Application deadline for the Innovations in American Government Awards Program extended for two weeks
All American Samoa Government department and agency directors and deputy directors are being encouraged by Governor Togiola Tulafono to apply for the $100,000 Innovations in American Government Awards Program sponsored by the John F. Kennedy School of Government on the prestigious campus of Harvard University.
The Innovations in American Government Program is a significant force in recognizing and promoting excellence and creativity in the public sector.
The application deadline has been extended from October 15 to Wednesday, October 31 due to the low number of applicants from the US Territories.
The only Samoan to attend the program two years ago was then Tualatai faipule Rep. Olo Ropati Tagovailoa Atimalala who described his trip as “a wonderful experience” that helped him in his leadership role as a lawmaker in the Fono.
After he returned from his trip, Olo couldn’t stop sharing his experience, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that helped him gain a deeper understanding of government and its operations.
“Not everyone gets the chance to walk the halls of Harvard University and I am grateful for the opportunity afforded to me,” Olo said at the time. Olo attended not one but two different programs at Harvard University during his two-year term as a faipule.
The Innovations in American Government Awards was founded in 1986 and is a program of the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
The award is administered in partnership with the Council for Excellence in Government.
Successful applicants must demonstrate innovative and effective government initiatives, and those who choose not to apply this year are encouraged to consider current and previous practices implemented in their respective departments that are worthy of consideration for the award.
Finalists will be chosen from a pool of applicants who demonstrate that their initiative is truly creative, measurably effective, meets a significant need, and can be transferred to other jurisdictions.
Finalists’ programs will be visited and evaluated by experts, in addition to fielding questions from a selection committee headed by Kennedy School's David Gergen. The prize money is awarded specifically to support winning programs in the teaching of their model to other jurisdictions.
Each winner takes a unique approach to meeting community needs and achieving real results. Because each of the programs is a model for government's capacity to do well, the $100,000 prize specifically supports dissemination to other jurisdictions.
“This is a great incentive and challenge to take the lead in proposing innovative ways to offer change that will result in accepted practice at all levels of our government,” said Governor Togiola. “It will result in positive change in government and a confidence booster for the public in how it views the commitment of public servants.”
More information on the awards can be obtained by calling Rosa Maria Olortegui or Christiana Marchand at 617-495-0557 or email them at: Rosa_Maria_Olortegui@ksg.harvard.edu .
Information is also available online at www.innovationsaward.harvard.edu |
