USDA - APHIS

Partnership in Education - Message from the Administrator

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APHIS employees have touched the lives of hundreds of students over the past several years through the Partnership In Education (PIE) program. Some employees have maintained relationships with their students and have watched them complete high school. APHIS is proud of its past PIE accomplishments and is excited to offer the opportunity to continue to service community schools through the PIE program.

During the past several years APHIS employees from across the country served as mentors and tutors in their community schools and participated in important one-day events, including Dr. Seuss Read-Aloud Day, college and career days, and science fairs. APHIS will continue its commitment to provide support to the youth through our PIE program. A Public Private Ventures Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters found that youth who participate in regular one-on-one mentoring relationships were 46% less likely than their peers to start using illegal drugs; 27% less likely to start drinking; 52% less likely than their peers to skip a day of school and 37% less likely to skip class.

APHIS provides up to two hours of administrative leave per week for employees to volunteer as mentors and tutors in APHIS-sponsored programs. APHIS is very pleased to sponsor academic success and strong life skills in the youth of our communities, while serving as examples of caring adults, Federal workers, and scientists. APHIS employees may volunteer in their neighborhood schools by working with students and assisting teachers close to their own homes. Field employees may sponsor a PIE school by organizing an effort near their work site. A large number of APHIS employees in Minneapolis, Raleigh, and Fort Collins have joined together to reach schools in their immediate community.

We challenge the Agency to increase participation in our PIE program each year and to involve more schools throughout the country. The APHIS employees on the PIE Council lead our PIE efforts at headquarters and the field is ready to help you get started in a school near your work site or in your community. Contact the headquarters PIE Council or visit the PIE home page for information on how to establish and run a successful PIE program. Information about the PIE program is also available in the Human Resources Desk Guide.

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