Marines


Marine Corps Outreach Program

Seal with USMC eagle globe and anchor in the center with the words People Process Purpose around the center, with the top banner that states "Manpower Plans & Policy, and the bottom banner that states "Manpower & Reserve Affairs".
Culture & Inclusion Branch (MPE)
Quantico, Virginia

Mission Statement:

The Marine Corps Outreach Program provides the diverse population of Marines, Sailors, and Civilian Marines the opportunity to participate in a number of in-person events hosted by different Affinity Groups across the country whose efforts strengthen individuals and the Marine Corps through education, mentorship, and professional development while addressing the top issues and challenges faced by the Marine Corps today.
 

Conference Application Links:

2025 BEYA STEM Conference

 

Helpful Resources:

Command Endorsement Template

Constructed Travel Worksheet
Constructed Travel Worksheet Instructions
Integrated Lodging Program Sites - DTMO

Outreach Awards

Overview

Each year, the Culture and Inclusion Branch (MPE) convenes awards boards to select recipients for numerous Department of Defense (DOD) and national affinity groups’ awards. All Marines, Sailors, and Civilian Marines, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or religion, are eligible for nomination. Commanders may nominate individuals for more than one award if the criteria for multiple awards are met.

What this Website Provides

This website provides additional information on the outreach awards process, the types of outreach awards that MPE and MPC solicit nominations for, the current CY schedule of awards, general nomination criteria, and nomination package requirements.

How to Use this Website

Select your topic of interest from the links provided on the left-hand side of this website. To download documents right click the link, select “Save Target As…”, and either open or save the document to your desired location.
 




General Evaluation Criteria

General Evaluation Criteria for all Award Nomination Packages:

a. The nominee distinguished themselves by promoting the tenets of civil/human rights, equal opportunity, human relations, and/or public service.

b. The nominees displayed exceptional character that distinguishes an individual as an outstanding leader, role model or mentor by promoting the development or advancement of all DoD personnel including women and minorities.

c. The nominees contributed to equal opportunity for advancement based on merit and fitness for all members of the Armed Forces and civilians, including women and minorities.

d. The nominees believed in and practiced the tenets of a democratic society, including the Declaration of Independence – the belief that all people are created equal, and that freedom is a right that must be protected at all times.

e. The nominees assisted in overcoming discrimination and eliminating barriers that hinder equal opportunity for all members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees including women and minorities.

f. The nominees supported the full integration and promotion of all DoD personnel to include minorities and women within the Armed Forces and civilian workforce.

g. The nominees created opportunities that support and contribute to the mentorship, development, advancement or retention of all personnel including women and minorities in government service consistent with merit principles.

h. The nominees created job or training opportunities that will support and contribute to advancement of all Service members including women and minorities in the Armed Forces or civilian workforce.

i. Any other specific organization criteria as identified by the event host.
 


 

Outreach Awards Process

Phase I: Award Selection

Participants in the outreach awards process will begin by selecting the award that they want to nominate their Marine/Civilian for. Participants should take into consideration the general nomination criteria outlined on this website and specific award criteria published by the affinity group presenting the award during this phase of the outreach awards process.

Phase II: Nomination Package

The next phase, after participants select the appropriate award and nominee, is to complete the initial nomination package which can be found on the right-hand side of this website in a document named “AWARDS: Sample Award Package”. The general format for a nomination package is outlined below.

1. Typewritten, single-spaced, one-page narrative, describing the nominee’s accomplishments warranting this recognition (Microsoft Word document).
2. Typewritten, single-spaced, one-page biography (Microsoft Word document).
3. Typewritten, single-spaced citation (not to exceed 12 lines of narrative, 12-pitch font, with 1-inch left and right margins) highlighting the nominee's accomplishments (Microsoft Word document).
4. A color digital photograph (.jpg format, head and shoulders) of the nominee in the Service “A” uniform.
5. A cover sheet stating the following for both the nominee and OIC: name, billet, rank, organization, mailing address, work and fax phone numbers.
6. Command endorsement, via the chain of command, on appropriate letterhead.

The final step in this phase is to submit an electronic copy of the nomination package to the MPE points of contact listed on this website.

Phase III: Selection (Awards Board)

The MPE points of contact will confirm submission of your nomination package. If further information is required, the nominee's command/organization will be contacted directly. MPE will then consolidate all nominations for the awards and convene an awards board in order to select the awardee. The awards board, comprised of officers, staff noncommissioned officers, and civilian employees selects the best and most qualified nominee, based on the award's criteria. In certain circumstances, when the awarding organization chooses to select the award recipient(s), MPE is only responsible for soliciting nominations and forwarding the nomination packages to the appropriate organization.

Phase IV: Final Approval and Awards Board Results Announcement

The results of the awards board will be submitted to Director, Manpower Plans & Policy (MP) Division for final approval. Upon receiving Director, MP Division approval, MPE will announce, through MARADMIN or direct communication, the results of the awards board.

Phase V: Awards Presentation

Additional coordination between MPE and the nominee’s command/organization will be conducted during this phase to ensure the nominee receives their award either at their local command or a HQMC/DON approved event.

Mr. Marc Sheppard
Outreach Program Manager

Captain Sam Hogue
Outreach Program Officer

Captain Trai Gozzi
Outreach Program Officer
 

Headquarters Marine Corps
Manpower Plans & Policy Division
Culture Inclusion Branch (MPE)
3280 Russell Rd
Quantico, VA 22134-5103

Phone: (703) 432-9337
Emailsmb_mpe_outreach@usmc.mil

Function

Number

Manpower Plans and Policy (MP) 703-784-9350
Manpower Plans Programs and Budget Branch (MPP) 703-784-9009
Manpower Military Policy Branch (MPO) 703-784-9386
Culture, & Inclusion Branch (MPE) 703-784-9371
Manpower Analysis Branch (MPA) 703-784-9375
Talent Management Branch (MPT) 703-432-7465
Civilian Workforce Management Branch (MPC) 703-784-9560
Equal Employment Opportunity Branch (EEO) 703-432-9054