Pennsylvania Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver announced new benefits to foster professional development for Commonwealth employees.
Shippensburg University (Ship) will now grant full-time Commonwealth employees who have gained relevant professional experience through their public service with graduate credits toward a Master of Public Administration. Employees with one year of experience may be eligible for three credits and those with at least three years of work experience may be eligible for up to six credits toward their MPA degree. Ship is also waiving the internship requirement for all Commonwealth employees, regardless of their length of service. Commonwealth employees can learn more about the university’s MPA program at a networking event in Harrisburg on December 4.
“The Shapiro Administration is committed to supporting Commonwealth employees with benefits to help them grow professionally in their careers and support their families at home,” said Secretary Weaver.“Providing access to affordable higher education helps us maintain a skilled workforce in state government and makes it possible for more Pennsylvanians to pursue their dreams of going to college. The Commonwealth thanks Shippensburg University for joining us to offer tuition benefits to our workers and their dependents.”
“Shippensburg University is proud to advance this collaboration and expand our commitment to serving the workforce needs of the Commonwealth. By integrating a credit for prior learning pathway into our MPA program, we are expanding access for dedicated public servants and honoring their diverse journeys in meaningful ways. Their professional expertise will bring new depth to our classrooms and elevate the conversations that shape future leaders. This initiative is an investment in the people who power public service, and I am grateful to the strategic leadership of our faculty and our collaboration with the Secretary of Administration,” said Dr. Nicole Hill, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Shippensburg University.
Governor Shapiro has prioritized expanding opportunities for Pennsylvanians who want to serve the Commonwealth and attracting highly qualified and motivated individuals to careers in public service. On his first day in office, the Governor signed an executive order emphasizing skills and experience in state hiring so that qualified applicants without a college degree can compete for more open jobs. Last year, the Governor established the Hire, Improve, Recruit, and Empower (HIRE) Committee to continue to focus on building a stronger, more competitive Commonwealth workforce to address the rapidly evolving needs of Pennsylvanians.
Since Governor Shapiro took office, 11 institutions of higher education have come forward to extend education benefits to Commonwealth employees or Commonwealth employees and their dependents.
To learn more about working for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, visit Employment.pa.gov to view and apply to current job openings, receive notifications about new vacancies in their field, and see all the Commonwealth benefits available to employees.
