Solving big problems
Millions of Americans interact with government services every day. Veterans apply for benefits. Students compare financial aid options. Small business owners seek loans. Too often, outdated tools and complex systems make these interactions cumbersome and frustrating.
Enter the United States Digital Service. We partner leading technologists with dedicated public servants to improve the usability and reliability of our government's most important digital services.
Vets.gov
We’re working with leaders across Veterans Affairs (VA) to build Vets.gov, a simple, easy-to-use site that consolidates information for Veterans. One website — not thousands. Vets.gov launched in November 2015 in beta to provide tools and resources that are easy-to-find and use. Veterans are actively testing the site so we can learn, as we build, what is working for them and what is not. As the site progresses, Veterans will be able to find and access more of what they need in one place.
Digital Immigration
We’re supporting U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) in digitizing the review process for over seven million annual immigration applications and requests. An increasing percentage of the immigration system is now online, including the green card renewal application (I-90), which has a 93% user satisfaction rate. Improvements to software development practices, system architecture, and design make it easier for users to interact with our immigration system.
College Scorecard
We launched College Scorecard with the Department of Education and 18F to help students make more informed decisions about college selection. Millions of students have already benefited from this data, the most comprehensive and reliable ever published on employment outcomes and success in repaying student loans. By giving developers access to an API, they can create more customized tools to help students find the right school.
By the people. For the people.
Government is not an abstract institution or a concept. Our government is us. Meet a few members of the U.S. Digital Service who have signed on for tours of duty:
Sabrina Williams
Software Engineer
Previously: Google
“I’m honored that I’ve found a way to serve my country and help those who need it most. Not to mention this is an awesome adventure that has made me a better engineer (and human being)!”
Lucy Brady
Program Manager
Previously: First Round Capital
“Some challenges are so big and complex that only technology and government can solve them. Tackling our nation’s most important issues from this angle is the most rewarding work I’ve ever done. I’ve never been more certain that this is where our country’s energy, intellect, and innovation should be focused.”
Jason Wu
Product Manager
Previously: Facebook
It is inspiring to work with so many talented individuals from such diverse backgrounds. This team is the perfect intersection of technology and impactful opportunities.
Steph Nguyen
UX Designer
Previously: Silica Labs
“I’m grateful to be part of a team whose mission is to make government accessible and user friendly for all Americans. Here’s to the little guy!”
Raphael Majma
State Department Lead
Previously: 18F
“I’ve never been more optimistic about our ability to improve government products and services. Working with my USDS pals, our agency partners, and our users has been a challenging, but incredibly rewarding experience. The only thing that would make it better is if more of us were named after Ninja Turtles.”
Alex Gaynor
Software Engineer
Previously: Rackspace
“Our team has some of the brightest, most caring, most talented folks I’ve ever worked with. Which is important, because it’s also the hardest job I’ve ever had.”
Reina Staley
Operations
Previously: Indiana University
“The Defense Digital Service is a great launchpad for facilitating impactful change for millions of people. It’s challenging work, but our strong team bond and people-driven mission makes for an amazing experience.”
Joel Minton
Director of Identity
Previously: Intuit TurboTax
“Working here is unlike any job in the world. The most frustrating and exhilarating experiences happen every day. We get to change the world with the work we do and I am having the time of my life.”
Stephanie Grosser
Strategy & Operations
Previously: USAID
“After more than five years of international development work at USAID, I was beyond excited to join the U.S. Digital Service, where I knew I could make an impact on our country’s most critical digital services.”
Victor Arellano
Technical Recruiter
Previously: OpenDNS
“Recruiting for the U.S. Digital Service has genuinely been the most amazing experience of my life. Every day I get to work alongside the best in tech in America — what more could I ask for?”
Anne Kainic
Front End Developer
Previously: EverQuote
“In the time I’ve been here, I’ve already seen lives changed by our work. That’s a testament to my incredible USDS teammates and the dedicated agency employees we work with. They motivate me to do more than I thought was possible, and together we’re in a position to make a real impact.”
Andrés Colón Pérez
SBA Lead
Previously: Office of the CIO of Puerto Rico
“I’m constantly blown away by the quality of people I meet here. They’re passionate, talented, and laser focused on delivery. Working with them deliver better services to small businesses is the most rewarding work I’ve ever done.”
Press
