Pennsylvania is seeking to bolster its state government with talent from the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The state’s Office of Administration opened applications on Tuesday for the 2026 Governor’s Science and Technology Fellowship, a yearlong program designed to place recent graduates within state agencies.
Modernizing Pennsylvania’s Workforce
The fellowship aims to address challenges in areas like service delivery and data-driven decision-making. Fellows will contribute to projects supporting public sector IT, policy, and innovation across agencies including the Departments of Agriculture, General Services, Human Services, and Transportation.
According to a press release, the program is part of a larger effort to modernize Pennsylvania’s workforce and strengthen its digital capabilities. Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Administration, Neil Weaver, stated that “The Governor’s Science and Technology Fellowship is bringing fresh perspectives and technical skills that help agencies work smarter and better serve Pennsylvanians.”
This initiative follows a trend of increased Millennial and Gen Z representation within Pennsylvania state agencies. Last year, the Office of Administration reported a 17.5% increase in Millennial employees and a 180% increase in Gen Z employees since Gov. Josh Shapiro took office.
The program builds on recent collaborative efforts with Maryland and New York to streamline hiring processes, specifically to recognize federal government experience as equivalent to commonwealth work experience for civil service roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Governor’s Science and Technology Fellowship?
The fellowship places recent STEM graduates in state agencies to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges, supporting data-driven decision-making, modernizing programs, and improving service delivery.
Who is eligible to apply?
Individuals who have earned or will earn a master’s degree or higher between December 2020 and August 2026 are eligible to apply.
What areas will fellows be working in?
Fellows will work on projects supporting public sector IT, policy, and innovation within various state agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture, General Services, Human Services, and Transportation.
How might this program shape the future of Pennsylvania’s public sector and its ability to address complex challenges?
