Is the U.S. Public Service Academy a Reality?

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There are thousands of public administration majors at private and public colleges and universities throughout the United States. Some have leadership training programs as well. We do NOT need a federal public service academy. If money is appropriated for this idea, it should be in the form of scholarships for those who major in public administration and leadership at colleges and universities where these programs already exist. A public service academy would also likely create an enlitist group of people who would NOT represent the people of our nation.

EMBuckles of VA 10:51PM May 24, 2009

Yes, lots of schools throughout the country teach these courses; however, what these traditional colleges don't possess is the intensive leadership/character development AND overall mission for public service. Additionally, with the high cost of tuition at many colleges in the US, many students who would be enthusiastic about going into government work typically do not choose to do so because the government work pay is comparatively low to civilian pay - good luck paying off that college loan working for the gov't. The USPSA would be be modeled somewhat after the military service Academy system - 5 years of service in return for 4 years of an outstanding education...This would attract those high achievers who would like to go into public service.
I'm a West Point graduate and I think this is a fantastic idea that is long overdue. Those who say that a PS Academy is unnecessary because there are colleges that already fulfill this duty should also argue that the military academies are unnecessary since ROTC and OCS also fulfill the requirement for commissioned officers. Yet, those who would argue this fail to see the intangibles of service academies - strong focus on developing society's leaders, emphasis on character development, and shared values of service amongst ALL students at the institution. You won't find this at a "normal college." As is the case with many military academy graduates, I envision that USPSA graduates would go on to be inspirational leaders not only in their local communities, but within the national and global spheres as well.
I hope to see this pull through. It's much needed now more than ever.

ST of NM 2:19PM February 22, 2009

There could be a more irresponsible way to spend the taxpayers money, like an auto bail-out I guess, but this will become the worst. Duplicate efforts at triplicate the cost. Sounds like Obama to me! Go DEMOCRAT HOUSE< SENATE< PRESIDENT!!

js cam of FL 8:20PM December 23, 2008

I love the idea of the person who said : "I like it if liberals are running it now, AND it's forever staffed by civil service employees. I wouldn't have liked the Republicans to have spent such tax money to indoctrinate neocons. So who's gonna teach what?"
I mean, what part of that doesnt scream fairness or bipartisan ship...those stupid neocons can't preach onesided ideology, but thank god the liberals can set em straight with their one sided ideology....that's definitely a lot more fair!!!!

Robert of FL 2:04PM December 09, 2008

I believe in the USPSA because I believe in empowering young people to pursue a career of service. This model emphasises accessibility for all American students of merit. As a result, the Academy's students will benefit from a top-notch - not elitist - education.

K 1:39PM December 05, 2008

This is a great way to encourage young motivated citizens to answer the call to service. Sure, other schools do offer these fields, but admissions costs are ever rising. Starting salaries for teachers in urban areas does not cover massive tuition debt! This is a great opportunity to set these young folks off on their chosen career path where our country needs them while providing them valuable work experience. Hopefully setting them up in this fashion will produce a large number of citizens motivated for a life of civil service. But let's keep the politics out of it and focus on the service!

Allison of TX 11:32PM December 02, 2008

I worked on this project with HOBY (Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Conference) at the World Leadership Congress. It isn't some brainwashing organization or military for Obama. It is a place where students can learn how to work in public service and after graduating have to serve at least 2 years if I remember correctly in some sort of public service to kind of pay back the government for their college education. It was very interesting to learn about while I was there and I enjoyed going to congressional representatives to ask them to endorse this bill.

of TN 9:01PM November 27, 2008

As a student, I think that the Public Service Academy is a wonderful idea, and I'm even a Republican! The idea is to create better government, not more government. And instead of creating mindless bureaucratic 'lemmings' that are swarming Washington, the academy will be creating thoughtful scholars, driven leaders, intelligent individuals, and passionate young citizens to lead the charge for a more responsible government, instead of one tied up in ineffectual bickering and lobby pleasing.

Gretchen Hahn of CT 4:37PM November 17, 2008

The baby-boomer generation is nearing close to retirement and when that happens the whole nation will lose a large and valuable amount of teachers, social workers, nurses, policemen, etc. This nation needs a backbone that supports youth moving towards these jobs!
Yes, current universities offer these programs - but not tuition free. Also, so many good intentioned students begin their college career fully prepared to go into the public service sector only to find themselves in too much debt by time they graduate to actually afford the kind of paychecks those jobs offer. I believe the USPSA is a great idea and will bring some of our nation's brightest youth to the front line of public service.

Candace of AK 11:58AM November 17, 2008

As a teacher dedicated to building the next generation of leaders in this country, I think is a wonderful idea. Adding this service academy to serve as a beacon of our country's commitment to public service is exactly what we need right now. President-elect Obama is the perfect leader to open this academy, and our country's youth are ready to sign up and make this an elite institution. Supporting this initiative is essential as it will continue to rejuvenate our public sector in many areas with our best and brightest.

Teaching in Philly of PA 8:51PM November 16, 2008