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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 1, 2026

RICHMOND – The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) today awarded more than $1.9 million in grants to nine public institutions of higher education and one private university to reduce barriers that limit student participation in internships.

Longwood University, Old Dominion University, Radford University, Southern Virginia University, the University of Mary Washington, Virginia Commonwealth University, the Virginia Community College System, Virginia Military Institute, Virginia State University and Virginia Tech each received up to $100,000 annually for two years.

The funds will help institutions support students who face barriers, including caregiving responsibilities, transportation limitations, geographic isolation, lack of reliable internet access and financial challenges. In 2024, the first phase of funding supported 659 students across 12 institutions, providing critical assistance for transportation, housing, professional attire and other support.

“This investment reflects our commitment to making internships more accessible for all students,” said Scott Fleming, SCHEV’s Executive Director. “Too often, talented students are unable to pursue these opportunities due to circumstances beyond their control. Through this grant, we are working with our institutional partners to remove those barriers and create pathways to career success.”

The grants are administered by SCHEV through the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP), which is funded by the General Assembly’s Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund and Program.