2026 OVR Summer Internship Program Cohort
Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Shapiro Administration welcomed 28 Pennsylvania college students with disabilities to the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) Summer Internship Program – the largest cohort in program history. These paid internships allow students with disabilities to gain on-the-job experience in public service while providing resources to help them succeed in the workplace and reach their career and independence goals.
“As one of Pennsylvania’s largest employers, the Commonwealth is leading by example by modernizing how we hire, investing in our people, and building a workforce that truly reflects and serves all Pennsylvanians,” said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver. “The OVR Summer Internship Program strengthens our workforce by making sure everyone has the opportunity to participate and prosper.”
The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation assists people with disabilities in obtaining and retaining employment while maintaining their independence. Since 2023, OVR has supported 76,000 Pennsylvanians and strengthened collaboration with employers across the Commonwealth to expand job placement services, pre-employment transition services, and on-the-job training opportunities.
“The Shapiro Administration believes in empowering all Pennsylvanians with real opportunities to succeed, and the OVR Summer Internship Program does that by giving students with disabilities meaningful, hands-on experience in public service while helping them build invaluable skills, connections, and confidence,” said Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker. “We are excited to welcome this incredible cohort of interns and are grateful for the continued collaboration with the Office of Administration to help create more inclusive pathways into the workforce.”
For many students, participating in the OVR Summer Internship Program serves as a key milestone – often their first exposure to a professional workplace environment. Beyond just work experience, the program is also designed to give students meaningful career guidance and mentorship opportunities, with an avenue for professional development through the “Intern Academy.” These weekly sessions focus on social and transitional skills to equip students for the workforce, help them gain self-confidence, and empower them to see their lived experience as an asset to their career goals. In 2025, Governor Shapiro recognized staff from OA and OVR for their efforts to strengthen the internship program for students.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026-27 budget calls for an additional $1 million investment in OVR to expand access to key services – including assistive technology, transition supports for students, and expanded services for Pennsylvanians who are DeafBlind and have other disabilities. The Governor’s budget also directs additional funding of $3 million to PA LINK, an aging and disability resource network, and an additional $50 million to support students with disabilities and special needs through after-school programs, full-day pre-K and kindergarten, and more.
The OVR Summer Internship Program reflects the broader work of the Shapiro Administration to build a Commonwealth where every Pennsylvanian has the freedom to chart their own course and a real opportunity to succeed. Through investments in OVR services, workforce development and modernization efforts, and new protections and supports advanced through recent executive orders, the Shapiro Administration is working to ensure people with disabilities can access high quality jobs, develop in-demand skills, and participate fully in the workforce.
In April, Governor Shapiro signed three executive orders to strengthen protections for Pennsylvanians with disabilities and autism by reaffirming the Commonwealth's disability nondiscrimination policy, establishing new data privacy protections, reauthorizing the Developmental Disabilities Council, and creating a new Governor's advisory commission on people with disabilities.
In 2024, the Governor signed Executive Order 2024-01 to establish the Hire, Improve, Recruit, Empower (HIRE) Committee within his Administration. Since then, the Shapiro Administration has worked to expand opportunities for Pennsylvanians seeking careers in public service, build a more competitive workforce by modernizing and speeding up the hiring process, and enhance benefits and workplace support to make state government the best place to work in the Commonwealth. The OVR Summer Internship program supports the Governor’s workforce development priorities by attracting and retaining skilled Pennsylvanians to serve in state government, ensuring that the Commonwealth workforce is reflective of the diverse population it serves.
The Shapiro Administration is also working to make government more accessible online for people with disabilities. The Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) is leading a coordinated effort to help agencies meet updated federal accessibility requirements under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. CODE PA has expanded accessibility training, established enterprise standards, and supported agencies to improve the accessibility of the Commonwealth’s websites and digital services to ensure they are inclusive and usable for all Pennsylvanians.
Strengthening this progress, the Department of General Services (DGS) recently conducted a comprehensive accessibility study of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex to ensure the 45-acre complex is welcoming, usable, and inclusive for all Pennsylvanians. The study outlines next steps and upcoming work, including upgrades to entrances, signage, restrooms, and common areas to better accommodate employees and visitors with disabilities.
The OVR Summer Internship Program highlights the value of hiring and developing talented individuals with disabilities and shows how supportive, well-designed workplaces contribute to stronger teams and better outcomes. Through these efforts, the Shapiro Administration is building an accessible and inclusive workforce in state government and setting the example for other employers to adopt similar practices.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is always hiring! Job seekers can go to employment.pa.gov and browse hundreds of vacancies, apply for openings, and be notified when new jobs are available. Pennsylvanians can also explore internships, fellowships, and apprenticeships through the Commonwealth at the Launch Your Career page.
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