Creating Pathways to Professions
The Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership - Valley Internship Experience Workgroup (VTOP-VIEW) is made possible by a grant from the State Council for Higher Education (SCHEV) and is part of a state-wide Virginia Talent and Opportunities Pathways initiative to expand paid and credit-bearing student internships and other work-based learning opportunities in collaboration with Virginia employers. V-TOP facilitates the readiness of students, employers and institutions of higher education to participate in internship and work-based learning.
The V-TOP VIEW is developing strategies to significantly increase the number of internship and work-based learning programs currently available in the Shenandoah Valley (GO Virginia Region 8).
Why this Initiative?
Simply put, the data shows that we are not doing enough to encourage students to live and work in Virginia after they graduate. This is where the V-TOP initiative helps by giving students deep roots in Virginia’s business community prior to graduation.
Less than 50% of Virginia graduates completed undergraduate internships.
- SCHEV, October 2021
The top concern of Virginia businesses surveyed is access to necessary talent.
- Blueprint Virginia 2025,
Virginia Chamber of Commerce
More than 50% of Virginia graduates who completed an internship said it helped them receive a better job offer.
- SCHEV, October 2021
Upcoming Featured Events
VTOP-VIEW Internship Hour Webinars:
Internships – Getting Started
Third Wednesday of Every Month | 12-1pm | Online
VTOP-VIEW Tap into Talent Working Sessions
Upcoming Sessions:
January 14
Christendom College, Front Royal | 1-3pm
February 20
Harrisonburg Innovation Hub, Harrisonburg | 2-4pm
