This summer, five Penn State students are gaining hands-on experience with organizations working to strengthen communities across the Pittsburgh region through the City Semester Pittsburgh Internship Program, hosted by the Franco Harris Pittsburgh Center at Penn State.
The program connects students with paid internships at impact-driven organizations while providing opportunities for professional development, networking, and reflection throughout the summer. They will contribute to projects that support environmental sustainability, food access, community engagement, conservation, and urban planning across the Pittsburgh region.
Meet this year’s City Semester Pittsburgh cohort
Alina Hernandez
Major: Architecture
Internship: Tree Pittsburgh
Alina will support Tree Pittsburgh’s education, volunteer engagement, and nursery operations, helping connect community members with environmental stewardship opportunities while supporting urban forestry initiatives across the region.
What are you most looking forward to this summer with City Semester?
I’m looking forward to the events that take place in the communities of Pittsburgh that I’ve never been to—and also feeling like I’m an actual adult for the summer.
What is your favorite thing about Pittsburgh?
My favorite thing about Pittsburgh is the small food places hidden around the city and walking on Butler Street for coffee shops.
Kaitlyn Loomis
Major: Landscape Architecture
Internship: Riverlife
As a project and planning intern with Riverlife, Kaitlyn will support community engagement efforts, assist with planning and design projects, help gather community feedback, and contribute to initiatives that connect people to Pittsburgh’s riverfronts.
What are you most looking forward to this summer with City Semester?
I am looking forward to interacting with community members and improving public spaces in the city.
What’s something that interests you about Pittsburgh?
I have been enjoying running in Schenley Park and can’t wait for Picklesburgh!
Lucy Mihalcin
Major: Environmental Resource Management
Internship: Allegheny County Conservation District
Lucy will support the Allegheny County Conservation District’s Urban Soils Program, assisting with soil sampling and analysis, community outreach, environmental education efforts, and projects that address soil health and environmental justice throughout Allegheny County.
What are you most looking forward to this summer with City Semester?
I am looking forward to seeing the behind-the-scenes work of the amazing projects offered at the Allegheny County Conservation District.
What is your favorite thing about Pittsburgh?
My favorite part is the sense of the community scattered through the city and even into different parts of the world. Pittsburgh is near and dear to my heart and clearly so many others.
Henry Wagner
Major: Engineering Science
Internship: Green Building Alliance
At Green Building Alliance, Henry will help support building performance initiatives by assisting with research, data analysis, building benchmarking, and sustainability projects that help organizations improve energy and environmental performance.
What are you most looking forward to this summer with City Semester?
I am looking forward to developing my professional network and getting in-office technical experience.
What is your favorite thing about Pittsburgh?
My favorite thing about Pittsburgh is the summer farmers markets in Market Square.
Olivia Woods
Major: Public Relations (minor in English)
Internship: 412 Food Rescue
As a community engagement intern with 412 Food Rescue, Olivia will support volunteer recruitment and engagement efforts, assist with community events, and help advance the organization’s mission of reducing food waste and increasing food access throughout the region.
What are you most looking forward to this summer with City Semester?
I am looking forward to getting hands-on experience in community-based work, assisting in event coordination, and, of course, exploring Pittsburgh!
What’s something that you’d like to explore in Pittsburgh?
I’m from State College, so this summer, I am hoping to explore the good thrifting spots in Pittsburgh, and I heard there is a pickle festival that I WILL be attending!
Follow along throughout the summer as we share updates, reflections, and stories from the 2026 City Semester Pittsburgh cohort and the impact they are making across Pittsburgh.