SPRING 2024 FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT EDUCATION SUMMIT

As part of Public Service Recognition Week, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

Federal Academic Alliance is hosting
the Spring 2024 Federal Government Education Summit on:

Wednesday, May 8, 2024, Time: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM EDT
Thursday, May 9, 2024, Time: 8:30 AM to 4:30 pm EDT

Attend virtually 100% online, OR attend in-person at 600 Maryland Avenue SW Washington DC 20024

About the Event

At this interactive virtual and in-person event, participants will have the opportunity to learn from exciting presentations and panel discussions, delivered by subject matter experts in academia and the Federal government, on mission critical topics including National Security, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Human Capital, and Professional Development. The Federal government community can also meet representatives from the Federal Academic Alliance schools virtually and/or in-person to learn how to take advantage of available education benefits. The schools represented in this event are all members of OPM’s Federal Academic Alliance.

Audience:

All Federal employees, spouses and eligible dependents, Military members and spouses are invited to attend this event, at no cost.

About the Federal Academic Alliance

OPM created the Federal Academic Alliance in 2014 to assist the Federal government in addressing critical skills gaps. The alliance provides higher educational opportunities to the Federal workforce by providing current Federal employees with the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education at reduced tuition rates or scholarships.

Learn more about the Federal Academic Alliance

Agenda

Agenda

time iconMay 9, 2024 09:00 am

Human Capital and Competitive Advantage: Old Paradigms & New Directions

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Alison Mackey
Assistant Professor of Consumer and Organizational Studies, Clarkson University

In today's rapidly evolving work environment, the traditional understanding of how companies manage their employees may no longer be applicable. Traditionally, it was believed that workers who are essential to a company's success should be hired as full-time employees and be willing to follow the company's hierarchical structure and rules in exchange for job security. However, with the increasing use of technology in the workplace, this view may no longer be accurate.

As work becomes more digitized, there is a growing distinction between different types of essential workers within a company. Some of these workers may have more bargaining power and autonomy, while others may lose both. This means that the traditional hierarchical structure may not be the best way to manage human capital effectively.

To address this issue, a human-centered design approach to management, which takes into account the rules of social aspects of work rather than just the economic ones, may be more appropriate. This approach recognizes that as work becomes more digitized, the rules of social exchange become more important than the rules of economic exchange.

In practical terms, this means that companies may need to rethink how they manage their workforce. They may need to focus more on creating a positive work environment that fosters collaboration and communication, rather than just enforcing rules and hierarchy. This could involve investing in employee training and development, promoting work-life balance, and creating opportunities for employee feedback and input.

Overall, as the nature of work continues to evolve, companies will need to adapt their management practices to better meet the needs of their employees and remain competitive in the marketplace. A human-centered approach to management may be one way to achieve this goal.

time iconMay 9, 2024 09:00 am

AI-Powered Deception: Unveiling Scams Engineered by Artificial Intelligence

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Michael Ratajczyk
Program Director, Center for Business Analytics, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

This presentation highlights a growing concern: scams engineered by AI models. As AI becomes increasingly sophisticated, it poses a significant threat in scams and deception. Through real-world examples and insights, this presentation delves into the mechanics behind AI-driven scams, the techniques used to perpetrate them, and the implications for individuals, businesses, and federal agencies. By understanding the evolving landscape of AI-powered deception, we can better equip ourselves to identify and mitigate these threats, safeguarding trust and security in the digital age.

time iconMay 9, 2024 10:00 am

Social Media: What Does Your Professional Presence Say About You?

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Emily Redinbaugh
Assistant Director, Content Marketing, Communications and Community, Bellevue University

Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Google, and Pinterest—what do these platforms have in common? This webinar is for those who may have tested the waters of social media or are landlocked and overwhelmed wondering what to make of it all and how to survive the various social media platforms today. We will dive into the professionalism of social media.

time iconMay 9, 2024 10:00 am

The Benefits of Health and Wellness Programs

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Jorday Taswell
Personnel Research Psychologist, Office of Personnel Management

This is a 25 minute overview of OPM's Work-Life programs. Work-life is the business practice of creating a flexible, supportive environment to engage employees and maximize organizational performance. Work-life programs are critical management tools for the Federal community as we strive to maintain an excellent, engaged workforce.

time iconMay 9, 2024 10:00 am

Access Granted - The Benefits of Local Artificial Intelligence for Equity, Accessibility, and Privacy

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Dr. Philip Chambers
Instructional Design Specialist, Oregon State University

