The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) today honored 161 employers, including WHRO Public Media, as the 2026 Top Virginia Employers for Interns, recognizing their efforts to establish high-impact, career-launching internships across the Commonwealth.
The annual award celebrates Virginia employers who provide hands-on experiences, direct access to senior leadership, structured mentorship and industry certifications that equip students with real-world, in-demand skills.
WHRO was named as a representative of Region 5, which includes Accomack County, Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Isle of Wight County, James City County, Newport News, Norfolk, Northampton County, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Southampton County, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg and York County.
“Virginia’s competitive advantage is our talent pipeline,” said Scott Fleming, executive director of SCHEV. “The employers recognized this year are turning learning into experience and expanding the talent pipeline Virginia needs.”
More than 91% of awardees provide paid internships, most in-person and during the summer, while more than half offer nontraditional internships, like those for students with disabilities, career switchers, veterans or active-duty military members transitioning to the workforce. In addition, 46% of employers convert at least some internships into full-time roles, accelerating the path from classroom to career.
Beyond internships, recipients deliver a broad range of work-based learning opportunities, including job shadowing, career exploration, capstones, micro-internships and apprenticeships.
“These organizations aren’t just hosting interns, they’re building Virginia’s future workforce,” said Alisha Bazemore, Ph.D., assistant director of innovative work-based learning initiatives. “Their leadership is opening doors for students to gain meaningful experience and launch successful careers.”
Learn more about internships at WHRO.
WHRO is proudly owned by the 21 school divisions in southeastern Virginia. From providing hands-on workshops about the newest educational technology to creating SOL-aligned curriculum, WHRO Education supports Virginia’s teachers with innovative classroom resources and exceptional professional development.
Learn more about the many educational resources that WHRO Public Media provides to educators and families.