At the Pennsylvania Chamber Foundation, we believe that internships are more than just résumé builders—they are powerful tools for shaping Pennsylvania’s future workforce and economy. That’s why we were thrilled to recently launch our inaugural “Greatest Places to Intern in PA” awards, recognizing employers that are leading the way in providing exceptional internship experiences.
These award-winning employers are both large and small, span all regions of the Commonwealth, and represent various industries—but one thing they all share is a commitment to investing in the next generation. Together, they are helping students gain real-world experience, building confidence, and working to achieve our No. 1 goal – inspiring them to work, live, and forge a future in Pennsylvania.
“Congratulations to these employers for offering world-class internships that are preparing students for careers across Pennsylvania. By fostering internship opportunities, these employers not only strengthen the workforce pipeline but also increase the likelihood that graduates choose to build their futures right here in Pennsylvania,” PA Chamber Foundation President Luke Bernstein said in a press release announcing the winners.
Why Internships Matter
Internships are a cornerstone of the PA Chamber’s multi-tiered workforce development strategy, which is designed to attract and retain skilled, inspired workers across the state. Research from the Strada Education Foundation shows that students who complete paid internships:
- Earn more than $3,000 a year in their first-year post-graduation;
- Have greater confidence in their career paths;
- And are more likely to recognize the value of their education.
These benefits don’t just help students, they help employers, too. Internships provide a pipeline of talent, reduce onboarding costs, and allow businesses to shape future employees who are already familiar with their culture and expectations. Internships don’t just help students; they help employers, too. Hosting internships provides a significant ROI for employers – a NACE poll found that internships are employers’ top recruiting method and the best method for investing time and money – topping career fairs, on-campus visits, and even participation in campus panels. Internships also provide a pipeline of talent, reduce onboarding costs, and allow businesses to shape future employees who are already familiar with their culture and expectations.
Reversing the Brain Drain
Pennsylvania has long faced a “brain drain” challenge, with many graduates leaving the state for opportunities elsewhere. But we have the tools to turn brain drain into brain gain. Through partnerships with our world-class higher education institutions and diverse industries, we can reverse this trend.
“Expanding access to paid internships is a powerful way to educate and inspire future Pennsylvania workers, grow our population, and help employers meet workforce needs,” Bernstein added.
This vision is central to the Keystone Initiative, the Foundation’s long-term blueprint for economic growth. By scaling internship programs across the Commonwealth, we can build a stronger, more resilient workforce—and a brighter future for Pennsylvania.
Internships in Action: Meet the PA Chamber’s Summer Interns
The PA Chamber’s internship program offers students high-quality, experiential learning opportunities in research, writing, technology, policy, communications, and event management. These roles provide invaluable on-the-job training and a front-row seat to the inner workings of Pennsylvania’s business community.
This summer, we are pleased to welcome the following interns to our team:
- Evan Henke – A recent graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Evan majored in Economics and Political Science and is heading to graduate school this fall. He’s working in Pittsburgh with our Membership Team, helping to strengthen connections across our business network.
- Miranda Nace – A rising senior at Penn State majoring in Political Science, Miranda previously worked as a receptionist for the Penn State Football program. She is also the first recipient of the David and Joanne M. Kleppinger Endowment, which supports students studying Government Affairs and the Liberal Arts.
- Amaya Ghosh – A rising sophomore at Penn State, Amaya is focusing her studies on Marketing. She brings fresh ideas and energy to our communications and outreach efforts.
These students are gaining more than just experience—they’re gaining clarity, confidence, and a sense of purpose. They’re seeing firsthand that Pennsylvania is a place where they can thrive.
A Call to Action for Employers
Businesses of all sizes and industries can—and should—offer internships. Whether you are a small business owner, a nonprofit leader, or a corporate executive, you have the power to shape the future of Pennsylvania’s workforce through internships that can be built to scale for your company.
Not sure where to start? The PA Chamber offers resources to help you launch and scale internship programs. Visit our Internships page to learn more.