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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Connecting Students to Public Service

    Work-Based Learning Programs

    We help students and agencies connect through internships and apprenticeships that build skills, open career paths, and grow our Commonwealth’s workforce.

    Commonwealth Public Service Internship (CPSI)

    A six-month, paid “intern-to-hire” program that gives college students hands-on experience — with a pathway to a permanent Commonwealth job.

    • Eligibility: Must be a full-time undergrad (60 credits by hire) or grad student; PA residency required.

    After the internship: Interns transition into trainee or full-time positions.

    Download full CPSI overview (PDF)

    Resources and Tools

    For college or postsecondary internships only. Use this template to define intern roles, responsibilities, learning outcomes, and onboarding steps.

    Download the Intern Training Plan (PDF)

    Important: This is an interactive form that will not work in a web browser. After downloading, open the file with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free): right-click the file → Open with → Adobe Acrobat Reader.

    Word version of the Intern Training Plan.

    Need help starting a program? Contact the Work-Based Learning Division.

    Email us

    College Internships

    Opportunities for students to gain real-world experience in their field of study.


    Types include:

    • CPSI – Intern-to-hire program

    • GSI – Government Services Intern

    • STI – Scientific & Technical Intern

    • EI – Engineering Intern

    • OVR Intern – For students with disabilities

    Download internship classifications (PDF)
    View Internship FAQs (PDF)

    Apprenticeship 101

    A structured, earn-while-you-learn program combining on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

    • Eligibility: Career seekers looking to build in-demand technical and professional skills.
    Learn more about Apprenticeships (PDF)

    Commonwealth Fellowship Programs

    A paid opportunity for early-career professionals to lead real change across Pennsylvania — while preparing for long-term careers in public service.

    • Eligibility: Open to recent graduates with a passion for policy and public impact.

    Learn more about our Fellowships

    High School Internships

    Access resources to help your agency partner with high school students through work-based learning opportunities that support career exploration.

    View High School Internships Resources

    Job Shadow Resources

    Access resources to help your agency host high school and college students through job shadow experiences that support career exploration.

    View Job Shadow Resources