InternshipsVA Matching Grant Program

The InternshipsVA Matching Grant Program is administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) as part of the Commonwealth’s Innovative Internship Fund and Program. This initiative is designed to expand access to paid, credit-bearing internship opportunities for students enrolled in public and private colleges and universities across Virginia. Through this program, Virginia-based employers can strengthen their talent pipelines, contribute to workforce development, and benefit from partial wage reimbursement for eligible internship positions. The matching grant is targeted at Virginia-based employers that meet specific criteria. To be eligible, employers must be either a for-profit or nonprofit organization physically operating within Virginia, registered and in good standing with the State Corporation Commission, and employ 150 or fewer full-time Virginia-based employees. They must also offer internships that provide meaningful work experience, mentorship, and skill development. All internships must meet a minimum threshold of 120 hours over at least eight weeks and must pay at least Virginia's minimum wage, which as of January 2026 is $12.77 per hour. Employers must complete a required training session—either live or one-on-one with a regional manager—before submitting a grant application. Applications for the matching grant must be submitted at least two weeks before the internship begins. Employers can request reimbursement after the internship concludes by submitting documentation that includes payroll records showing gross pay, hours worked, and the intern's information. Reimbursement is limited to 50% of wages paid, capped at $7,500 per intern and a maximum of 10 interns per fiscal year (July 1–June 30). Employers cannot receive funding for more interns than 50% of their total staff count. Interns must be enrolled in a Virginia postsecondary institution at the time of the internship or intend to enroll in the upcoming semester. Recent graduates are not eligible. InternshipsVA also facilitates employer access to talent via Handshake, the largest career platform for college students. Employers are encouraged to list internships on Handshake and identify themselves as participants in the InternshipsVA program. In doing so, their postings will be promoted across Virginia’s higher education institutions, increasing visibility and recruitment potential. VEDP offers additional resources to help employers design high-quality internship experiences, including templates, guides, and one-on-one assistance from Regional Internship Managers. The matching grant program is performance-based, meaning funds are disbursed only after an internship concludes and eligibility requirements are verified. Employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with wage and labor laws. While there is no limit on how many years a company can participate, each cycle requires new applications and proof of compliance. Interns hired under 1099 contracts or supported by other state-funded programs are not eligible. The program accepts in-person, hybrid, and remote internships provided all requirements are met. VEDP processes reimbursement requests within one week of receipt and releases funds within 30 days of approval. Employers must submit the reimbursement request within 60 days of internship completion. Support is available throughout the process via dedicated regional representatives, and additional documentation such as a W9 or EDI agreement may be required if changes occur. The InternshipsVA Matching Grant Program stands as a strategic, scalable model to support business growth, enhance educational outcomes, and foster a dynamic, Virginia-based workforce.

Apply at least 2 weeks before internship; Interns must be paid; no 1099s; maintain 1:1 intern-to-staff ratio