The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research has been recognized as one of Virginia’s 2026 Top Employers for Interns by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). This recognition reflects IALR’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, paid internship experiences that prepare the next generation of professionals across a range of industries.
SCHEV recognizes employers who provide exceptional internship opportunities for students, helping them develop critical skills and gain real-world experience. Each summer, IALR offers an immersive internship program spanning diverse career fields, including research and data analysis, marketing and communications, economic development, manufacturing engineering, agricultural technology, coding and robotics, IT and more. The internships are designed to provide practical, hands-on experience while interns contribute to IALR’s work of driving economic transformation in Southern Virginia.
“We believe experiential learning is essential to workforce readiness,” said Dr. Melanie Lewis, IALR’s Vice President of Advanced Learning. “Being recognized as a top employer for interns highlights the intentional work our team does to prepare students for meaningful careers while supporting the region’s long-term economic growth.”
“Our internships are built around collaboration and impact,” said Jessie Vernon, IALR’s Director of Employer Engagement & Experiential Learning. “Students gain professional confidence and clarity, and IALR benefits from fresh perspectives and motivated contributors.”
IALR is excited to welcome at least 13 interns to its 2026 summer program. Applications for the 2027 program will be posted in the spring of 2027.
In addition to hosting interns, IALR supports Southern Virginia businesses in designing and implementing effective internship programs by providing technical assistance and resources. Internship support is one of many ways IALR’s Advanced Learning division connects employers with talent through work-based learning.
IALR was recognized alongside additional Region 3 award recipients, including:
- Appalachian Conservation Corps
- Averett University
- Danville – Pittsylvania Community Services
- Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History
- LE&D Professionals, PC
- Letterpress Communications
- Solex Architecture, Inc.
- The Danville Hotel Collection (The Bee Hotel, The Holbrook Hotel, The Laurel Hotel)
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.
