UNCLASSIFIED/ ROUTINE R 161300Z MAR 15 FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS SUBJ/FY-17 OLMSTED SCHOLAR PROGRAM// NAVADMIN 064/15 MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/MAR// REF/A/DOC/OPNAV/8JAN15// AMPN/REF A IS OPNAVINST 1520.24D, OFFICER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN solicits applications and provides guidance for the FY-17 Olmsted Scholar Program. Where information differs between this NAVADMIN and reference (a), this NAVADMIN takes precedence. 2. The Olmsted Scholar Program provides two years of graduate study using a foreign language while providing overseas cultural and travel opportunities and often leads to a graduate degree at a foreign university. Applicants should be available to commence language training in Summer/Fall 2016, begin study at a foreign university in 2017, and complete study in 2019. A Navy selection board will convene in October 2015 to select up to 12 nominees from which the Olmsted Foundation Board of Directors will consider and select Navy scholars in March 2016. 3. This unique scholarship opportunity supports the Secretary of Defense emphasis on developing language skills and regional cultural knowledge across the force. Global affairs require language proficiency/regional expertise within the Navy. Although this scholarship program is open to all regions of the world, priority will be given to those whose language choice would fill a current or projected critical need of the Navy. 4. To utilize these scholarship opportunities, the Navy is looking for young leaders who display all the qualities of dedicated career officers who aspire to command. In particular, fitness reports must demonstrate strong leadership qualities, solid overall performance, and strong promotion potential. Additionally, while a minimum grade point average is not specified, all applicants must have demonstrated scholastic ability in their undergraduate transcript. Factors such as academic major, participation in varsity sports, steady scholastic improvement, etc., are taken into consideration when reviewing transcripts. Applicants must also have a strong desire to learn a foreign language, live, study, and travel abroad. Finalists may be interviewed by the Olmsted Foundation. 5. Active-duty list regular or full-time support officers with the designators 111X, 112X, 113X, 114X, 131X, 132X, 181X, 182X, 183X, and 310X with the following qualifications may apply for the program. a. At least 3 years of commissioned service but not more than 11 years of total active federal service as of 1 April 2016. b. Superior scholastic ability as demonstrated in an official undergraduate transcript indicating class rank, if available. c. Foreign language aptitude as demonstrated on the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB), although language background or proficiency is not required. d. Exceptional military professional performance. 6. Applications should be prepared per enclosure (3) of reference (a). Detailed information on application requirements and a sample application letter are located on the Navy College website at http://www.navycollege.navy.mil/olmsted.aspx. Applications should be addressed to: Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center Voluntary Education, Code N2A2 Olmsted 6490 Saufley Field Road Pensacola, FL 32509-5204 7. To support submission of DLAB scores, commands may obtain DLAB testing information from Commanding Officer, Center for Information Dominance (CLREC- NFLTO Code N01L) by calling (850) 452-6529/DSN 459, or via e-mail at languagetesting(at)navy.mil. Information on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may be obtained from the local Navy College Office or at http://www.gre.org. 8. This is a three-year program for which career timing is an important consideration. All applicants must contact their detailer for counseling on the career impact of participation in the Olmsted Scholar Program. In order to be considered by the Navy selection board, a written/signed statement from the detailer, per enclosure (3) of reference (a), must be included in the nomination package. 9. Application packages, with command endorsement and detailer statement, must reach Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Training Center (NETPDTC) voluntary education, Code N2A2-Olmsted, no later than (NLT) 28 August 2015. Required DLAB/GRE scores and official college transcripts may be submitted by separate correspondence to reach NETPDTC Code N2A2- Olmsted NLT 11 September 2015. 10. This prestigious program is key to preparing young officers for future leadership roles as the Navy faces the ever-increasing challenges and complexities of today*s international environment. Olmsted Scholars achieve fluency in a foreign language, gain a deep appreciation for foreign cultures, acquire regional expertise by studying and traveling overseas, and may earn a Liberal Arts Master’s Degree. All eligible and interested officers are urged to consider this important program and visit the Olmsted Foundation website at http://www.olmstedfoundation.org for additional details, including important information regarding the country/city/university preference list. 11. Point of contact is Ms. Billie Colonna, NETPDTC, at (850) 473-6061/DSN 753, or via e-mail at billie.colonna(at)navy.mil. Additional information on the program is located on the Navy College website at http://www.navycollege.navy.mil/olmsted.aspx. 12. This message will remain in effect until superseded or canceled, whichever occurs first. 13. Released by Vice Admiral W. F. Moran, N1.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//