New Philadelphia fellowship offers paid pathway into city government

Applications are now open for the city's newly launched Public Service Fellowship, a paid program aimed at preparing the next generation of public servants.

Participants will receive hands-on experience in city government, and will earn $20 per hour for up to 30 hours per week. 

The fellowship works to create a direct bridge into public service, city officials said. It 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. 

“We’re building a city where people aren’t just getting by, they’re getting ahead,” said Mayor Cherelle 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.” 

Orlando Rendon, executive director of the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity, said the city-led model will allow officials to focus more heavily on equity and career development.

“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,” Rendon said. “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 expand the program over time. The fellowship model incorporates elements of the AmeriCorps VISTA program while adding paid wages, mentorship and support.

Beginning in fall 2026, fellows will be placed across city departments to support initiatives in four areas: outreach and engagement; partnership and resource development; program coordination; and research and analysis. 

Participants will receive hands-on experience in city government, mentorship, professional development training and exposure to leaders across city agencies, organizers said. 

Fellows will earn $20 per hour for up to 30 hours per week, for a maximum of $22,800 during the program. Participants will also receive a $4,000 completion award and access to SEPTA’s Key Advantage transit program.

City officials said the fellowship is designed to reduce barriers to entering public service careers by offering paid experience and flexible pathways for residents seeking economic mobility and career advancement.