The Shapiro Administration Welcomes the Commonwealth’s First-Ever Govern For America Fellows to State Agencies

The fellowship supports the goals of Governor Shapiro's Hire, Improve, Recruit, Empower (HIRE) executive order to strengthen the state government workforce.

Harrisburg, PA - In support of Governor Josh Shapiro's executive orderOpens In A New Window to expand opportunities for careers in public service, build a more competitive Commonwealth workforce, and make state government the best place to work, the Shapiro Administration welcomed three fellows from the Govern For America Fellowship (GFA) ProgramOpens In A New Window, a nationally recognized program to develop emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds.

"We are working to cultivate the next generation of leaders and public servants in the Commonwealth's workforce through programs that provide real-life experience and expose more Pennsylvanians to the rewarding careers that their state government has to offer," said Secretary of Administration and HIRE Committee Chair Neil Weaver. "The Commonwealth's collaboration with Govern For America is a significant first step towards our goal to attract the best and brightest to public service."

In May, Governor Shapiro signed Executive Order 2024-01Opens In A New Window, 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.

The Govern For America Fellowship is a two-year program that places diverse emerging leaders into full-time government jobs and provides them with training and mentorship. The fellows are soon-to-be and recent bachelor's or master's degree graduates in a variety of majors. The fellows started this week at the Department of Corrections, Department of Environmental Protection, and Department of Health.

Pennsylvania is now one of approximately 11 states to host GFA fellows. Harrison MacRae, a former GFA fellow at the State of Missouri, joined the Commonwealth in July 2023 and now serves as the Director of Emerging Technologies at the Office of Administration. Harrison is currently spearheading a pilot of generative AI tool ChatGPT Enterprise with Commonwealth employees and administers the Generative AI Governing Board guiding policy, use, and deployment.

"Hiring in government isn't just about filling positions, it's also about investing in the well-being of our communities," said Govern For America CEO Octavia Abell."Govern For America's collaboration with Pennsylvania will help ensure equitable access to public services and build trust in government operations by helping to recruit and train new leaders who reflect the communities it serves. I commend Governor Shapiro's leadership and offer it as a clear example of how to strengthen the talent pipeline into government."

The GFA 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:

• CODE PA Digital Experience InternshipOpens In A New Window (aka "Forms that Suck Less") - Nearly 40 undergraduate students applied for this summer internship conducting user research to make online forms more user friendly and accessible for Pennsylvanians. Three digital experience interns started in June.

• Governor's Science and Technology FellowshipOpens In A New Window - This program launched in March 2024 and received 65 eligible applications from master's- and doctorate-level candidates who are interested in STEM careers in state government. Eleven were selected for positions at state agencies to begin in August.

• William and Hannah Penn FellowshipOpens In A New Window - Fourteen fellows started in August 2023 and will spend two years working on projects that support the Governor's policy priorities, including workforce development, broadband access, business opportunity, clean energy, housing, climate change, agriculture, aging, long-term care, and emerging technology.

• Information Technology Help Desk ApprenticeshipOpens In A New Window - Six apprentices started in July 2023 and continue to progress through this program designed for recent high school graduates, career changers, veterans, re-entrants, and groups traditionally under-represented in technology careers.

To learn more about working for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, visit Employment.pa.govOpens In A New Window 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. You can also explore internships, fellowships, apprenticeships, and other open opportunities and careers in state government on the "Launch Your Career" webpageOpens In A New Window.

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