Governor Abigail Spanberger on Thursday recognized Virginia's Top Employers for Interns, honoring businesses in the InternshipsVA program that offer high-quality internship experiences to students across the Commonwealth.
Three statewide winners were recognized, representing small, medium, and large businesses: Overhead Solutions Group of Norfolk (Small Business), Triple Point Security of Blacksburg (Mid-Size Business), and Atlantic Union Bank of Richmond (Large Business).
"Virginia's future economic success depends on creating meaningful pathways to connect students and young professionals with career opportunities across the Commonwealth," Spanberger said. "Congratulations to this year's Top Employers for Interns! You are helping students see a future for themselves in Virginia. By providing high-quality, paid experiences and opportunities to build professional connections, these employers are strengthening their own workforce and reinforcing Virginia's position as a Top State for Talent."
Launched by the governor in February, InternshipsVA helps employers design and deploy paid internships to expand economic opportunity and strengthen workforce development. Since its launch, the program has engaged more than 700 employers and partners, trained more than 500 employers in establishing high-quality internship programs, and supported 845 internships with more than 290 employers through its matching grant.
The awards were presented during the 2026 Virginia Education and Workforce Conference, hosted by the Virginia Chamber Foundation with the Virginia Business Higher Education Council, the Virginia Business-K12 Partnership, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. About 500 representatives from business, higher education, K-12, workforce development, economic development, and government attended.
Regional honorees also received the Innovative Employers Award for extraordinary internship programs and the Inspiring Employers Award for established programs with longstanding support for interns' career readiness.
"Internships are one of the most powerful ways to connect classroom learning with the skills employers need," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. Secretary of Education Jeffery Smith said the recognized employers "are opening doors for students," and Secretary of Labor Jessica Looman said their commitment is "strengthening Virginia's workforce today and for years to come."
VEDP President and CEO Jason El Koubi said the honorees "have shown an exceptional commitment to developing talent through high-quality internship experiences." InternshipsVA also established a statewide partnership with Handshake and earned national recognition from Business Facilities Magazine.