Paid internships are a win-win strategy, offering significant benefits to both employers and students. By hosting an intern, your business can:
- Gain Fresh Perspectives and Energy: Interns bring innovative ideas and enthusiasm, helping your team think outside the box.
- Develop Future Talent: Build a pipeline of skilled workers familiar with your organization’s values and operations.
- Increase Productivity: Interns can tackle meaningful projects, support your existing staff and drive results.
“Internships are a proven way to grow your business while contributing to future workers.” — Kiana Dillard, Work-Based Learning Coordinator
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) and Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) support businesses in Southern Virginia through every step of the internship process—from creating a program structure to obtaining funding to onboarding qualified candidates.
Who Can Participate?
The Work-Based Learning team at IALR guides businesses in structuring opportunities that align with business goals.
College Internships
Employers that meet the following criteria are eligible for V-TOP matching funds and other resources for internships for college students:
- Fewer than 150 employees
- For profit or non-profit organization, but not a government entity.
- Located in one of the 15 localities in GO Virginia Region 3.
Learn more about the eligibility requirements for V-TOP matching funds.
High School Internships (Danville/Pittsylvania County Only)
Businesses in Danville or Pittsylvania County may qualify for a separate funding stream to host high school interns. If you are located in these areas and interested in hosting high school students, IALR can guide you through the process and connect you to the right resources.
Eligible employers can host high school interns at no cost. These positions are funded by local dollars.
Please contact Kiana Dillard, Work-Based Learning Coordinator at IALR.
Resources and Support for Employers
The Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) provides robust assistance to help eligible employers launch and sustain an internship program for college students:
- Matching Funds Program: Eligible businesses in V-TOP Region 3 can receive a 50% match for intern wages and other related costs, including uniforms, transportation and housing.
- Program Development Assistance: Receive support from iQuasar to create job descriptions, plan intern projects, and strategize.
- Online Self-Paced Modules: Learn how to develop a successful internship program—from writing a posting to providing growth opportunities for interns.
- Monthly Virtual Talent Plug Sessions: Dive deeper into topics such as internship benefits, program characteristics, and recruiting strategies.
Recognition for Excellence
IALR leads the V-TOP Regional Work-Based Learning Collaborative, which serves the 15 localities across V-TOP Region 3. This collaborative, which involves higher education institutions, K12, economic development organizations and employers, promotes and develops opportunities for employers and students to connect through work-based learning.
V-TOP recognizes outstanding organizations with the Top Virginia Employers for Interns Awards, celebrating employers who provide exceptional internship opportunities. Award recipients are honored at the local, regional, and statewide levels, underscoring their leadership in workforce development.
Robin Marcato / Danville Historical Society
Crystal Hairston / Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce
Examples of Intern Projects
- Process documentation and improvement initiatives
- Social media and marketing campaigns
- Data analysis and reporting
- Customer service enhancements
Year-Round Opportunities
Although summer is a popular time to host paid college interns, you can bring them on board whenever it fits your business needs. Flexible options allow you to:
- Align projects with academic schedules
- Test new business ideas with fresh talent
- Provide continuous learning and mentorship
Frequent Internship Questions for Employers
Businesses with up to 250 employees can still take advantage of all VTOP resources, modules, and general staffing agency services but not the matching funds. Government agencies can use all V-TOP resources except for staffing agency services and matching funds. IALR can still guide you on setting up internship programs.
That depends on your capacity. V-TOP will match funds for up to three years, allowing up to four interns the first year, up to six interns the second year and up to eight interns the third year. Employers can host more interns if they choose without the matching funds.
Interns can absolutely work during the school year. Many businesses host interns part-time during fall or spring, adapting schedules to fit school commitments. While summer is the most common time for interns, we love to see organizations offer part-time opportunities during the school year.
If your organization is in Region 3 and meets eligibility criteria, you may host interns from any accredited institution. Matching funds depend on specific guidelines for location and enrollment. Students must have some type of collegiate or residential affiliation with Virginia. For example, Virginia residents who are enrolled out of state could be eligible as well as Virginia students who live out of state.
IALR can assist Danville and Pittsylvania County businesses with high school internships through a different funding source at no cost to the business. For more information, contact Kiana Dillard, IALR’s Work-Based Learning Coordinator.
IALR also supports businesses in the development and implementation of successful internship programs across Southern Virginia.
| 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 |
Ready to Host Interns?
IALR also hosts a cohort of summer interns every year, giving us firsthand insight into what makes a successful paid internship experience. Believe us when we say that internships are a win-win that will benefit your company and the students who participate.
IALR’s Advanced Learning division supports the creation of effective internship programs and a variety of other work-based learning opportunities across Southern Virginia.
