Applications Open for Competitive Summer Internship Program
Applications Open for Competitive Summer Internship Program
Middletown, PA — The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) has opened applications for its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Internship Program, a competitive internship program designed for rising college juniors, seniors and recent graduates. This paid internship offers hands-on experience, career development, professional connections and valuable insight into careers in the transportation field.
Through the summer experience, interns work with the PA Turnpike’s collaborative teams across the Commonwealth, including Engineering, Sustainability, Finance and Accounting, Information Technology, Maintenance, Toll Operations, Communications and Marketing and Human Resources. Additionally, students participate in professional development such as workshops, seminars and one-on-one mentoring.
“For more than a decade, the PA Turnpike’s CEO Internship Program has built a strong talent pipeline, helping students across Pennsylvania prepare to meet the future – especially in transportation and STEAM sectors,” said Mark Compton, CEO for the PA Turnpike. “We’re proud that nearly 100 students have seen the real-world application and benefits of STEAM-related transportation careers, and we look forward to welcoming this year’s class to their ranks.”
Beyond equipping students with professional knowledge, interns enhance key business skills such as critical thinking, public speaking, collaboration and teamwork. The program concludes with a group project, designed by executive leadership and presented to the Commission.
Joey Richmond, originally from Chicago and a graduate of Dartmouth College, is currently pursuing his Master's degree at Moravian College. He participated in the 2025 summer cohort, conducting research on a Solar Marketing Campaign. Eight months later, he has advanced his career by joining the Turnpike's engineering department.
“This internship is a hidden gem,” Richmond said. “Whether one wants to learn about engineering, IT, finance, law, communications, and so forth, there is a place for you at the Turnpike. Additionally, the people and the culture is what makes this place amazing because I have worked many jobs and the closeness, kindness, and helpfulness of this community is unmatched."
Previous group projects investigated solar strategy, sustainability, highway safety, support for the PA Turnpike’s human trafficking awareness campaign, a customer rewards program and mobile payment options.
This hybrid (in-person/virtual) program runs May 18-Aug. 7, 2026, at the PA Turnpike’s Central Administration Building in Middletown. Interns earn $18.50/hour for a 40-hour week.
Applications are due March 2, 2026. For more information about the requirements, to apply or for additional opportunities, please visit careers.paturnpike.com.
A national transportation leader, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike) is the second largest tolling facility in the United States with the most miles. The PA Turnpike proudly supports safety and convenience for its more than 550,000 daily customers through 24-7 roadside assistance, round-the-clock food and fuel at 17 service plazas and a dedicated maintenance force and State Police Troop. The PA Turnpike’s approximately 1,400-person local workforce is unified in its mission; to operate a safe, reliable, customer-valued toll road system that supports national mobility and commerce. For more information about the PA Turnpike’s mission, vision and values, please visit Home | PA Turnpike.
###
Media Contacts:
Marissa Orbanek, Press Secretary: (267) 408-5151, morbanek@paturnpike.com
Crispin Havener, Assistant Press Secretary: (717) 870-2841, chavener@paturnpike.com