EO Companies to Expand Employer-Led Internships Among Higher Education Students
October 23, 2025
ABINGDON, Va. — Oct. 23, 2025 —EO Companies (EO) is launching new programming to strengthen employer engagement and expand high-quality paid internship opportunities for higher education students across Central and Southwest Virginia. The program, known as the Innovative Internship Program, is a state-funded initiative designed to help businesses create and launch meaningful internship programs that connect higher education students with career-building experiences across the Commonwealth.
Through a new partnership, EO will serve as the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s (VEDP) regional intermediary for employer engagement, recruiting businesses, assisting them in internship design, and ensuring measurable outcomes that expand access to paid internships. The initiative emphasizes employer leadership, ensuring that internships provide real value to both participating students and the companies that host them.
As part of the collaboration, EO Companies and VEDP will provide employers with information, resources, and technical assistance to design effective internship programs and access available support. Meanwhile, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), through the new Industry-led Regional Partners, will continue leading all student-facing engagement activities, creating a seamless bridge between businesses and emerging talent.
“This partnership is about helping employers take the next step in developing their future workforce,” said Travis Staton, President and CEO of EO Companies. “Our team will work hand in hand with businesses to design and strengthen internship programs that meet their needs while building a stronger talent pipeline across the Commonwealth.”
In addition to technical support, the state has established the Innovative Internship Fund, a matching grant program that helps small and mid-sized employers offset the cost of hiring and supporting interns, making it easier for them to launch or grow sustainable internship programs.
“Virginia’s employers are key to growing and retaining talent,” said Megan Healy, Senior Vice President of Talent and Workforce Strategy, Executive Office at VEDP. “By partnering with EO Companies, we’re making it easier for businesses to offer high-quality internships that help students gain real-world experience and stay in Virginia after graduation.”
Employers located in Alleghany, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Bland, Botetourt, Buchanan, Campbell, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Roanoke, Russell, Pulaski, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe Counties and the Cities of Bristol, Covington, Galax, Lynchburg, Norton, Radford, Roanoke, Salem interested in participating in the Innovative Internship Program can learn more at www.eoco.org/innovate.
About EO Companies
EO Companies is a nonprofit organization advancing economic and community development. Dedicated to improving economic resilience and helping communities thrive, EO works at the intersection of education, workforce, and community infrastructure. Through collaboration with public and private partners, EO builds critical systems and spaces that grow and retain talent, strengthen local economies, and enhance community well-being.
