AF outlines special developmental education programs for officers

By Staff Sgt. Steve Grever
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Officers have until Aug. 31 to apply for special developmental education programs available for the 2010-2011 academic year.

The four programs include the Olmsted Scholarship Program, White House Fellowship Program, Mansfield Fellowship Program and Information Assurance Scholarship Program.

Olmsted Scholar Program

The Olmsted Scholar Program provides an opportunity for Air Force line officers to study in a foreign language at an international university abroad. This program provides officers with an in-depth understanding of foreign languages and cultures so they will be knowledgeable and sensitive to the viewpoints and concerns of people around the world as they progress with their Air Force careers. The program involves cultural immersion as well as studying at the university in the native language. More information about the program is available at the George and Carol Olmsted Foundation website at www.olmstedfoundation.org.

White House Fellowship Program

The White House Fellowship Program provides officers with first-hand experience of the nation’s governing process. Annually, 11 to 19 U.S. citizens are selected to work full time for one year as special assistants to senior executives in cabinet-level agencies or in the executive office of the president. White House fellows also participate in an active education program that includes candid, off-the-record discussions with prominent leaders. Fellows also study U.S. policy in action both domestically and abroad by participating in policy study-trips.

Mansfield Fellowship Exchange Program

The Mansfield Fellowship Exchange Program awards two-year fellowships to U.S. federal government employees to develop an in-depth understanding of Japan, learn how its government works and establish relationships with their counterparts in the government of Japan as well as in the business, professional and academic communities. Each year, up to 10 fellowships are awarded to qualified U.S. government officials. The fellows spend a year working full time in Japanese government offices, preceded by a year of full-time, rigorous language and area studies training in the United States. After working in Japan, fellows are required to serve at least two additional years in the federal government where it is anticipated they will continue to work on projects involving Japanese issues.

Information Assurance Scholarship Program

The Department of Defense established the Information Assurance Scholarship Program to increase the number of qualified personnel entering the information assurance career field. This program was established to meet the nation’s increasing dependence on information technology for warfighting and the security of its information infrastructure. The program covers the cost of tuition, fees and books. Additional information on participating schools, entrance pre-requisites, requirements, eligibility and specific degrees is available at www.defenselink.mil/nii/iasp.

More information about these programs is available the Air Force Personnel Center personnel services website at http://gum.afpc.randolph.af.mil under Officer Developmental Education Programs.