Navy and OPM Prioritize Military Spouse Employment Through the Pathways Journey Focus Groups
November 4, 2024 | Story by Naomi Wilkins | Commander, Navy Installations Command | Fleet and Family Readiness
WASHINGTON – In recent months, the Navy and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) have been actively gathering feedback from participants during the Pathways Journey: Let Your Voice Be Heard virtual focus groups. These sessions aim at gauging participants’ awareness of the Pathways Recent Graduate Program, which has been available since 2010. This program helps military spouses, dependents and transitioning service members who are recent or soon-to-be graduates secure employment within the federal government.
“We are committed to continuing these focus groups, which will help us improve this valuable opportunity for military spouse employment,” said Ebonie Powe, Family Employment Readiness Program Analyst for Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). Powe emphasized that the Navy is leading the efforts to promote the program ahead of the other services.
The Pathways Journey: Let Your Voice Be Heard virtual focus group sessions have included Adrian Williams, Government Life Military Spouse Program Manager for OPM, who has engaged with government employees, spouses and retirees to assess their knowledge of the program. The latest session, held on October 24, offered the Navy Ombudsman employees and military spouses the opportunity to share what they know about the program, and more importantly, what they don’t know. While participants shared their perspectives and recommendations, Williams emphasized the importance of their feedback, stating, “Feedback is being gathered in order to provide recommendations and improve the program’s accessibility and effectiveness.”
The final session will be hosted on November 7, focusing on input from military spouses, caregivers and Navy Wounded Warriors. “We urge all who are eligible to register and take part in this final session to ensure their voices are heard,” Powe stated.
The upcoming focus group is open for registration now at mynavyfamily.com.
If you are a recent graduate and would like more information on the Pathways Recent Graduate program, please visit https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/students-recent-graduates.
To view and apply for Fleet and Family Support careers at any time, please visit navymwr.org/ffsp/careers or usajobs.gov.