Shapiro Admin provides state employees tuition benefits at Central Pa. colleges

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New tuition benefits for commonwealth employees at Lebanon Valley College and Shippensburg University were announced Tuesday by the Shapiro Administration. 

Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver said the benefits will foster professional development for commonwealth employees and make it more affordable to send their children to college. 

“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,” Weaver said in a statement. “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 and Lebanon Valley College for joining us to offer tuition benefits to our workers and their dependents,” added Weaver. 

According to a release, Lebanon Valley College (LVC) is offering a 15% per-credit rate discount on tuition for select graduate degree and certificate programs at the college’s campus in Annville online, or through a hybrid format. This discount is available to eligible commonwealth employees and their dependents. 

“This arrangement makes graduate education more accessible to the more than 80,000 full- and part-time commonwealth employees and their families,” said Lebanon Valley College President James M. MacLaren. “LVC’s programs offer flexibility and online options for upskilling and career advancement. 

“Those who are looking for graduate programs or certificates that add value through personal attention from expert faculty will find LVC to be a good fit,” said MacLaren 

Shippensburg University will grant full-time commonwealth employees who have gained relevant professional experience through their public service with graduate credits toward a Master of Public Administration, per the release. 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. 

In addition, the university is 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 Thursday in Harrisburg. 

“Shippensburg University is proud to advance this collaboration and expand our commitment to serving the workforce needs of the commonwealth,” said Shippensburg University Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Hill. “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,” added Hill.