Bob Spieldenner
bobspieldenner@schev.edu
(804) 718-9443 (cell)

RICHMOND -- More than 24,000 students had credit-bearing internships in Virginia in 2023, the fifth consecutive year of growth, according to a report released today by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), in collaboration with the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP). It was an increase of more than 4% compared to the previous year.

Virginia has seen a steady increase in credit-bearing internships since the pandemic impacted 2020, when SCHEV began tracking the data as part of its administration of the V-TOP program. During that year, there were 19,455 credit-bearing internships compared to 24,092 in 2023.

"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."

Of the 24,092 students who participated in a credit-bearing internship in 2023, 14,180 were undergraduates. Of those, 68% were seniors. This trend is consistent with last year's results, suggesting that seniors drive participation in credit-bearing internships among undergraduates.

"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. 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," said Scott Fleming, director of SCHEV.

Through V-TOP, SCHEV provides direction and support to institutions of higher education to significantly expand internships and work-based learning opportunities, providing $4.5 million in grant funding this fiscal year to Virginia’s public and private institutions.

The data in Credit-Bearing Internships: Fast Facts from Academic Year 2023-24 comes from two- and four-year public institutions and those four-year private non-profit institutions that participate in the Tuition Assistance Grant program.

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.

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