Contact:
Bob Spieldenner
bobspiedenner@schev.edu
(804) 225-2628

February 29, 2024

For immediate release

The Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) awarded grants to 12 universities for a total of $1.2 million to help remove barriers to internships and work-based learning opportunities.

The grants can be used by the universities to fund internship stipends, transportation assistance, purchase of professional attire or uniforms, housing costs or other necessary expenses.

One-year grants of $100,000 each were awarded to Christopher Newport University, James Madison University, Longwood University, Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, Radford University, University of Mary Washington, University of Virginia, University of Virginia - Wise, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Military Institute and Virginia Tech.

"Transportation, housing and other costs can prevent students from pursuing an internship, which could negatively affect their career path,” said Alisha Bazemore, assistant director of innovative work-based learning initiatives at the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.  “These grants are a small investment that can make a substantial impact on the lives of these students and ultimately on Virginia’s economy."

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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The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia is the state’s coordinating agency for higher education. With Pathways to Opportunity: The Virginia Plan for Higher Education, SCHEV is dedicated to making Virginia the best state for education by 2030. For more on this statewide strategic plan, visit schev.edu/TheVirginiaPlan.