Two Rockbridge area institutions of higher education have received state grants aimed at improving student access to internships and work-based learning opportunities.
Southern Virginia University and Virginia Military Institute were among recipients of grants awarded by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, or SCHEV, through its Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership program, known as V-TOP.
SVU received two separate grants. The first, announced April 23, awards up to $100,000 annually for two years to help the university build out its capacity to track and analyze student participation in internships and other work-based learning.
Five other Virginia institutions received the same amount under that $1.6 million award, with the Virginia Community College System receiving up to $200,000.
The second grant, announced May 1, also provides SVU up to $100,000 annually for two years. That funding is directed specifically at reducing barriers such as transportation costs, housing, caregiving responsibilities and lack of internet access — factors that prevent students from pursuing internships in the first place.
VMI was also among the 10 institutions that received funding under that $1.9 million award.
“This investment reflects our commitment to making internships more accessible for all students,” SCHEV Executive Director Scott Fleming said in a statement. “Too often, talented students are unable to pursue these opportunities due to circumstances beyond their control.”
The grants are funded through the General Assembly’s Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund and Program. In 2024, a first phase of the barrier-reduction funding supported 659 students across 12 institutions, helping cover transportation, housing, professional attire and other needs.
