Virginia Launches $14.5M InternshipsVA Program to Expand Paid Internships and Strengthen Workforce Pipeline

Published on Thursday, February 5, 2026 by Nicole Shakir, Managing Editor of Expansion Solutions Magazine

Governor Abigail Spanberger speaks at the InternshipsVA launch event in Richmond. (Photo Credit VEDP)

Statewide initiative helps employers build paid internship programs, connect with college talent, and retain graduates in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia is making a significant investment in its future workforce with the launch of InternshipsVA, a new statewide initiative designed to help employers develop and expand high-quality, paid internship programs for college students across the Commonwealth. The state has committed $14.5 million annually to support the program.

Announced by Governor Abigail Spanberger in Richmond, InternshipsVA is part of Virginia’s broader strategy to attract, develop, and retain top talent while strengthening the state’s education-to-employment pipeline. The program is supported through collaboration among the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Business Higher Education Council (VBHEC), and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

Building Virginia’s Talent Pipeline

State leaders say InternshipsVA is designed to give students hands-on, real-world experience while helping employers cultivate future employees.

“Virginia’s students need more hands-on opportunities to connect with real-world careers,” Governor Spanberger said. “By partnering with businesses to give students practical experience before graduation, we’re strengthening a talent pipeline that will drive Virginia’s economic growth for years to come.”

Commerce and Trade Secretary Carrie Chenery emphasized the program’s role in connecting employers with motivated, work-ready students.

“InternshipsVA can match businesses with qualified interns who are ready to contribute from day one,” Chenery said. “These early connections help ensure Virginia remains a top destination for graduates launching their careers.”

Supporting Employers of All Sizes

Funded through the Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund and Program, InternshipsVA provides direct tools and financial support to employers interested in launching or scaling paid internships.

Employer benefits include:

50% wage-matching grants for undergraduate interns at small and mid-size Virginia businesses
Regional internship managers to assist with program design and recruitment
No-cost internship postings through a partnership with Handshake
Training and best-practice resources for building effective internship programs

VEDP Chief of Talent and Workforce Strategy Megan Healy noted that internships consistently deliver strong returns for employers.

“Four out of five businesses rank internships as their top return on investment for talent,” Healy said. “Internships reduce hiring risk, improve retention, and strengthen long-term workforce development.”

Aligning Education and Industry

Education and workforce leaders highlighted InternshipsVA as a critical bridge between classroom learning and career readiness.

Secretary of Education Jeffery Smith said expanded internships will help students translate academic knowledge into practical skills, while Secretary of Labor Jessica Looman described work-based learning as one of the most effective workforce development strategies available.

VBHEC President Kirk Cox added that paid internships are central to Virginia’s “learning-to-earning” pipeline and enjoy broad bipartisan support as a workforce solution.

Economic Development Impact

For Virginia’s business community, InternshipsVA represents a strategic workforce initiative that supports company growth and statewide competitiveness.

“To be the best state for business, Virginia needs to be the best state for talent,” said Keith Martin, interim president and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. “InternshipsVA aligns business, education, and government around a shared talent strategy that benefits both students and employers.”