Harrisburg, PA – Commonwealth employees can now apply for $1,000 scholarships to attend Central Penn College in Cumberland County, helping to reduce financial barriers to higher education and support career advancement. The scholarships, provided at no cost to taxpayers, can be used for any undergraduate or graduate degree or certificate program offered online or in-person at the college’s Summerdale campus.
“These scholarships will support Commonwealth employees in the pursuit of higher education and underscore our commitment to fostering a strong, competitive workforce to serve the people of Pennsylvania,” said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver. “We’re pleased to collaborate with Pennsylvania’s higher ed community to offer these opportunities for our employees to further their learning and careers, and we’re pleased that Central Penn College has joined the growing list of participating schools.”
Central Penn College will offer a one-time $1,000 scholarship, distributed over the first three academic terms, to eligible Commonwealth employees who enroll in a program and complete three terms of study.
“This collaboration represents a golden opportunity for Commonwealth workers and is a forward-thinking investment in Pennsylvania's workforce, economy, and performance," said Dr. Linda Fedrizzi-Williams, President of Central Penn College. “Located only six miles from the state Capitol Complex, we have had the pleasure to serve countless Commonwealth employees over our 144-year history, and we welcome this window of opportunity to serve even more. With our proven track record of academic and professional excellence, which seamlessly expands and updates the skills of our valued students, we are pleased to join with state leaders to offer this helping hand to the workforce of today and tomorrow.”
Governor Shapiro has prioritized developing and supporting Pennsylvania’s state government workforce to deliver the best possible service to residents, both now and in the future. He signed the Hire, Improve, Recruit, and Empower (HIRE) Executive Order in 2024 to focus his Administration’s efforts to create more opportunities for Pennsylvanians to enter public service, champion initiatives to build a more competitive Commonwealth workforce, and make the Commonwealth the best employer in Pennsylvania.
Commonwealth employees and/or their dependents may be eligible for tuition discounts and scholarships at a growing number of colleges and universities, reduced interest rates on student loans, as well as the student loan forgiveness under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. View all education benefits.
Last year, the Shapiro Administration announced enhanced medical, prescription, dental, and vision benefits through the Pennsylvania Employees Benefit Trust Fund (PEBTF) to keep up with the private sector and reduce costs and waiting periods for new hires and dependents to enroll in coverage.
The Administration has also increased support for Commonwealth employees and their families through expanded paid parental leave benefits, new work/life benefits, and increased counseling services for mental health, substance misuse, and family issues.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is always hiring. Job seekers can go to employment.pa.gov to browse hundreds of vacancies, apply for openings, and be notified when new jobs are available.
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