The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has been recognized as one of Virginia’s 2025 Top Employers for Interns by the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP). This recognition is a result of IALR’s commitment to providing high-quality, paid internship experiences that prepare the next generation of professionals across various industries.

V-TOP recognizes employers who provide exceptional internships for students, helping them develop critical skills and gain real-world experience. Each summer, IALR offers an immersive internship program that spans diverse career fields, including research and data analysis, public relations, human resources, economic development, agricultural technology, coding and robotics, IT and more. The internships are designed to provide practical, hands-on experience with interns contributing to IALR’s ongoing work of driving economic transformation in Southern Virginia.

“Our summer internship program allows students to engage with meaningful projects, apply their academic learning and develop durable work-readiness skills,” said Dr. Julie Brown, Vice President of Advanced Learning at IALR. “We are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts in developing the region’s emerging talent who will hopefully choose to make Virginia their home.”

 “We are proud to offer a program that not only helps students grow professionally but also strengthens the local economy by preparing students for careers in emerging fields,” said Jessie Vernon, Director of Employer Engagement & Experiential Learning at IALR. “Our internship program reflects our mission of driving economic transformation in the region and equipping the next generation of talent for success.” 

IALR is excited to welcome 18 interns to its 2025 summer program. Applications for the 2026 program will be posted in the spring of 2026.

In addition to hosting interns, IALR serves as the V-TOP contact for Region 3 and supports Southern Virginia businesses in designing and implementing effective internship programs, providing technical support and resources needed for success. Internship support is one of many ways that IALR’s Advanced Learning division helps connect employers with talent through work-based learning.

IALR was recognized along with fourteen additional Region 3 award recipients at an Internship Reception held at IALR on May 7 and Awards Luncheon held in Nottoway County on May 12.

  • Boys and Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge
  • City of Danville Fire Department
  • Comfort Systems USA MidAtlantic
  • Crystal Breedlove – State Farm Agent
  • Danville Public Schools
  • FasTech LLC
  • Gilmore Environmental Consulting, LLC
  • In-Depth Productions
  • LE&D Professionals, PC
  • Nottoway County Public Schools
  • Solex Architecture
  • The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History
  • The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
  • Town of Blackstone
  • Virginia Cooperative Extension

About IALR 

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville.