Special Emphasis Program

Special Emphasis Programs (SEPs) are an integral part of Equal Employment Opportunity. The purpose of these programs is to ensure that agencies take affirmative steps to provide equal opportunity to minorities, women and people with disabilities in all areas of employment. The term, "Special Emphasis Programs," refers specifically to employment related programs which focus special attention on groups that are conspicuously absent or underrepresented in a specific occupational category or grade level in the agency's workforce.

The goals of the Special Emphasis Program include:

Improve employment and advancement opportunities for minorities, women, and people with disabilities in the Federal service
Identify systemic barriers to opportunity for minorities, women, and people with disabilities
Seek ways to help minorities, women, and people with disabilities to advance by using their skills more fully
Monitor agency progress in eliminating discrimination and adverse impact on minorities, women, and people with disabilities in employment and agency programs

Educate Federal employees and managers about the extent of various forms of discrimination within the Federal Service.