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Pathways Journey: Navy Takes a Proactive Approach to Doing More for Military Spouse Employment

October 15, 2024 | Story by Naomi Wilkins | Commander, Navy Installations Command

WASHINGTON -- In collaboration with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Navy is enhancing efforts to promote the Pathways Recent Graduate Program, which launched in 2010. The program aims to help military spouses, dependents and transitioning service members who are soon-to-be graduates or recent graduates gain employment within the federal government.

While other programs, such as the Department of Defense’s Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) and My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA), offer important support like tuition assistance, the Pathways Recent Graduate program leverages participants’ educational background and takes it one step further.

“The Pathways Recent Graduate program has been an integral part of the Navy’s effort in promoting spouse employment, and I am proud to be leading this charge to help military spouses secure federal government positions,” said Ebonie Powe, Family Employment Readiness Program Analyst for Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). Powe emphasized that the program reflects the Navy’s proactive approach to addressing spouse employment challenges.

To help raise awareness, Powe is leading a virtual focus group series called Pathways Journey: Let Your Voice Be Heard. Facilitated by OPM, the first focus group session was held on September 19, gathering feedback from current government employees. Powe highlighted the importance of understanding what employees knew prior to engaging with their customers, noting that these insights will guide future efforts to promote the program.

“We want everyone to know about the Pathways Recent Graduate program, especially our military spouses who have recently graduated from college. To do so, we must really understand the current level of awareness,” reiterated Powe.  

The focus group is gaining momentum within the government sphere, with the Navy Family Ombudsman scheduled to provide their feedback on the program on October 24. “The Navy Family Ombudsman works closely with CNIC, and we need to understand what their knowledge of the program is in order to better help them,” Powe explained.

The final focus group, scheduled for November 7, will concentrate on gathering input from military spouses, caregivers and Navy Wounded Warriors. “We encourage everyone who is eligible to register and participate in the final two focus groups, and let their voice be heard,” said Powe.

The upcoming focus group events are 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  opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/students-recent-graduates

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