This presentation demonstrates the advantages of institutions using locally installed and managed artificial intelligence systems such as Large Language Models (LLMs) and image-generating models. By presenting existing issues and demonstrable solutions, we will explore how the integration of artificial intelligence in-house is transformative to the landscape of equity, accessibility, and privacy.

time iconMay 9, 2024 11:00 am

Elevate Your Presence - Unleash the Power of Personal Branding

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Meredith Okenquist
Director, Career Management, Villanova University

In today’s competitive and interconnected world, establishing a strong personal brand is essential to differentiate oneself and make an impact. This presentation will explore the art and science of personal branding, guiding individuals on a journey to enhance their strategic presence. Join to learn more about crafting your narrative, mastering digital branding, building influence and credibility, and more!

time iconMay 9, 2024 11:00 am

Work-Life Balance … Harnessing Your Harmony

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Tina M. Rose
M.Ed., Director of Development and Programming, Penn State World Campus

Harnessing your harmony is different for everyone. We will discuss ways to create that balance and what it means to you.

time iconMay 9, 2024 11:00 am

A GeoMentoring Case Study Partnership Model Integrating Location Intelligence with Retail Analytics Site Optimization

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Dr. John Ebert
Core Professor and Program Director and directs the M.S. in Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics (DIGA) and M.S. in Cybersecurity programs, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

An education-based pilot study model was developed for implementing a methodology to explore the impact of AI/Machine Learning on predicting financial success of grocery retail market sites using AI/ML algorithms through location intelligence applications. This exploratory model was developed in a virtual classroom setting featuring student solutions through industry mentorship provided by our Saint Mary's University of Minnesota affiliate, Retail Stat - a grocery, real estate, and data analytics company.

time iconMay 9, 2024 01:00 pm

OPM Workforce of the Future Playbook

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Eric Popiel
Manager for the Future of Work Group in the Office of Workforce Policy and Innovation (WPI), Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

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Jason Gibson
Strategic Foresight Program Analyst, Future of Work

OPM’s strategy for addressing the workforce of the future involves commitments in five areas – policy and resources, research and evaluation, training and technical assistance, data analytics, and stakeholder engagement

time iconMay 9, 2024 01:00 pm

Near-AGI Speech Technology: Opportunities and Threats

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Elsayed Issa
Assistant Professor, Purdue University

Open AI outlines their missions to “ensure that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity.” This talk presents the recent advancements in speech technology illuminating their capabilities that approach those of AGI. Such systems hold the potential to revolutionize various sectors, including education, by presenting unprecedented opportunities. However, they also pose risks as they could be exploited for creating voice deepfakes and conducting fraudulent activities.

time iconMay 9, 2024 01:00 pm

The Power of Emotional Intelligence

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Dr. Hector R. Garcia
Dean of Criminal Justice, Southern New Hampshire University

Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions and the ability to recognize, understand, and influence the emotions of others. Sadly, a recent survey revealed that 64% of the employees surveyed said that they would trust an Artificial Intelligence robot more than their actual manager. Studies have shown that 75% of all organizational processes contain elements of Emotional Intelligence while only 25% of organizational processes are solely linked to intelligence quotient. Approximately, 58% of professional success is attributed to excellent Emotional Intelligence skills and 90% of top organizational performers were found to score high on Emotional Intelligence attributes. Given the value of this learnable skill, leaders at all levels should gauge the levels of their emotional intelligence and establish a personal improvement plan to enhance their Emotional Intelligence skills.

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Artificial Intelligence/Data Science

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Human Capital

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Professional Development

time iconMay 8, 2024 09:00 am

How to Juggle Work, Home, and Returning Back to School

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Dr. Lisa Romano-Arnold
Associate Vice President for Community College Partnerships, University Of The People

Going back to school with work and family responsibilities can be overwhelming. You're not alone! Learn some easy time saving strategies to organize your chaos and make it look effortless.

time iconMay 8, 2024 09:00 am

Enhancing National Security through the Integration of Blockchain and PKI Technologies

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Dr. Sérgio Tenreiro de Magalhães
Chief Learning Officer for Champlain College Online and Associate Professor of Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, Champlain College Online

In this presentation, we bridge the gap between the established security protocols of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and the innovative potential of Blockchain technology to enhance national security. We will discuss how these technologies together can fortify the defenses of our nation's critical data and communication networks, ensuring greater resilience against emerging threats.

