Virginia State University Awarded Capacity-Building Grant To Expand Internship Opportunities
VSU secures funding from SCHEV and V-TOP to expand paid internships and boost workforce readiness for students.
VSU secures funding from SCHEV and V-TOP to expand paid internships and boost workforce readiness for students.
Virginia State University is proud to announce that it has been selected as one of 20 institutions to receive a one-year Capacity-Building Grant of up to $150,000. This funding, provided by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) in partnership with the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP), will strengthen the University's ability to expand paid internships and work-based learning opportunities for students.
The grant will support initiatives such as enhancing program infrastructure, improving institutional tracking systems, fostering employer partnerships aligned with state and regional workforce needs, and hiring personnel or creating a centralized hub focused on internships and work-based learning activities.
SCHEV and V-TOP are allocating over $3.9 million in Capacity-Building Grants to 20 institutions, including the Virginia Community College System, as part of a broader effort to prepare students for success in the workforce while supporting the Commonwealth’s economic growth.
"Internships and work-based learning provide students with the confidence and practical skills to thrive in a competitive workforce," said Scott Fleming, SCHEV director. "The Impact Grants reinforce our commitment to supporting Virginia's higher education institutions by integrating internships into their strategic priorities and fostering meaningful partnerships with employers across the Commonwealth."
The funding is part of the Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund’s Impact Grants, designed to promote collaboration between higher education institutions and Virginia employers. The Impact Grants are awarded in three categories: Vision, Capacity-Building, and Scaling.
VSU will utilize this funding to provide students with enriched learning experiences that enhance career readiness and align with the University's commitment to student success and workforce development.