Six Fredericksburg-area employers were among the 136 recipients of the 2024 Top Virginia Employers for Interns Awards recognized by the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP).
The annual award celebrates Virginia employers who provide high-quality internships to students. Some of the noteworthy efforts include exposing interns to senior leaders, structured mentorship programs, housing allowances, paid time off, security clearances and training for industry certifications.
The Fredericksburg-area employers who were honored include Arete Consulting, Germanna Community College, Natural Scentiments LLC, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC), Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, SimVentions and STEM Education and Innovation Center.
“These employers deserve recognition for their innovative internship programs and helping students learn and grow,” said Alisha Bazemore, assistant director of innovative work-based learning initiatives at the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. “A meaningful internship can really boost career opportunities for students, and, at the same time, help strengthen Virginia’s workforce.”
More than 85% of award recipients provide paid internships, predominately in-person during the summer. Approximately half offer non-traditional internships, like those for students with disabilities, career switchers, veterans or active-duty military members transitioning to the workforce.
Recipients will be honored by regional internship collaboratives from April 8-12. (A list of the events can be found here). V-TOP will host a statewide event in Richmond July 25 as the Commonwealth celebrates Virginia Intern Day, an occasion dedicated to honoring the engagement of employers, students, colleges and universities in work-based learning opportunities.
V-TOP is administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia in partnership with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Virginia Business Higher Education Council. It is funded by the General Assembly’s Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund and Program.