time iconMay 8, 2024 09:00 am

Evolution of Data Science and Predictive Modeling: Current State and Future Trends

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Dr. Boris Jukic
Director of Data Analytics Programs, Clarkson University

This presentation will address the key reasons for the explosion of data science as a professional field and its evolution from a niche discipline into a mission-critical functional area and value driver for any organization. The relationship between data and its value for an organization is often unclear to decision makers; this talk aims to provide a succinct connection between the two. In this context, we will describe the current state of Data Science as an expert profession and its evolving roles, responsibilities and common skillset. The relative importance of Data Engineering in comparison to "pure" Data Science will be addressed as well as the critical ideas of Alignment, Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) and Introspection.

time iconMay 8, 2024 10:00 am

Leveraging the Nexus of Education and Experience for Success as a National Security Practitioner

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Dr. Wayne Bergeron
Associate Professor in the Department of Politics, Justice, Law and Philosophy teaching Criminal Justice and Security and Emergency Management, University of North Alabama

We live in an increasingly complex and complicated world where the traditional pathways to entry into and success in the field of national security have evolved, become convoluted, and in some cases been overshadowed or rendered irrelevant. For today's national security practitioner, neither experience nor education alone is enough to ensure success. So let's explore what it now takes and how to get there.

time iconMay 8, 2024 10:00 am

The Emotionally Intelligent Leader

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Albert Zainea
Executive Director, Academic and Professional Programs, Central Michigan University

This presentation introduces and emphasizes the essence of "The Emotionally Intelligent Leader," exploring the core principles of cultivating emotional intelligence. The presentation delves into the impact of emotional intelligence on organizational culture and performance.

time iconMay 8, 2024 11:00 am

Human Resources Automation with Artificial Intelligence

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Dr. Carrie Stringham
Distinguished Faculty Member, Purdue University Global

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not the future, but is the past. Artificial Intelligence is historical data and looks backward. While the benefits associated with the use of Artificial Intelligence in human resources are numerous, a deeper understanding of what it can and cannot do, can help leaders to use it effectively and can help employees to embrace it without fear. Join us to better understand this often misunderstood tool.

time iconMay 8, 2024 11:00 am

Understanding the Psychology of Terrorism: A Criminological Analysis

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Dr. Shane Kelley
Associate Dean of Public Safety, Purdue Global University

This webinar will provide an overview of terrorism in the United States, both foreign and domestic. More specifically, analyzing the reasons individuals and groups commit acts of terrorism will be uncovered. Using a criminological lens, participants will gain an understanding of the factors contributing to terrorist acts against the United States.

time iconMay 8, 2024 11:00 am

Time Management

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Marv Meissner
Professor of the Practice, College of Professional Studies, Villanova University

Time is your most valuable and limited resource and one that can’t be replaced - Studies show that on average a person wastes as much as 2 hours a day. This session is designed to make you more efficient and effective both professionally and personally. You will learn practical tools and techniques that will help prioritize and schedule tasks and accomplish objectives within limited timeframes.

time iconMay 8, 2024 01:00 pm

Managing Your Mind: Building Confidence, Changing Limiting Beliefs, and Practicing Presence

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Alex Martino
Student Success Navigator, Oregon State University

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Leela Magdaleno
Student Success Coach, Oregon State University

In today's fast-paced world, the ability to manage our minds is crucial. This presentation offers an exploration into self-awareness, confidence building, and presence as a practice. Attendees will gain knowledge of themselves that will help them to navigate their thoughts and emotions with skill and resilience. Join us to learn more about managing your mind with intention and grace.

time iconMay 8, 2024 01:00 pm

Gap Between Science and Policy for National Security and the Building Public Understandings of Science

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Dr. Tomoko Steen
Director of Two Graduate Programs, Biomedical Science Policy and Advocacy and Biohazardous Threat Agents & Emerging Infectious Diseases, and a Professor at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Georgetown University School of Medicine Graduate Program

Every year, new events relevant to the biomedical sciences emerge in the global arena, from outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases to nuclear accidents that threaten lives and livelihoods of the public. The development of tools and knowledge to manage these potential threats would transform societies. In these times of constant change, decision-makers face a delicate balance: how to anticipate and manage safety, security, ethical, and moral considerations that might arise from these events while promoting innovation and discovery. Being resilient and bridging the gap between science and policy is critical for those in governmental biomedical careers. This webinar will discuss how cross-disciplinary approaches to these emerging threats can help researchers and policymakers navigate these ever-evolving situations.

