Pennsylvania Fellowship Programs Look to Create Pathways to Public Service

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration is welcoming 15 individuals with advanced degrees to fellowship programs designed to foster stronger policymaking and innovation in the state’s government.

In a recent statement, Shapiro’s administration called the programs part of an ongoing effort “to create new pathways to careers in public service with the Commonwealth,” while outlining details of the program.

The Governor’s Science and Technology Fellowship is a one-year program that provides a pathway for master’s- or doctorate-level candidates into STEM careers in state government. Fellows are matched with state agencies to work on targeted projects based on their field of study.

The 2025 Sci-Tech fellows will work on projects focused on improving data insights, visualization, decision-making and modernizing technology “to improve program management and efficiency,” according to Shapiro’s office, which noted that these fellows will work in a number of departments, including community and economic development, environmental protection and transportation.

The William & Hannah Penn Fellowship is a two-year program that offers aspiring professionals with master’s and other advanced degrees “the chance to work with the state’s top executive leaders within state agencies on a variety of policy projects.” Working in departments including agriculture, health and revenue, William & Hannah Penn fellows will concentrate on policy topics such as artificial intelligence, gun violence and regulations for certain medical facilities.

Participants in these programs may be offered permanent positions with the Commonwealth upon the completion of their fellowships, according to the Shapiro administration’s statement.

“The Commonwealth’s fellowships bring some of the best and brightest minds to state government to help us address real-world challenges that affect people and communities across Pennsylvania. This is hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves work that will make a real difference,” said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver, in a statement. “We look forward to seeing what they accomplish during their time with the Commonwealth.”