarship program is now accepting applications from qualified military dependent children. Applications must be postmarked by Friday, April 24, 2009.

For program application, eligibility requirements and guidelines, please visit the organization's scholarship website, or its main website. The American Patriot Freedom Scholarship Program was established in 2006 to offer appreciation to those families, who have dedicated themselves to protecting the American virtues that we all enjoy.

Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the Military.com Scholarship Finder.

26 Federal Agencies Offering Grants

Grants.gov — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 17:27:00 -0800

The Department of Health and Human Services is the Grants.gov program’s managing partner, and allows access to the 26 federal grant-making agencies available through this convenient E-Government initiative. Below are the links to those agency websites. If you would like to learn more about grants specific to these agencies, please click on the title of the agency below:

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Corporation for National and Community Service

The Corporation for National and Community Service is the nation’s largest grant-maker supporting service and volunteering. Through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America programs, the Corporation is a catalyst for change and offers every American a chance to contribute through service and volunteering.

Department of Agriculture

Established in 1862, the Department of Agriculture serves all Americans through anti-hunger efforts, stewardship of nearly 200 million acres of national forest and rangelands, and through product safety and conservation efforts. The USDA opens markets for American farmers and ranchers and provides food for needy people around the world.

Department of Commerce

The Department of Commerce fosters and promotes the nation’s economic development and technological advancement through vigilance in international trade policy, domestic business policy and growth, and promoting economic progress at all levels.

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense provides the military forces needed to deter war and protect the security of the United States through five major areas: peacekeeping and war-fighting efforts, Homeland Security, evacuation and humanitarian causes. Learn more

Department of Education

The Department of Education ensures equal access to education and promotes educational excellence through coordination, management and accountability in federal education programs. The Department works to supplement and complement educational efforts on all levels, encouraging increased involvement by the public, parents and students.

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Agency for International Development

The Agency for International Development is an independent federal government agency that provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries to ensure a better future for us all.

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Department of Energy

The Department of Energy’s goal is to advance national, economic and energy security in the U.S.; to promote scientific and technological innovation in support of that goal; and to ensure environmental cleanup of the national nuclear weapons complex.

Department of Health and Human Services

The Department of Health and Human Services is the federal government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially to those who are least able to help themselves.

Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security has three primary missions: Prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce America’s vulnerability to terrorism and minimize the damage from potential attacks and natural disasters.

Department of Housing and Urban Development

The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s mission is to increase homeownership, support community development and increase access to affordable housing free from discrimination. HUD fulfills this mission through high ethical standards, management and accountability, and by forming partnerships with community organizations.

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Department of the Interior

The Department of the Interior protects and provides access to the Nation’s natural and cultural heritage, including responsibilities to Indian tribes and island communities. Departmental goals include resource protection and usage, overseeing recreational opportunities, serving communities and excellence in management.

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Department of Justice

The Department of Justice enforces the law and defends the interest of the United States, ensuring public safety against threats foreign and domestic; providing federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime; seeking just punishment for those guilty of unlawful pursuits; and ensuring fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans.

Department of Labor

The Department of Labor fosters and promotes the welfare of job seekers, wage earners and retirees by improving their working conditions, advancing their opportunities, protecting their retirement and health benefits and generally protecting worker rights and monitoring national economic measures.

Department of State

The Department of State strives to create a more secure, democratic and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community.

Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation’s mission is to ensure fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation that meets vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future.

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Department of the Treasury

The Department of Treasury is a steward of United States economic and financial systems, and promotes conditions for prosperity and stability in the U.S., and encourages prosperity and stability in the rest of the world.

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Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs strives for excellence in patient care and veteran’s benefits for its constituents through high quality, prompt and seamless service to United States veterans.

Environmental Protection Agency

The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and the environment. Since 1970, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people.

Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute serves as a leader in providing services to enhance learning, sustain cultural heritage and increase civic participation.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration serves as the nation’s forefront of such exploration and continues to pioneer in aeronautics, exploration systems, science and space operations.

