OVERVIEW : The major goals of FRA’s Special Emphasis Programs are to eliminate discriminatory practices, and to identify and resolve under-representation and underutilization of a protected class. These programs are to ensure equal representation throughout FRA, to address issues critical to increasing productivity, and to increase our diverse workforce.

Three special emphasis program areas are specifically required by regulation.

• Hispanic Employment Program
• Federal Women's Program
• People with Disabilities Program

In addition, OCR identifies with other programs, which include: the Black Employment Program; the Asian/Pacific Islander Program; and the Native American Program.

FRA endorses the celebration of special observances with appropriate programs and awareness activities to enhance cross-cultural awareness. It is an opportunity to recognize the current achievements and historical contributions made by members of specific racial or ethnic groups in our society. Types of activities include workshops, round-table discussions, training, subject-matter guest speakers in the culture or issue, proclamations, and exhibits.

The SEP Manager also interfaces with community outreach programs and the recruitment and employment of college students.

Federal Women's Program -

National Women's History Project

Federally Employed Women

U.S. Department of Labor: Women's Bureau

U.S. Office of Personnel Management: Women in the Federal Government

Hispanic Employment Program -

Establishment of the Hispanic Employment Program
On November 5, 1970, President Nixon established "The Sixteen Point Program for the Spanish Speaking." This program is now called the Hispanic Employment Program (HEP).

This program was established to implement sixteen actions focusing on the employment of Hispanics in the Federal Government. The significance of the "16 Point Program" was that for the first time the Federal Government acknowledged that Hispanic Americans were underrepresented in the Federal workforce. Subsequently, the U.S. Civil Service commission [now the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)] had the responsibility for developing and implementing the program.

This program provided guidance and information to all Federal agencies. It also directed many initiatives to improve the severe underrepresentation of Hispanics in the Federal workforce.

OPM Hispanic Employment Initiative

DOT Hispanic Employment Program

People With Disabilities Program

American Association of People with Disabilities

Disability Resource Center

Asian Americans

Links to Federally Supported Asian American and Pacific Islander Organizations

White House Initiatives for Asian Americans

Asian American Government Executives Network

Federal Asian Pacific American Council Click here

Blacks in Government -

Objectives
To strive toward achieving a civilian work force in which Blacks are employed at all levels, in all occupations, and in all segments of the organization commensurate with their representation in the relevant Civilian Labor Force (CLF).

Initiatives
- Create partnerships with Historical Black Colleges/Universities.

- Participate in Community Outreach Programs.

- Encourage the utilization of Student Temporary/Permanent Employment Program.

- Ensure career advancement, development and enhancement of opportunity for Black employees in senior level positions.

List of Historical Black Colleges/Universities

White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges/Universities

American Indian -

Objectives
The objectives are to ensure equal employment opportunity in the hiring, advancement, and training of Native American employees and to strive toward the achievement of a civilian work force in they are represented in every organizational element, occupational series and grade levels, commensurate with their representation in the relevant civilian work force.

American Indian Heritage Foundation

Bureau of Indian Affairs