Paid internships are a powerful way to strengthen the regional workforce while providing students and businesses with valuable hands-on experience. IALR helps employers create and implement effective internship opportunities for high school and college students.
Internships offer a unique blend of on-the-job learning and mentorship, allowing companies to access emerging talent, fresh perspectives and dedicated support on key projects. At the same time, students gain practical skills, broaden their professional networks and discover potential career paths.
How IALR Can Help
As a catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia, IALR works alongside partners to ensure employers have the support and resources to succeed. Businesses receive guidance on structuring paid internship programs, including access to matching funds (if eligible).
There are two primary types of internships IALR supports:
High School Interns at No Cost to the Business
Through the IGNITE Summer Internship program, IALR supports local employers in the implementation of meaningful internship experiences for high schoolers. This program typically funds about 60 interns every summer.
This program is fully funded by Danville and Pittsylvania County. 100% of the interns’ stipends is covered by the program.
Here’s how it works:
- IALR staff work with employers to create a reasonable job description to set the student up for success
- IALR posts these positions in MajorClarity, an online career exploration platform
- Once interns are selected (by the employer), IALR provides ongoing support for the employer and their intern(s). Interns are paid through the program, not directly by the employer.
College Interns with 50% Salary Reimbursement
For businesses interested in hosting college students as interns, there are two separate programs available that reimburse up to 50% of stipend costs
IALR Support
This internship support is available for businesses in Danville, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County, NC. IALR can help review training agreements if needed and provides up to 50% reimbursement for stipends.
InternshipsVA
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership provides internship support to employers across Virginia. This includes up to 50% reimbursement for employers that meet program eligibility requirements.
Common Internship Questions
- Employing interns allows business leaders to diversify their workforce and tap into fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
- Internships serve as a talent pool for potential future employees.
- Hosting paid interns allows for cost-effective labor.
- Satisfied interns become enthusiastic brand ambassadors and could become future employees.
- Interns gain hands-on career experience and obtain relevant industry skills.
- Interns have the chance to explore career paths that interest them.
- Interns develop important soft skills and boost their confidence.
- Internships allow students to create impactful professional networks and find mentors.
IALR also supports businesses in the development and implementation of registered apprenticeship programs.
| Apprenticeship | Internship | |
| Duration | Long Term: 1-6 years | Short term 1-3 months (12 months) |
| Employment | Company employee with no anticipated employment end date | Temporary or seasonal |
| Learning | Structured on-the-job training and related technical instruction required | General exposure to industry/work environment through entry-level or project-based experiences |
| Compensation | Always paid with progressive wages | Paid or Unpaid |
| Mentorship | Mentor required during entire process | Optional |
| Credential | Nationally recognized credential at program completion and other credentials may also be obtained | Not typically obtained |
IALR helps all types of employers plan and implement internship programs. Local governments, for-profit businesses, utility providers, non-profits and other organizations can benefit from hosting paid interns.
The Advanced Learning division of IALR administers a variety of work-based learning programs and initiatives that connect talent to careers. Students looking to intern with IALR should visit the IALR internships page to browse available opportunities.
Request Internship Support
We stand ready to provide the support and resources that help employers bring on productive interns. Get in touch with us below!