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National Archives and Records Administration

The National Archives and Records Administration enables people to inspect the record of what the federal government has done, enables officials and agencies to review their actions and helps citizens hold them accountable.

National Endowment for the Arts

The National Endowment for the Arts is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts; bringing the arts to all Americans and providing leadership in arts education. The Endowment is the largest national source of funds for the arts.

National Endowment for the Humanities

The National Endowment for the Humanities is an independent grant-making agency of the United States government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation and public programs in the humanities.

National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency created to promote the progress of science, to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare and to secure the national defense. The NSF annually funds approximately 20 percent of basic, federally-supported college and university research.

Small Business Administration

The Small Business Administration maintains and strengthens the nation’s economy by aiding, counseling, assisting and protecting the interests of small businesses and by helping families and businesses recover from national disasters.

Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration advances the economic security of the nation’s people through compassionate and vigilant leadership in shaping and managing America’s Social Security programs.

Fiscal Crisis Threatens GI Bill Program

Tom Philpott | Military.com — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:03:00 -0800

The worldwide financial crisis has hit private colleges hard enough that relatively few are likely to participate in the Post-9/11 GI Bill's "Yellow Ribbon" initiative when it begins this fall, says Keith M. Wilson, director of education service for the Veterans Benefits Administration.

Under the Yellow Ribbon program, private colleges and universities can enter into agreements with the Department of Veterans Affairs to waive up to half of tuition and fees charged above the most costly state-run school. The VA, in turn, will match the waived amount, thereby enhancing school reimbursements and the value of the new GI Bill.

Wilson said he hopes he is wrong about near term prospects for the Yellow Ribbon feature which is intended to allow academically qualified veterans to attend some of the most prestigious schools in the country.

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"Most schools aren't going to want to do a Yellow Ribbon program… because their finances have been hit too hard in the last couple of months," Wilson said in phone interview on draft GI Bill regulations.

That, he added, is his personal opinion from informal talks with some private school officials and not official responses returned to VA.

Get answers to the frequently asked questions about the New GI Bill.

Sen. John Warner (R-Va.), who retired this month, insisted last year that the Yellow Ribbon be part of the new GI Bill as a condition for winning his support. Warner said he wanted to be sure that qualified veterans could afford to attend the best schools just as veterans did following World War II.

VA officials in December mailed letters explaining the Yellow Ribbon program to private colleges and universities. VA is following up this month with another letter, this one asking schools if they will participate, what percentage of tuition and fees they might waive, and for how many veterans.

To date, Wilson said, he hasn't detected much enthusiasm for offering Yellow Ribbon discounts.

"Schools are really struggling right now, especially the high-end schools," he said. "Their endowments have just been crucified. That's [the] gut feeling I get from talking with these folks. They are just not in a position to be able to contribute."

Wilson suggested that some costly private schools "may do something token" so as not to seem "anti-veteran." But "not what we would have expected had we asked the question six months ago," he said, before stock markets and student loan markets "went south."

Many schools, he said, still are weighing the Yellow Ribbon option but there have been few positive signals.

"I really haven't had a real strong, iron clad, by-God-we're-going-to-do-this from any school," Wilson said.

The new GI Bill will pay tuition and fees at any college, up to the cost of attending the most expensive state-run school. Students also will get a monthly living allowance, set to equal basic allowance for housing locally for pay grade E-5, plus up to $1000 a year for books and school supplies.

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Veterans attending degree-granting schools where tuition exceeds the state-run school ceiling will have to pay the higher costs themselves unless the schools offer further discounts through a Yellow Ribbon agreement.

Schools can waive whatever portion of the tuition disparity they choose, from 50 percent down the difference down to one percent. The government will raise GI Bill reimbursements by an equal amount.

