In 2004, AFFIRM established an Internship Program and expanded the scope and direction in 2005. In 2006, eight outstanding college students were employed at various agencies including: GSA, USDA and the IRS.  This year, we continue to expand our program to help bring a new generation of young people into government service.  AFFIRM’s goal is to contribute $20,000 to this program during 2007. The program is in keeping with the basic mission of the association: education, professional development, and support of public service.  Here are some key features of the program:

• AFFIRM will both sponsor interns/fellows on its own and also provide supplemental assistance to those selected for participating in programs sponsored by government departments/agencies.

•  The support will take the form of either a stipend or supplemental assistance that would allow the intern to attend key development events and conferences (e.g., ELC, MOC, Excellence in Government, etc.).

•  Senior government and industry executives from AFFIRM will serve as "mentors".

•  Interns will be at least incoming Sophomores and beyond; the programs will also be open to graduate students.

• Family members of the AFFIRM Board are not eligible for this program.

AFFIRM is very excited about the Program as it will allow these students their entry into the Public and Private workforce.