New program creates pathways to STEM careers in state government and supports Governor Shapiro’s Hire, Improve, Recruit, Empower (HIRE) executive order to strengthen Pennsylvania’s workforce.
Harrisburg, PA – The Shapiro Administration today welcomed 11 candidates selected for the inaugural Governor’s Science and Technology Fellowship, a new program for individuals with advanced degrees to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers in state government.
"Governor Shapiro has prioritized strengthening the Commonwealth’s workforce while working to encourage more Pennsylvanians to consider careers in public service," said Neil Weaver, Secretary of Administration. "STEM is one of the fastest growing career fields in the nation and we are going to need more talent with cutting edge skills to help us continue to drive innovation and address challenges in today’s complex world.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of STEM jobs is projected to increase by nearly 11 percent from 2022 to 2032, nearly 4.5 times faster than non-STEM jobs. The bureau also reports that the median wage for all STEM occupations is nearly double that of non-STEM jobs.
The Governor’s Science and Technology Fellowship is a one-year program designed to attract 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 2024 Sci-Tech fellows will serve in the Departments of Agriculture, Corrections, Conservation and Natural Resources, Environmental Protection, Human Services, and Transportation. Following the completion of their fellowships, participants may be offered a permanent position with the Commonwealth.
The Governor’s Science and Technology Fellowship is the latest expansion by the Shapiro Administration of fellowship, internship, and apprenticeship programs to create new pathways to careers in public service with the Commonwealth, which include the CODE PA Digital Experience Internship, William and Hannah Penn Fellowship, and Information Technology Help Desk Apprenticeship.
In May, Governor Shapiro signed Executive Order 2024-01, establishing the Hire, Improve, Recruit, Empower (HIRE) Committee and directing the Office of Administration to expand career internship, apprenticeship, and fellowship opportunities to help build a pipeline of future Commonwealth leaders.
You can view the Commonwealth's growing selection of internship, apprenticeship, and fellowship opportunities on the Launch Your Career page on Employment.pa.gov.
To learn more about working for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, visit Employment.pa.gov to view and apply to current job openings, receive notifications about new vacancies in their field, and learn more about the Commonwealth's Total Rewards benefits for employees.
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