The James A. Finnegan Foundation was founded in 1960 and incorporated under Pennsylvania law as a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization.
Founders of the foundation included: Pittsburgh Mayor Joe Barr, Commonwealth Judge Genevieve Blatt, Democratic National Committeewoman Louise M. John, Pennsylvania Gov.
[1] The foundation works to provide practical training in government and politics for outstanding undergraduate students by offering a number of ten-week paid internships in executive agencies located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania each summer.
Students must show exceptional skill academically, strong community involvement, and write a successful policy proposal on a selected topic as determined by a panel of judges.
Winners receive a cash award and are invited to a spring luncheon at the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence in Harrisburg.