Fayetteville State University is partnering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue careers in public service.

The ONC’s Pathways to Public Service Program (PTPS) enhances student’s viability to obtain and succeed in public service careers through paid internships and entry-level positions. The PTPS program offers virtual career fairs and professional development workshops where students are educated on the federal hiring process.

Since the program’s inception in 2019, PTPS program has successfully hired more than 100 students for internships. Students that complete an internship, and meet all the necessary requirements, are made eligible for permanent employment within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ partnering agencies, including the ONC. 

“Bringing the Pathways to Public Service Program to Fayetteville State University will build a sustainable and productive relationship by providing FSU students with opportunities for internships and entry-level positions,” said Chief Operating Officer Lisa Lewis Person in a press release. “This agreement offers FSU students access to the knowledge, skills and abilities to further the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ mission to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans by ensuring the provision of effective health and human services and promoting continuous progress in the scientific foundations of medicine, public health and social services.”

The PTPS program focuses on these goals:

• Inform students of the various career paths within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service.
• Inform students of the Federal Government’s Pathways Program.
• Educate students on the federal hiring process.
• Increase the applicant pool of students attending Minority Serving Institutions.
• The partnership also provides students an opportunity to be a campus ambassador for the PTPS program.

Students interested in the PTPS and campus ambassador role should contact Roderick Heath, Ed.D., assistant vice chancellor and dean of students for student affairs at rheath1@uncfsu.edu.

For additional information on the program, visit the ONC’s Pathway to Public Service Program website.