Two IUP students are participating in The Harrisburg Internship Semester (THIS) sponsored by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Tiffany Fox, a criminology/pre-law major from Irwin and Julia McBride, a political science major from McKeesport are two of 13 students participating in the THIS program, which provides students the opportunity to work in all areas of state government while earning a full semester's worth of credits.
Fox is working for the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, a legislative agency of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. She will be working on research and data analysis, and writing news articles that the agency publishes on a wide array of topics that range from recycling to crime data.
“THIS program gives me so many opportunities to network in state government,” said Fox. “Having this opportunity in my senior year is invaluable.”
Fox will graduate in May and will pursue a career in state government.
McBride is working for the Pennsylvania Department of State with a prosecuting attorney. Some of her duties include assisting attorneys by drafting memos, warning letters, and attending hearings.
“I am learning more than I could have ever imagined and meeting amazing people along the way,” says McBride. ”I will have a great foundation for my future career goals.”
McBride will attend law school after graduation and will pursue a career in state government.
More than 600 students for the State System universities have participated in THIS since the program began in 1989, each gaining valuable insight into the workings of state government at the policy-making level. 