Pennsylvania Program Looks to Place Top STEM Graduates in State Agencies

As part of its effort to make its state government “move at the speed of business through technology and innovation,” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro recently announced that applications are being accepted for the 2026 Governor’s Science and Technology Fellowship.

The year-long program is designed to place top science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates in Pennsylvania agencies “to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges,” according to a March 16 statement from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The application period will remain open through April 7, according to the Commonwealth, which says that fellows will be placed in state agencies to support data-driven decision making, modernize programs and improve service delivery for residents across Pennsylvania.

Individuals who have earned or will earn a master’s degree or higher between December 2020 and August 2026 are eligible to apply, with selected applicants to be matched with a state agency to work on targeted projects based on their field of study.

Those projects will include roles with Pennsylvania’s Department of General Services, which seeks a fellow to lead a transformative data and AI initiative focused on enhancing data quality, accessibility and operational efficiency across the agency, according to the Commonwealth.

The Department of Human Services is in search of a fellow to focus on data analytics to assess the effectiveness of Pennsylvania’s social service programs and project future program needs. Other agencies seeking fellows include Pennsylvania’s Department of Agriculture, the Department of Insurance and the Department of Labor & Industry.

“As government increasingly relies on data, technology, and scientific expertise, it’s critical that we recruit professionals with advanced STEM knowledge,” said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver, in a statement.

“The Governor’s Science and Technology Fellowship is bringing fresh perspectives and technical skills that help agencies work smarter and better serve Pennsylvanians.”