The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) is a recruitment and referral program co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Defense. The goal of the program is to connect federal employers with highly-motivated college students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to prove their abilities in the workplace through summer jobs or permanent employment. If you are a student with a disability and are interested in federal employment options, WRP might be a great opportunity to consider!
What are the eligibility requirements?
To qualify for WRP in the 2021 recruitment season, an eligible candidate must:
- Have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability which makes them eligible to use the Schedule A Hiring Authority.
- To learn more about the Schedule A Hiring Authority, review the “Schedule A Checklist” within WRP’s Resource Center and OPM’s Disability Employment page.
- Be a United States citizen.
- Be a current, full-time, degree-seeking, post-secondary student, unless they are taking a reduced course load due to a disability OR are in their final semester. Individuals who met the preceding requirements while enrolled, but have graduated since April 2018, are also eligible.
For more information about Schedule A or general eligibility requirements, visit the “Resources” center on WRP.gov.
How does the program work?
During the fall of each year, eligible candidates with disabilities register and complete an application to participate in the program. When the application window closes, WRP recruiters begin conducting interviews with eligible candidates to assess their strengths, interests, communication skills, and overall readiness to work. These interviews are general in nature; interviews are not targeted for specific positions or agencies.
After completing the interview, WRP recruiters will determine whether to include the candidate in the WRP database for the 2021 recruitment season. This database will be made available to federal recruiters and hiring specialists in early 2021 who are looking to fill positions within their agencies.
Is employment guaranteed through WRP?
No. WRP is not a guarantee of employment and not everyone who participates in WRP will be contacted by employers.
What will the registration and application process entail?
Students begin by completing a registration form on www.wrp.gov during the open registration period, which typically occurs in the fall of each year. The registration request is then sent to the university’s campus coordinator, who reviews all registration requests. If your registration request is approved, you will receive an email advising you to begin the application process. To complete your application, you must submit your updated resume and unofficial transcripts. You are also strongly encouraged to upload your Schedule A Letter. If you do not yet have your Schedule A Letter, begin the process of requesting one immediately.
Upon completion of the application, APUS students and recent grads will be required to complete a mandatory resume review and mock interview session with Career Services before coordinating the official interview with the WRP recruiter.
I want to participate in WRP! What is the first step?
Your first step is to express your interest to your WRP Campus Coordinator and confirm that you meet WRP’s eligibility requirements. You may do this by submitting the WRP Request to Participate Form to Career Services.
If you have any questions about participating in or applying for WRP, please email [email protected].