time iconMay 8, 2024 01:00 pm

Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education

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Eric Lagally
Academic Director and Associate, Western Governors University

Policy implications, impact on course design, ethical and legal challenges, how AI can help students better prepare for the future and more will be discussed.

time iconMay 8, 2024 08:30 am

8:30 am - 9:00 am - Welcome

Remarks from Office of Personnel Management, Department of Homeland Security and Graduate School USA

time iconMay 8, 2024 09:00 am

9:00 am - 4:00 pm - Exhibition: Visit Colleges/Universities, Office of Personnel Management (OPM)/Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Booths and the Affinity Groups

This is an opportunity to meet:

  1. More than 20 schools who are members of the OPM Federal Academic Alliance,
  2. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Talent, Learning and Development and Federal Academic Alliance teams
  3. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) teams and
  4. Affinty Groups. The schools are prepared to provide Veterans and Spouses academic information during the exhibition.
time iconMay 8, 2024 10:00 am

10:00 am-11:30 am - International Threats and Hazards

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Dr. Hector R. Garcia
Dean Criminal Justice, School of Social Science, Southern New Hampshire University

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Dr. Trace C Lasley
Professor of Practice, Department of Justice, Law, and Criminology, School of Public Affairs, American University

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James Deater, Jr.
Public Safety and Health Executive

This panel hosts a discussion by experts on the changing global security environment and how nations and other groups are responding to or exploiting the challenges and opportunities that arise.


Moderator is

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Antonio “T” Scurlock
DHS Chair and Professor at National Defense University’s College of International Security Affairs,

time iconMay 8, 2024 11:45 am

11:45 am - 12:45 pm - Lunch on Your Own at Capital Gallery Eateries

Lunch Break

time iconMay 8, 2024 12:45 pm

12:45 pm-2:00 pm - How to Use Artificial Intelligence Ethically in Day to Day Work and What Are the Challenges?

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Chris Millet
M.Ed., Senior Director of Learning Design, Penn State University

Generative AI has changed the way we interact with technology, providing a conversational interface to the world's knowledge in a way that can accelerate problem solving and decision making, and automate labor intensive operational tasks to vastly increase productivity. This session will provide a framework that articulates the specific affordances of Generative AI that have the potential to enhance workplace productivity, which will be contextualized with examples of typical work tasks. We'll also review security, privacy, and ethical considerations to ensure responsible use of this exciting new technology.

time iconMay 8, 2024 02:15 pm

2:15 pm -3:45 pm - Domestic Threats And Hazards

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James Deater, Jr.
Public Safety and Health Executive

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Jeff Delinski
Program Director, Homeland Security undergraduate program at The George Washington University in the College of Professional Studies.

This panel hosts a discussion by experts on the changing domestic security environment and how institutions at every level of government, the private sector and other groups are responding to the challenges and opportunities that arise.

Topics include: Artificial Intelligence, Climate Change, and Mis/Dis information.


Moderator is:

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Bruce Lichtman
DHS Chair and Professor at National Defense University’s Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy.

time iconMay 9, 2024 08:30 am

8:30 am - 9:00 am - Welcome

Remarks from Office of Personnel Management, Department of Homeland Security and Graduate School USA

time iconMay 9, 2024 09:00 am

9:00 am - 4:00 pm - Exhibition: Visit Colleges/Universities, Office of Personnel Management (OPM)/Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Booths and the Affinity Groups

This is an opportunity to meet:

  1. More than 20 schools who are members of the OPM Federal Academic Alliance,
  2. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Talent, Learning and Development and Federal Academic Alliance teams
  3. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) teams and
  4. Affinty Groups. The schools are prepared to provide Veterans and Spouses academic information during the exhibition.
time iconMay 9, 2024 09:00 am

9:00 am - 10:30 am - Developments in Homeland Security Education: Perspectives from the Field

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Mark Murtha
Collegiate Associate Professor, University of Maryland Global Campus

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Dr. Trace C Lasley
Professor of Practice, Department of Justice, Law, & Criminology, School of Public Affairs, American University

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James Deater, Jr.
Public Safety and Health Executive

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Jeff Delinski
Program Director, Homeland Security undergraduate program at The George Washington University in the College of Professional Studies.

This panel hosts a discussion by experts on the developments in the domestic security environment that have changed or should change or how or what should be included in advanced homeland security curriculums.


