JMU receives grants to transform work-study programs, expand internship opportunities

James Madison University has been awarded two grants by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia in collaboration with the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership to improve federal work-study programs and provide better internship opportunities for students.

JMU is among three Virginia universities awarded the first grant, which distributes more than $524,000 among these institutions to transform federal work-study programs to work-like internships while accommodating the specific needs of students and providing high quality work-based learning experiences.

The Community Engagement & Volunteer Center at JMU is introducing the Madison Community Scholars and Madison Community Scholar-Leaders programs to enhance the federal work-study program based in the Harrisonburg community.  

“The program’s goals are to support students to enhance personal growth, career readiness, and social impact while building capacity for local organizations to offer internship-like opportunities,” said Kim Davidson, the center’s director. 

The second grant is a $150,000 capacity-building grant that will promote the expansion of JMU’s newly designed work-based learning initiative. This program aims to increase internship opportunities by strengthening employer partnerships, improving institutional tracking mechanisms, and growing outreach with students, faculty and outside partners. 

“By transforming the work-study program and expanding internship opportunities, we will provide our students with direct career pathways and make lasting, positive impacts here in our Harrisonburg community and beyond,” said Dr. Tim Miller, JMU’s vice president for student affairs.