VA rules will mandate that waivers be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and they cannot be offered only to students in select fields of study. Yellow Ribbon colleges, for example, will not be able to target tuition waivers, for example, only at students who major in math.

GI BILL TRANSFERABILITY – The Department of Defense has responsibility for implementing the new GI Bill's transferability feature, which allows some service members to transfer unused benefits to spouses or children. This month DoD has moved to relax the transfer feature's eligibility requirement for servicemembers who are retirement-eligible or near so.

The new GI Bill law allows transfer of benefits to a spouse or to children only if service members are on active duty or in the Selected Reserve (drill status) as of Aug. 1, 2009, and agrees to serve an additional four years. The member must have served at least six years already to elect to transfer benefits to a spouse. They must have served 10 years already transfer benefits to children.

The law is silent on whether transferability is barred if members can't serve an additional four years because of DoD or service policy such as high-year tenure rules for enlisted and up-or-out promotion demands for officers.

Fortunately, the law also gives Defense officials broad authority to reshape transferability requirement as needed. This month, after consulting with the services, Defense officials tentatively have decided to relax the four-year service rule when it bumps up against other policies.

The four-year service requirement would be removed for members eligible to retiree now and those who become eligible on or before Aug. 1, 2009, the day the new GI Bill begins. (Retirement eligibility means completing at least 20 years of active service or 20 years of reserve service.)

Those eligible for retirement after Aug. 1, 2009, and before July 1, 2010, would have to serve only one additional year to qualify for GI Bill transferability. Those eligible for retirement after Aug. 1, 2010, and before July 1, 2011, would have to serve two additional years. Those eligible for retirement after Aug. 1, 2011 and before July 1, 2012, would have to serve three additional years to be able to transfer GI Bill benefits to family.

Use your GI Bill before time runs out!

A Contract for Success

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 14:22:00 -0800

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Career Profiles

Kyle Stone | Editor — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:50:00 -0800

Government workers are essential to society. Federal, state and local bodies provide homeland defense, law enforcement, fire and rescue, as well as representing U.S. interests abroad. Their reach is even more integrated – from the daily newspaper to the coffee in your mug to your favorite sitcom – the government plays a role in ensuring its citizens’ safety, protection, and freedom.

With unbeatable benefits, reasonable hours and observed holidays off, the government serves as an ideal workplace to help your career, your family and your country. Here’s a list of GovCentral’s top dream jobs – with a job description, average salary, education requirements and growth outlook for each position.

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• Federal Agent

• Inspector

• Economic Analyst

• Government Administrator

• Judges, Lawyers, and Paralegals

• IT Manager

• Biological Scientist

• Engineer

• Human Resources Manager

• Accountant

• Computer Scientist

Inspector

edu.govcentral.com — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:41:00 -0800

Job Description

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers ensure that your food will not make you sick, that your car will run properly, and that your pants will not split the first time you wear them. These workers monitor or audit quality standards for virtually all manufactured products, including foods, textiles, clothing, glassware, motor vehicles, electronic components, computers, and structural steel. As product quality becomes increasingly important to the success of many manufacturing firms, daily duties of inspectors have changed. In some cases, the job titles of these workers also have been changed to quality-control inspector or a similar name, reflecting the growing importance of quality.

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Median Salary

$60,000 – $92,000

Education Requirements

Training requirements vary, based on the responsibilities of the inspector, tester, sorter, sampler, or weigher. For workers who perform simple “pass/fail” tests of products, a high school diploma generally is sufficient, together with basic in-house training. Training for new inspectors may cover the use of special meters, gauges, computers and other instruments; quality-control techniques; blueprint reading; safety; and reporting requirements. There are some postsecondary training programs in testing, but many employers prefer to train inspectors on the job.

Job Outlook

Employment is expected to decline, reflecting the growth of automated inspection and the redistribution of quality-control responsibilities from inspectors to other production workers. The employment number of 491,000 total workers in 2006 will decrease 7% to 457,000 in 2016.

Search for Inspector Jobs