Allegheny County Scholars in Local Government looking for the Next Generation of Leaders
Scholarship. Leadership. Service.
The Scholars in Local Government Program is looking for the best and the brightest to enter into rewarding and impactful careers in public service. The Scholars program allows talented individuals to bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to local government – Scholars apply their skills and creativity to real-world problems and use their leadership abilities to influence policy and practice in Allegheny County’s Department of Human Services, an agency hailed as a national model for innovative and effective government.
Overview
The Scholars in Local Government Program is a highly competitive career-development initiative designed to attract graduates of masters- and doctoral-level programs of social work, public policy, public administration, law, business, and related fields to the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. Scholars come from diverse backgrounds and join the Department for one-year appointments, during which they complete high-profile projects and analyze difficult problems. Specific projects are tailored to the individual skill sets and interests of the scholars. In addition to on-the-job training, scholars are given unique opportunities to meet with high-level government officials, foundation executives, and nonprofit and private sector leaders, as well as to participate in educational and professional development opportunities. Scholars who complete their commitment, receive a favorable evaluation, and want to continue working for the County will be given special consideration for full-time employment.
Am I eligible?
Recent graduates of masters- and doctoral-level programs of social work, public policy, public administration, law, business, and related fields graduating within 18 months of the application deadline are eligible for the Scholars Program. Although there is no Allegheny County residency requirement, candidates must be willing to move to the Pittsburgh region by the summer of their Scholars year. Candidates are from diverse backgrounds and are selected on the basis of academic and professional experience, demonstrated leadership potential, commitment to public service, communication skills, and creativity.
Application Deadline:
Application materials are below. The 2012 submission deadline will be announced in the fall of 2012.
How do I apply?
To be considered for the Scholars program, applicants must provide:
- A fully completed
application form ,
- A professional résumé,
- A copy of each application essay, as outlined in the application form,
- Two letters of recommendation (one from an academic institution and one from an employer), and
- An official transcript from every post-secondary educational institution attended
All materials should be emailed to scholars@alleghenycounty.us or mailed to the address below.
A committee of reviewers from the Department of Human Services and partner organizations evaluate all applications and invite suitable applicants to interview in Pittsburgh. At this session, applicants will be evaluated based on an individual interview and analytic exercise. Candidates are informed of their status by late February. Scholars begin work the following summer.
Questions?
Click 
here for answers to frequently asked questions. Or, call 412-350-5226 or email scholars@alleghenycounty.us.
Ms. Megan Good
Attn: Scholars in Local Government application
Allegheny County Department of Human Services
One Smithfield St., 4th Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Meet this year's Scholars
Lindsay Legé, MSW
Lindsay is a native Floridian putting down roots in Pittsburgh. After spending two years as a teacher at PACE, an alternative school for girls, Lindsay decided to pursue a Masters in Social Work with a concentration in Social Administration from the University of Pittsburgh.
While completing her graduate work, Lindsay interned with the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force (PATF) and the Mon Valley Providers Council (MVPC). As the MVPC Program Associate, Lindsay coordinated a major event to bring greater attention to the needs and opportunities of the Mon Valley. This forum brought together legislators, policy regulators, the foundation and philanthropic community, the media, and leaders from social service agencies in the region. In 2010, Lindsay planned the first Woodland Hills Community Expo to increase community awareness of available resources and services in the district. She was recognized for her contributions in the Mon Valley with the Community Practice Award from the University of Pittsburgh’s Community Organizing and Social Administration (COSA) Concentration.
In the community, Lindsay is an avid cyclist and bike commuter who is getting used to the hills and inclement weather in Western PA. Lindsay is an active member and volunteer for BikePGH, an organization that works to make Pittsburgh a safer and more enjoyable place to live and ride. Additionally, this tax season, she provided free tax preparation assistance to individuals on a limited or fixed income and older adults through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).
Lindsay holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Florida.
Organizations Scholars have joined following their program year:
- Allegheny County Department of Human Services
- Bethany Hospice
- Carnegie Science Center
- Three Rivers Center for Independent Living
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Resources
FAQ
2011 Scholars in Local Government Application
2012 Scholars in Local Government Brochure