Idaho Civil Rights Program

Black Emphasis Program (BEP)

The Black Emphasis Program Manager (BEPM) assists the State Conservationist, to ensure that equal opportunity is present in all aspects of NRCS programs and services.  This includes providing leadership to identify under representation and ensure positive actions are being taken to address any such problem areas affecting Black employees and applicants.  The BEPM also assist the State Conservationist to ensure effective communications among all persons and areas dealing with, or affected by, agency civil rights responsibilities.

Program Purpose

• To identify and assist in removing discriminatory practices and procedures and other barriers to equal opportunity in all employment and program delivery activities.
• To continually improve hiring, training, retention and promotion opportunities for all qualified individuals to ensure a diverse work force.
• To improve the program composition or work force profile to reflect the population served.

Program Objectives

1. Increase opportunities for employment, retention and advancement of Blacks in all Professional, Administrative, Technical, Clerical, and other (PATCO) categories, series, and all grade levels.
2. Provide a network of professional support for Blacks.
3. Provide opportunities to participate in training and training programs such as career enhancement, graduate studies, and others.
4. Encourage the participation of Blacks in all NRCS-sponsored programs and activities.
5. Ensure that the Black community receives equal treatment in all aspects of employment, and program delivery.

Related Links

• Vernon J. Baker, World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient   
• General Manual - Black Emphasis Program (230, Part 403, Subpart D)
• Black Leadership Forum, Inc.
• Blacks in Government (BIG)
• Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.
• National Organization of Professional Black NRCS Employees (NOPBNRCSE)
• Idaho Black History Museum
• National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (Boise/Ada/Elmore Branch)

Scholarships

• USDA/1890 National Scholars Programs
• The Ron Brown Scholarship
• Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund

Activities and Celebrations

• 3rd Monday in January - Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
• February of each year - Black History Month
• June 19th of each year - Juneteenth

Idaho Program Contact

Kim Golden, Black Emphasis Program Manager, (208) 762-4939, ext. 115

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