Governor Spanberger Announces Virginia Workforce Initiative Wins National Economic Development Award

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger today celebrated InternshipsVA - a statewide initiative to strengthen the Commonwealth's workforce by connecting students with paid internships in Virginia - winning a Business Facilities 2026 Economic Development Organization (EDO) award.

The annual EDO awards recognize innovative programs across America that help communities attract business investment, create jobs, and strengthen workforce development. Governor Spanberger launched InternshipsVA in February as one of her first major economic development announcements, demonstrating her commitment to expanding opportunity for students in every community and strengthening Virginia's business climate.

"In just a few short months, InternshipsVA has proven what is possible when the Commonwealth invests in the next generation of Virginians," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "Right now, students are benefiting from connections with Virginia employers and finding real-world pathways to lasting careers in the Commonwealth. Together, we are setting up students for lifelong success, securing Virginia's economic future, and proving to businesses nationwide why Virginia is the top state for talent."

InternshipsVA provides technical assistance and financial support to Virginia employers interested in creating or expanding internship programs for undergraduate students in Virginia. The initiative has helped more than 250 employers apply for matching grants to create more than 600 internships in its first four months.

"InternshipsVA is a strategic investment in our long-term economic competitiveness," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. "By helping businesses connect with emerging talent earlier, this program strengthens Virginia's workforce pipeline, supports business growth, and gives more students a reason to build their future here in the Commonwealth."

"This initiative has already proven to be a game changer for Virginia students - giving them the practical skills that prepare them for stable, successful careers," said Secretary of Education Jeffery Smith. "Our world-class institutions of higher education are collaborating with businesses across the Commonwealth to ensure Virginia students are ready to bring what they learn in the classroom into their lives and our economy."

"InternshipsVA is showing how engagement among workers, employers, and educators can lead to outstanding results for the entire economy," said Secretary of Labor Jessica Looman. "Virginia is preparing the future workforce by pairing real-world, on-the-job training with classroom learning - an approach that promotes early career success and better long-term career outcomes."

Governor Spanberger launched InternshipsVA in February alongside the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), the Virginia Business Higher Education Council, and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. InternshipsVA is part of the Spanberger Administration's larger statewide effort to develop, attract, and retain top talent in Virginia. The program helps Virginia employers create and expand high-quality, paid internships to connect college students with real-world work experience.

"The Commonwealth has placed talent and workforce solutions at the heart of its economic development model - strengthening the connections between Virginia's people and economic opportunity," said VEDP President and CEO Jason El Koubi. "This recognition from Business Facilities magazine is a prominent example of how we are positioning Virginia as America's top state for talent."

Virginia employers who have completed the InternshipsVA training and built strong, intern-friendly programs are now being recognized through the recent launch of the "InVAluable Employer Partner" designation. Employers can use the designation on their career pages, internship job postings, and marketing campaigns to signal to applicants that their program meets InternshipsVA quality standards. InternshipsVA also plans to launch the InternshipsVA Top Employer Awards, a multi-tier program honoring exemplary internship programs across the Commonwealth, to be presented at a ceremony in fall 2026.

Since launching in 2023, the Business Facilities EDO Awards have become a prominent recognition program in the site selection and economic development industry, showcasing how communities are adapting to changing business location priorities such as talent availability, infrastructure, housing, and innovation ecosystems. Founded in 1968, the magazine serves corporate executives, site selectors, and economic development organizations with coverage of workforce trends, infrastructure, incentives, logistics, manufacturing, energy, and regional growth opportunities.

More information on InternshipsVA is available here.

# # #