City of Philadelphia, PA
04/30/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/30/2026 09:03
City of Philadelphia Launches Paid Public Service Fellowship to Expand Economic Mobility and Career Pathways
New locally driven program connects residents to careers in government while addressing workforce gaps
PHILADELPHIA - The City of Philadelphia today announced the launch of the Philadelphia Public Service Fellowship, a new paid program designed to prepare the next generation of public servants while expanding economic mobility for residents.
At a time when cities face workforce shortages and many residents lack clear pathways into stable, family-sustaining careers, the Fellowship creates a direct bridge into public service. The program advances the Parker Administration's Economic GPS agenda by investing in workforce development and building pipelines into meaningful careers in government.
The Fellowship builds on the success of the Serve Philadelphia VISTA Corps, transitioning from a federally supported model into a locally designed and managed initiative under the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO). This shift allows the City to better tailor the program to Philadelphia's workforce needs, expand access, and strengthen long-term career outcomes for participants.
"We're building a city where people aren't just getting by, they're getting ahead," said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "The Philadelphia Public Service Fellowship creates a direct pathway into public service while advancing our Economic GPS-Growth, Prosperity, and Security-for residents across Philadelphia."
"By moving this program under local leadership, we're able to deepen our focus on equity, provide stronger career coaching, and create clearer pipelines into City employment," said Orlando Rendon, Executive Director of the Office of Community Empowerment & Opportunity. "This is not just a service year-it's a launchpad into long-term careers."
The inaugural cohort will include 21 fellows, with plans to grow the program over time. The model builds on proven AmeriCorps VISTA outcomes while introducing enhanced supports such as paid wages, structured mentorship, and career navigation.
What Fellows Will Do
Beginning in fall 2026, fellows will be placed across City departments to support priority initiatives aligned with four tracks:
- Outreach and Engagement
- Partnership and Resource Development
- Program Coordination
- Research and Analysis
More details on the four program tracks can be found here.
What Fellows Receive
Participants will benefit from a structured, cohort-based experience that includes hands-on experience in City government, mentorship and individualized career coaching, professional development and training, and exposure to leaders across City agencies.
Fellows will receive:
- $20/hour for up to 30 hours per week (up to $22,800 total).
- $4,000 completion award.
- SEPTA Key Advantage (public transit access program).
Expanding Access and Opportunity
The Fellowship is designed to reduce barriers to entry into public service careers by offering paid experience, flexible pathways, and support for individuals seeking economic mobility and career advancement.
Apply or Learn More
Applications for the inaugural cohort open Monday, May 4, 2026, for a term running from September 8, 2026 through May 28, 2027. Interested candidates can:
- Join the fellowship interest list.
- Attend information sessions.
- Learn more at: www.phila.gov/programs/philadelphia-public-service-fellows/
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City of Philadelphia, PA published this content on April 30, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 30, 2026 at 15:03 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]