The Olmsted Scholar Program is now accepting applications for fiscal year 2021 (FY-21) for career-driven officers interested in serving as senior leaders and in developing their global affairs capabilities, as announced in NAVADMIN 061/19, Mar. 11.

The program is a unique opportunity leading to a graduate degree from an overseas university, while perfecting foreign language skills and providing new cultural and travel opportunities. 

Candidates must possess the qualities of dedicated career officers while also aspiring to command assignments.  Traditionally, Olmsted scholars promote to senior leadership positions.

"My participation in the Olmsted Scholar Program has only brought tangible benefits to my career," said Olmsted Scholar Program graduate, Capt. David Sauve, who serves as a point of contact for interested applicants.  "The most apparent benefit was earning a master’s degree, but another direct benefit was studying defense issues including strategy, diplomacy and the economics of defense.”

Strong leadership qualities and superior scholastic abilities are needed along with sustained superior performance to qualify for the Olmsted Program.

“The Olmsted Scholar Program is unique since it approximates the skills required for maneuvering in uncertain environments,” said Sauve.  “It's about managing the nuances of human interactions and relationships in unknown environments, an experience that can't be learned elsewhere in the military.  The skills learned are directly applicable to leading operational units."

The Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC) is accepting applications from active-duty officers from eligible designators as outlined in the NAVADMIN.  Applicants must submit a command-endorsed nomination package to NETPDC, Code N221B, Officer Special Education Program-Olmsted, no later than Aug. 23, 2019.

Most unrestricted and restricted line officers must have three years of commissioned service, but not more than 11 years of total active military service, as of April 1, 2020 to apply.  The designators 1310 and 1320 have an expanded service eligibility of 13 years and six months.

Applicants should be available to start language training in the summer/fall 2020.  A foreign language background is not a prerequisite for selection.  Two years of study at a foreign university follow, beginning in 2021, with program completion in 2023.

For questions concerning application procedures, applicants can contact Elise McGuire using the contact information published in the NAVADMIN.  All applications will be reviewed in November 2019 by a Navy selection board, and up to 12 finalists will be chosen and submitted to the Olmsted Foundation for consideration for acceptance into the program. 

A comprehensive personal interview will follow, where foundation staff will examine nominees’ academic and professional background, choice of foreign university, proposed course of study, language aptitude and career goals.  The interview panel will make its recommendations to the board for final decisions to be announced in March 2020 for the FY-21 Olmsted Scholar class. 

Program information and submission guidance for military applicants is available at https://www.mnp.navy.mil/group/training-education-qualifications, then click “Navy Olmsted Scholarship Program” in the “Looking For?” section.

Applicants selected for the Olmsted Scholarship Program will be contacted via email and a list of selectees will be posted at https://www.mnp.navy.mil/group/training-education-qualifications.

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