Last week, the PA Chamber Foundation held a press conference at the State Capitol to recognize nearly 70 companies named among the 2026 Greatest Places to Intern in PA. The annual designation honors organizations across the Commonwealth that provide exceptional internship experiences and help prepare students for successful careers in Pennsylvania.

“Building a strong workforce starts with creating meaningful opportunities for students to gain real-world experience, and Pennsylvania businesses are investing in the next generation of talent,” PA Chamber Foundation President Luke Bernstein said in a press release. “Pennsylvania is home to employers across every sector that are helping students launch successful careers, and we are grateful to recognize this year’s award recipients as partners in that effort.”

The event featured remarks from Bernstein; Auditor General Tim DeFoor, whose office was among this year’s honorees; and Angie Meyers, Director of Talent Acquisition at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, which hires approximately 400 interns across multiple departments each year. Attendees also heard from PA Chamber intern Nikolas Papoutsis, who shared how his diverse experiences with the Government Affairs team have broadened his understanding of public policy ahead of his junior year at Penn State University. Additionally, East Penn Manufacturing intern Will Buck highlighted the company’s impact on everyday products through its battery manufacturing operations and reflected on the skills and experience he has gained during his internship.

Photos from the press conference are available here.

Educating, upskilling, and retaining the next generation of skilled workers remains a key priority of the PA Chamber and the PA Chamber Foundation’s workforce development strategy. High-quality internships give students the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge, develop professional skills, and explore career pathways, while helping employers build connections with future talent.

Research from the Strada Education Foundation shows that students who complete paid internships benefit from increased earning potential, greater self-confidence, and improved early career outcomes. In fact, Strada’s data indicates that graduates with paid internship experience earn an average of $3,096 more in their first year of employment.

The Keystone Initiative, the PA Chamber Foundation’s long-term strategic blueprint for Pennsylvania’s economic growth, emphasizes the importance of connecting education, workforce training, and career opportunities. Expanding access to meaningful internships is a critical component of preparing students for success while helping employers meet their workforce needs.