SCHEV sees a 4% increase from 2024 in credit-bearing internships in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With more than 24,000 students having credit-bearing internships in Virginia, the Virginia State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) reported on Friday morning, in partnership with the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP), there has been a 4% increase from 2024 -- which marks the fifth consecutive growth year.

According to a release from SCHEV on Friday, April 11, since they began tracking the V-TOP program during the COVID-19 pandemic, Virginia has seen a noticeable increase in credit-bearing internships. But the report emphasized that undergraduate seniors of the 24,092 students who participated in a credit-bearing internship in 2023 -- 68% of the 14,180 -- makes sense, given 2024's results showing seniors pulling significant weight in participation.

"The steady increase in course-related internships is a testament to Virginia institutions’ dedication to preparing students for successful careers," said Alisha Bazemore, assistant director of innovative work-based learning for V-TOP. "These internships not only provide students with practical skills but also strengthen Virginia's position as a leader in talent development."

SCHEV provides $4.5 million in grant funding this fiscal year to Virginia’s public and private institutions, through V-TOP. This allows for significant expansion of internships and work-based study for students.

"Virginia’s talent economy depends on our ability to provide students with rigorous academic instruction as well as the practical skills they need to succeed in the workforce," added Scott Fleming, director of SCHEV. "Our goal is to ensure that every student from our colleges and universities has the opportunity to participate in an internship or relevant work-based learning experience. Our institutions and employers are demonstrating the necessary commitment to make that goal a reality."

SCHEV said that V-TOP is administered by a partnership between the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Virginia Business Higher Education Council, with funding by the General Assembly's Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund and Program.