GenerationNext is a diversity program aimed at developing next generation managers and leaders for the public sector. GenNext recruits students of color who will be college seniors and graduates students by the end of spring term 2008.
BACKGROUND
Many public enterprises in Oregon are committed to diversifying their "portfolio of talent" by encouraging, attracting, placing, investing and advancing under-represented minorities.
GenNext is designed to assist public sector and not-for-profit organizations achieve that objective by attracting currently enrolled college seniors and graduate students from across the United States who are members of one of these communities:
- African Americans
- Asian Americans
- Hispanic Americans
- Native Americans
- Bi-Racial citizens.
The time for redoubling the commitment to recruiting underrepresented students to the public service is especially compelling for at least two reasons.
First, governments in Oregon, and elsewhere, stand to lose thousands of seasoned supervisors, managers, and executives as the Baby Boom generation becomes eligible for retirement. It is already happening and the velocity is increasing. Many argue that the brain drain predicament can not be addressed by merely recruiting each opening as it occurs. More deliberate approaches-including internships-are needed to avoid a human capital deficit in government.
Second, Oregon, while well-situated to participate in the global economy, is increasingly coming to understand that economic success requires more than just nurturing the companies that produce world class and emerging class products and services to the rest of the world. The public side of the ledger must provide world class transportation, telecommunications, and education infrastructure. And it also needs to develop world class public policy and public management capacity. To achieve that vision, we need a new generation of smart, imaginative, industrious public managers. The public sector in Oregon must infuse its management and leadership ranks with men and women who cover the racial, ethnic, and cultural spectrum and bring to the table strong backgrounds and keen perspectives. In short, we are seeking to renew Oregon's public enterprises with a wider and deeper talent base that extends Oregon's heritage for innovation and its reputation for good government. Join us in this journey as we recruit our third class for 2008!
TARGETED MAJORS
We are seeking energetic, innovative full-time college seniors and graduate students from multiple disciplines: business administration, political science, economics, pre-law and law, public policy, public relations, organizational development, public safety/law enforcement, health and human services, education, economic and community development, transportation, and natural resource management. Students from outside these disciplines may also be considered so long as they can demonstrate an orientation, experience and commitment to innovative public service or possess a background and special interests that might appeal to a sponsor's unique requirements.
LOCATION OF PLACEMENTS
All placements are with state and local governments, and not-for-profits in Oregon.