Moderator is:

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Michael Brody
DHS Chair and Professor at National Defense University’s College of Information and Cyberspace

time iconMay 9, 2024 10:45 am

10:45 am - 12:15 pm - Writing Your Resume for Federal Jobs

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Karlos M. Deltoro
Senior Federal Recruitment Advisor, U.S. Office of Personnel Management

This session reviews unique aspects of writing a résumé that is specifically customized to apply for federal jobs. Learn what information is required for a résumé that will make you more effective in the federal hiring process. You will learn what to include, things to avoid, and what makes a résumé for federal employment different from those used for private sector and other employment.

time iconMay 9, 2024 02:00 pm

2:00 pm -3:00 pm - Developments In National Security Studies Education: What Does the Future Hold?

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Frank Goertner
Director, Federal & Veteran Affairs and Director, Graduate Program in Technology Management, Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland

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James Deater, Jr.
Public Safety and Health Executive

This panel hosts a discussion by experts on how the changing global security environment has and/or should change security/strategic studies curricula.


Moderator is:

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Peter Neville
DHS Chair and Professor at National Defense University’s National War College

time iconMay 9, 2024 03:15 pm

3:15 pm - 4:15 pm - Interviewing for Federal Jobs

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Karlos M. Deltoro
Senior Federal Recruitment Advisor, U.S. Office of Personnel Management

Participants will be equipped to prepare for and engage in successful interviews for federal jobs. We will cover actions you should take prior to, on the day of, and after your interview. Also, you will learn about the kinds of interviewing methods used by federal agencies, the types of questions that may be asked during the interview, and how best to respond.

time iconMay 8, 2024 09:00 am

9:00 am - 6:00 pm - Stop by to get Information on Educational Opportunities with your Favorite School

time iconMay 8, 2024 01:00 pm

1:00 pm - 1:30 pm - Chat with a Representative from the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) and Learn More about Membership Benefits in this Professional Organization.

time iconMay 8, 2024 01:30 pm

1:30 pm - 2:00 pm - Chat with a Representative from Federally Employed Women (FEW) and Learn More about Membership Benefits in this Professional Organization.

time iconMay 8, 2024 02:00 pm

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm - Chat a representative from Blacks in Government (BIG) and Learn More about Membership Benefits in this Professional Organization.

time iconMay 8, 2024 02:30 pm

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm - Chat with a representative from Young Government Leaders (YGL) and Learn More about Membership Benefits in this Professional Organization.

time iconMay 8, 2024 03:00 pm

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm - Chat with a representative from Training Officer's Consortium (TOC) and Learn More about Membership Benefits in this Professional Organization.

time iconMay 8, 2024 02:00 pm

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Veterans & Spouses Featured Benefits Information Session (Visit the Educational Booths and Discuss Veterans’ Benefits).

time iconMay 8, 2024 06:00 pm

6:00 pm - VIRTUAL Exhibit Hall Closes (Information will be Available Until June 9, 2024)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Federal Government Education Summit:

The Federal Government Education Summit is a virtual and in-person education fair where employees of the federal government can connect with Federal Academic Alliance partners. OPM has created these alliances to help assist the federal government in addressing critical skills gaps. At the education fair you will also be able to attend panel discussions on various topics to hear more about what subject matter experts have to say about the evolution of these topic areas.

What can I expect from the Federal Government Education Summit:

  • Gather information about the school's educational offerings, degree opportunities, and certificate/CEU options.

  • Attend live panel discussions on key topic areas impacting today’s leaders and employee workforce

  • View fresh and exciting information on what our college partners are offering new students.

Do I need to register for the Federal Government Education Summit?

Yes, you will need to enter your name and email address to enjoy all the features of the Summit

Do I need to download or install any software to be able to attend this event?

  • No. You do not need to download or install any software to participate in our education fair. You only need to have access to the Internet

  • Zoom will be the meeting tool to access the panel discussions

How do I convince my supervisor that I should attend this two-days event?

Participants will have the opportunity to learn from exciting presentations and panel discussions.
  • Delivered by subject matter experts in academia and the Federal government.
  • Themes on Mission Critical topics including National Security, Artificial Intelligence/Data Analytics, Human Capital, and Professional Development.
  • Meet representatives from the Federal Academic Alliance schools to learn how to take advantage of available education benefits.
  • There is free admission to the summit, why not register?
  • Show your boss our schedule and register at https://fedgovedfair.vfairs.com/en/ and point out things you could use at work!
  • The sample SF-182 includes pertinent information to attend.
  • Any questions, email us at learninganddevelopment@opm.gov