LANCASTER COUNTY, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro and Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker visited Lancaster County on Tuesday to spotlight the MY Work summer employment program, which is giving high school students with disabilities a pathway to paid work experience and long-term job success.
Launched in Allegheny County in 2016 and expanded statewide in 2021, the MY Work initiative is run through the Department of Labor & Industry’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). Since Governor Shapiro took office, the program has grown significantly — providing paid employment opportunities to more than 2,400 young Pennsylvanians.
This summer alone, over 500 students across 57 counties are working at 100 different job sites. OVR fully funds wages for these positions, ensuring that municipalities face no cost burden while enabling students to gain real-world experience.
During a visit to Overlook Park in Manheim Township, Governor Shapiro met with participating students as they landscaped and maintained public spaces. He emphasized that initiatives like MY Work demonstrate Pennsylvania’s commitment to inclusivity and economic opportunity for all.
“People often underestimate what individuals with disabilities are capable of,” Shapiro said. “But here in Pennsylvania, we recognize the unique strengths they bring to the workplace.”
Secretary Walker, who has visited several MY Work sites across the Commonwealth, echoed that sentiment, describing the program as “life-changing” and “more than just a paycheck.”
In Lancaster County, students have contributed to public projects such as mulching, edging, and cleanup at community parks through a partnership between OVR and the nonprofit Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP®). According to Stephen Santos, YAP’s Behavioral Health Program Director, the program equips young participants with a strong work ethic and essential life skills.
“Through collaboration with MY Work, our youth are gaining insight into independence,” Santos said. “All of these tools will help carry them into adulthood.”
Governor Shapiro’s proposed 2025-26 budget includes a $5 million boost for OVR, aimed at expanding MY Work and other services. In 2024 alone, OVR placed 6,000 individuals with disabilities into jobs at over 3,500 businesses. The agency serves roughly 50,000 Pennsylvanians each year, offering job training, counseling, and placement support.
The Administration’s focus on workforce development extends beyond MY Work. The proposed budget also calls for:
- $3.5 million for the Schools-to-Work Program
- $5 million to address the nursing shortage
- $10 million to expand apprenticeship programs
- $21 million to raise compensation and benefits for direct care workers
Legislators from Lancaster County praised the program’s impact. Senator James Malone, a parent of children with autism, said, “There is perhaps no better way to care for our neighbors with disabilities than to empower them with skills and meaningful work.”
Representative Nikki Rivera added that seeing local students gain confidence and purpose through their work “brought tears” to her eyes. “Everyone deserves to feel dignity and pride in their work,” she said.
The MY Work program not only supports young people with disabilities but also encourages employers to build more inclusive workplaces. With growing support from employers like Wawa and Sheetz — both of which have partnered with OVR — the program appears poised for continued expansion.
Governor Shapiro’s visit reinforced his broader vision: to invest in Pennsylvania’s workforce and create long-term opportunity for every resident, regardless of ability.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.