HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Shapiro Administration has welcomed 25 Pennsylvania college students with disabilities to participate in paid summer internships with state government agencies through a program offered by the Department of Labor and Industry’s (L&I) Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and Office of Administration (OA).
“Internships are a great way for people with disabilities to gain work experience and exposure to future employers that may be difficult for them to obtain,” said Executive Director Neil Weaver. “Inclusive employment opportunities like OVR internships give students the chance to prove themselves and dispel misconceptions about the ability of people with disabilities to contribute in the workplace.”
“Summer internships give students the skills and experience they need to launch fulfilling careers and chart their own path,” said L&I Commissioner Nancy A. Walker. “The OVR Internship Program shows the next generation of workers the important role state agencies play in serving Pennsylvanians and equips them with the tools and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace.”
Labor and Industry Commissioner Nancy Walker, OVR Director Ryan Hyde and Acting Deputy Commissioner for Human Resources Management Jason Swarthout met with interns yesterday morning during an internship orientation that was held in-person in Harrisburg and offered online for students participating from elsewhere in Pennsylvania.
The 25 students will come from across Pennsylvania and be based in Harrisburg, as well as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Reading, Johnstown and Norristown. Interns will work within OA and L&I, as well as the Department of Agriculture, Community and Economic Development, Department of Corrections, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of General Services and Department of Human Services.
In addition to gaining work experience and exposure to federal employment, OVR interns will have professional development opportunities, including honing their interview skills and building their federal network. Interns will also enjoy brunch with First Lady Lori Shapiro at the Governor’s Mansion.
Last month, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2024-01, establishing the Hiring, Improving, Recruiting and Empowering (HIRE) Commission to expand opportunities for Pennsylvanians seeking public service, continue to build a more competitive workforce, and make state government the best place to work in the state. Chaired by OA Secretary Weaver and represented by OVR, the commission will continue efforts to expand pathways to employment in the state for people with disabilities.
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has prioritized creating and expanding opportunities for those seeking a career in public service and making the state a more attractive place for job seekers. This includes:
Signed an executive order placing greater emphasis on skill and experience in hiring for state government positions. Eliminated college credit requirements for Pennsylvanians who want to serve as state troopers.
Expanded support services offered through the Commonwealth’s State Employee Assistance Program (SEAP) to enhance work-life benefits and support a healthy work-life balance for Commonwealth employees. Invested in mental health and education resources for employees and their families. Expanded internship, fellowship and apprenticeship programs to bring more talent into state government and build a new pipeline of talent.
Commonwealth is one of the largest employers in Pennsylvania and was ranked the top employer in Pennsylvania by workers in a Forbes survey in September 2023 and the top employer in the nation by college graduates in July 2023.
Pennsylvanians interested in a career in Pennsylvania civil service can easily search through thousands of job openings on the OA website that do not require a four-year college degree.
Pennsylvanians can also explore internships, fellowships, apprenticeships and other open opportunities and careers in state government on OA’s “Launch Your Career” webpage.