Partnership AI Center program onboards federal technologists

On Dec. 8, 2025, the Partnership AI Center for Government® hosted the final session of its 2025 AI Onboarding and Professional Development Program. The program supported 55 early-career or new-to-government federal technologists from 10 agencies based across 17 states and Washington, D.C. Its main goal was to equip government employees in artificial intelligence, cyber and technology roles with the knowledge and networks they need to successfully contribute to their agencies’ mission. 

In addition to connecting with fellow cohort members, program participants engaged current and former government technology experts as well as Partnership staff. 

Sessions centered on building government knowledge, leadership skills 

The program convened seven virtual sessions on a bimonthly basis. Key topic areas in the program included: 

• Government 101: An overview of the unique aspects of public service and the federal government; tips for navigating federal employment effectively; and how different agencies, offices and roles operate across government. 

• Communication skills: Discussion of the core elements of communication, including developing communication strategies and “elevator pitches,” and explaining work to nontechnical audiences. 

• Creatively confronting change: Understanding the competencies required to effectively lead through change; the difference between creativity and innovation; and how both can be used in a government context. 

The sessions were designed to achieve three core objectives for participants: increase their knowledge of government, grow a network of technology colleagues in the public sector, and develop leadership and professional skills aligned with the Partnership’s Public Service Leadership Model, a comprehensive set of standards for effective government leadership. 

Onboarding Program participants joined from the following agencies: 

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
• United States Secret Service 
• Department of Housing and Urban Development 
• Department of Transportation 
• Environmental Protection Agency 
• Defense Technical Information Center 
• Department of the Interior 
• Department of Labor 
• Department of State 

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Continuing the conversation  

The AI Center for Government champions AI innovators across all levels of government. If your agency is taking steps to lead AI well, we’d love to hear from you. Join us as we highlight real-world AI use cases and convene public sector leaders from across the country to share tools and insights to lead confidently in the age of AI.  

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