HARRISBURG, Pa. – Eleven students from universities within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education are participating this Fall in The Harrisburg Internship Semester (THIS), a program offering invaluable firsthand experience in state government.

Students enrolled in the program earn 15 credits toward any major as they work at the state Capitol, an experience that can be a springboard into employment or public service. Students also receive a $3,500 stipend to assist with living expenses while they reside in the Harrisburg region.

“A critical part of the State System's mission is to prepare students to be leaders in their communities and the Commonwealth," State System Chancellor Dan Greenstein said. “Students who participate in THIS receive an unforgettable experience, making a direct contribution to workings of state government. I hope in the course of this semester these 11 students have the opportunity to learn how in the future they can contribute to Pennsylvania's success."

Enrolled in THIS for Fall 2019 are:

• Mary Anne Batiz of Bethlehem, daughter of Jazmin Batiz, a 2016 graduate of Liberty High School. Mary Ann is a senior at East Stroudsburg University, majoring in Criminal Justice and Sociology. She's interning in the office of state Rep. Jordan Harris, the House Democratic Caucus Whip.
• Molly Bitner of Lewistown, daughter of Sherri Craig and Brian Bitner, a 2014 graduate of Mifflin County High School. Molly is a senior at Bloomsburg University, majoring in Social Work. She's interning in state Rep. Joanna McClinton's office, the House Democratic Caucus Chair.
• Alex Edmundson of Williamsburg, son of Roy and Sherry Edmundson, a 2015 graduate of Williamsburg Community Junior/Senior High School. Alex is a senior political science major at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is interning in the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.
• Raudel Franco de Santos of Oxford, son of Esmeralda Franco, a 2017 graduate of Oxford Area High School. Raudel is a junior at Edinboro University, where he majors in political science. He is interning in the state Department of State's prosecution division.
• Ashley Gatto of Dingman's Ferry, daughter of Laureen and Virgil Gatto, a 2016 graduate of Delaware Valley High School. Ashley is a senior at Kutztown University, majoring in Public Administration. She is interning in the state Department of Environmental Protection.
• Christopher Gentile of Ohiopyle, son of Stephanie and Charles Gentile, a 2002 graduate of Uniontown High School. Christopher is a senior at California University of Pennsylvania, majoring in political science. He is interning with the state Board of Pardons.
• Christopher Higgins of Horsham, son of John and Patricia Higgins, a 2016 graduate of Hadboro-Horsham High School. Christopher is a senior at Millersville University, majoring in geography. He is interning with the state House Democratic legislative policy office.
• Marcus Huertas of Lancaster, son of Tony and Celinas Huertas, a 2014 graduate of Conestoga Valley High School. Marcus is a senior at Shippensburg University, where he majors in political science. He is interning in the Office of the Speaker of the state House, Rep. Mike Turzai.
• Daniel Mayer of Montrose, son of Barbara Pugh-Mayer, a 2016 graduate of Elk Lake High School. Daniel attends Mansfield University, where he is a junior political science major. He is interning in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman.
• Michael Shimmel of Philipsburg, son of Mike and Laura Shimmel, a 2016 graduate Philipsburg Osceola Area High School. Michael attends Slippery Rock University, where he is a senior majoring in political science. He is interning in the office of state Rep. Michael Sturla, the House Democratic Policy Committee Chair.
• Janco Swart of Harrisburg, son of Jannie and Mari Swart, a 2015 graduate of Cranberry Junior/Senior High School. Janco attends Slippery Rock University, where he is a senior political science major. He is interning in the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, a bipartisan agency of the state Legislature.

Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education oversees 14 four-year public universities educating more than 90,000 students. The State System offers more than 2,300 degrees and certificates in more than 530 academic areas. The State System universities are Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester Universities of Pennsylvania.