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US Public Service Academy
I've been meaning to blog about this one for a while, but kept forgetting about it until now. This is the kind of innovative idea that we need in today's globally chaning world.
It's a Washington Post article about efforts to create a U.S. "Public Service Academy" which would create a new service academy in the vein of West Point or Annapolis. As the article explains:
The proposed United States Public Service Academy would offer an all-expenses-paid education to 5,000 undergraduates. Its liberal arts curriculum would emphasize leadership development, analytical thinking and service to others, with requirements for summer service internships and a year of study abroad.Graduates would be required to work for five years in public service. They could choose from jobs in state, local or federal government, law enforcement, public health, education or nonprofit organizations.
"The idea is, you promote and you try to create an intensive campus culture of service, where everybody is oriented philosophically towards the same goals," said Asch, 33, who lives in Sunflower County.
In a world where a huge portion of our US Government workforce will be retiring in the coming years (not to mention in areas like teachers, nurses, etc.) it's vital we fill these jobs. Now this academy could never educate enough folks to totally fill the void but it could restore the prestige of public service. In the way that West Point or Annapolis attracts the best leaders in the military, a similar program of development could be created for future public servants. Few places focus on teaching leadership and we see it's absence in today's government everywhere from New Orleans to the Republican controlled Congress.
America could use a few good new leaders. Could the US Public Service Academy be where they come from in the future? I've heard worse ideas.
- Adam Conner's blog
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Re: US Public Service Academy
Thanks for posting information about the U.S. Public Service Academy, Adam. To answer your question, I say, "Yes -- the Academy is where America's next generation of good young leaders will come from." I may be a bit biased, but I believe that this idea has the power to catalyze our generation and get more young people to serve our country. We will inherit the problems that our current leaders are creating for us, and we must be prepared to deal with them. This is our time, this is our chance. I invite you and every young person reading this blog to join our movement.
Thanks!
Chris Myers Asch
PS -- To learn more, visit our web site: http://www.uspublicserviceacademy.org or contact me directly.
Re: US Public Service Academy
How would such a program incorporate the valuable learning experiences of young people who are already engaged in public service through programs such as AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps?
Re: US Public Service Academy
The Academy would be targeted toward younger students -- it would be an undergraduate institution -- but it certainly would build upon the impressive foundation of service laid by Americorps, Peace Corps, Freedom Corps, and other programs. The leaders of the Academy (myself included) are Americorps alums, and former Peace Corps volunteers and leaders (such as Harris Wofford) are among the Academy's most vocal supporters. To get this institution up and running, we will need to tap everyone with experience in service programs.
Chris Myers Asch
Re: US Public Service Academy
I agree that a national institution that brings prestige and visibility to public service would go a long way in changing public opinion about public service. I'd love to sit on that curriculum development committee.
Re: US Public Service Academy
Jon, we are looking for folks just like you to help us turn this proposal into reality. Please contact Chris Myers Asch (asch@uspublicserviceacademy.org) or myself (raymond@uspublicserviceacademy.org) to find out ho we can work together on this project.
Re: US Public Service Academy
Harris Wofford's the bomb.
Public Service Sector + American Youth
I'm very glad you picked up on this article as well - I agree that the Public Service Academy is a strong step in the right direction - especially since it seems so impossible to achieve success right now, governmentally speaking.
It seems to me that this type of initiative is being considered because of the large amount of government workers our country will lose when the baby boomers retire. I think one of the challenges will be trying to create exciting government jobs which will be more attractive to today's generation.
I'm the head editor for GovCentral.com, a website which is also trying to respond to this problem - if there's any way I can get the word out about government jobs via YP4, please let me know!
Best,
Kyle Stone
info@govcentral.com