Presidential Management Fellows Program

The Presidential Management Fellows (PMF)[1] Program is a two-year training and leadership development program at a United States government agency, administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), for advanced degree holders (both current and recent graduates). After completing the program, agencies may convert PMFs to permanent federal civilian employees.[2]

U.S. Presidential Management Fellows Program
Formation1977
PurposeA paid two-year fellowship at a U.S. government agency for U.S. citizens with advanced degrees.
AffiliationsOffice of Personnel Management, President of the United States (E.O. 13562)
Websitehttps://www.pmf.gov/
Formerly called
Presidential Management Intern Program (1977–2003)

Program history

edit

The PMF Program was established by executive order in 1977,[3] and amended by Executive Order in 2003[4] to attract to the Federal service outstanding citizen-scholars from a variety of academic disciplines and career paths who have a clear interest in, and commitment to, excellence in the leadership and management of public policies and programs. Program regulations were amended again in December 2010 by Executive Order[5] establishing the PMF Program as one of the three student Pathways to federal employment. By drawing graduate students from diverse social and cultural backgrounds, the PMF Program provides a continuing source of trained men and women to meet the future challenges of public service. The PMF program was formerly referred to as the Presidential Management Internship (PMI) program. In September 2013, OPM added a new STEM track to the PMF process to increase opportunities for science and technology students and meet the demand for qualified candidates for these roles in government, but this track was later removed.

Eligibility

edit
 
State Department PMF class of 2019

There are two situations where graduate students may be eligible to apply to the PMF program. Graduate students from all academic disciplines who expect to complete an advanced degree from a qualifying college or university by August 31 of the academic year in which the competition is held are eligible to become Fellows. Alternatively, those who have completed an advanced degree (masters or professional) from a qualifying college or university during the previous 2 years from the opening date of the PMF Program's application announcement are eligible. Individuals who previously applied for the program, but were not selected as a Finalist, may reapply if they meet eligibility requirements. Finalists come from a diverse range of graduate institutions, but the schools with the most PMF Finalists in 2014 included American University, University of Michigan, Harvard University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, Columbia University, and Johns Hopkins University.[citation needed]

The application process requires a résumé, an online assessment, and short essays. Potential fellows should demonstrate breadth and quality of accomplishments, capacity for leadership, exceptional oral and written communication skills, and a commitment to excellence in the leadership and management of public policies and programs. The application occurs usually during the autumn. OPM announces finalists names during winter. Those who are nominated as finalists remain finalists for one year, unless appointed by an agency during that year. Finalists may reapply to the Program before the year of appointment eligibility ends; however, status as a current Finalist is forfeited upon accessing the on-line assessment.[6] The program is extremely competitive: for the PMF Class of 2013, there were 663 finalists (eligible for appointment as Fellows), who were selected from well over 12,000 nominees, an acceptance rate of approximately 5.5%.[7]

Alumni

edit

Presidential Management Alumni Association (PMAA)

edit

The Presidential Management Alumni Association (PMAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to improve, expand, and promote the alumni community as well as the PMF Program. They are dedicated to supporting alumni excellence and achievement, advocating for the PMF program, and holding up public service as a noble and necessary profession.

PMAG

edit

The non-profit Presidential Management Alumni Group (PMAG) was formerly the primary alumni group for PMIs and PMFs. It was organized in 1981 to advance the professionalism of public service and augment the education and career development of those who have served in or assisted the PMF Program. PMAG was not sponsored by OPM. The members were Fellows, alumni, and other individuals interested in recruitment and development of Federal Government career managers. PMAG sponsored professional and social activities, maintained a network among alumni, and provided support to maintain the PMF Program as the Federal Government’s premier mechanism for recruiting future managers.

Notable alumni

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ "PMF". Pmf.gov. 2013-11-01. Retrieved 2014-04-30.
  2. ^ "pmf.gov Agencies FAQs". Retrieved 19 August 2014.
  3. ^ "Executive Order 12008 - Presidential Management Intern Program". Retrieved May 9, 2019.
  4. ^ "Executive Order". Georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov. Retrieved 2014-04-30.
  5. ^ "Students & Recent Graduates". Opm.gov. Retrieved 2014-04-30.
  6. ^ "PMF | BECOME A PMF | Eligibility". Pmf.gov. 2013-10-01. Retrieved 2014-04-30.
  7. ^ "List of PMF Finalists" (PDF). Retrieved 19 August 2014.
edit