The Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) today recognized 215 recipients of the 2025 Top Virginia Employers for Interns Awards.

The annual award celebrates Virginia employers who provide high-quality internships to college students. Some of the noteworthy efforts of employers include exposing interns to senior leaders, structured mentorship programs, housing allowances, paid time off, security clearances and training for industry certifications.

“These businesses are models for other employers. They are using innovative methods to help students apply their learning, develop practical work-based skills, and strengthen Virginia’s efforts to prepare the future workforce,” said Scott Fleming, director of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

More than 84% of the recipients provide paid internships, predominately in-person during the summer. More than half of the awardees offer non-traditional internships, like those for students with disabilities, career switchers, veterans or active-duty military members transitioning to the workforce. Most notably, most employers provided full-time employment offers to many of their student interns. 

“The exceptional businesses and organizations being recognized today understand that providing students with hands-on experience and real-world skills not only strengthens their own talent pipelines but also fuels the long-term economic growth of the Commonwealth,” said Cathie J. Vick, President and CEO, Virginia Chamber of Commerce “The Virginia Chamber is proud to celebrate these top employers for their leadership and commitment to developing Virginia’s next generation of talent."

V-TOP will host a statewide event on July 31 in Richmond as the Commonwealth celebrates Virginia Intern Day, an occasion dedicated to honoring the engagement of employers, students, colleges and universities in work-based learning opportunities.

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.