ABOUT THE INTERNSHIPInterested in business economics or community development Join the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance (SVRA) within the Economic Development division at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). This internship provides handson experience supporting industry growth analyzing regional trends and helping attract new businesses to Southern Virginia. Under the mentorship of Linda Hutson Green Executive Director of SVRA interns will contribute meaningful research and outreach that supports economic advancement in the region.
WHAT YOULL DO Collect organize and analyze data to support economic development initiatives
Assist with social media content and publications to communicate key insights
Support meetings events and industry outreach activities
Prepare documents and presentations using Excel Word PowerPoint and similar tools
Maintain confidentiality and ensure accuracy in all data and communications
WHAT YOULL LEARN Hands-on experience in economic research data analysis and regional development
Insight into how communities attract new industries and support business growth
Skills in professional communication content creation and public engagement
Real-world experience collaborating with economic development professionals
PROGRAM DETAILS Duration: 8 weeks
Schedule: Approximately 28 hours per week up to a maximum of 224 hours
Compensation: $15 per hour / $3360 total stipend
Location: In-person at IALR (Danville VA)
OTHER DETAILSIALR reserves the right to modify and/or cancel the internship program. Modifications may include a shortened timeframe with a prorated adjustment to compensation alternate assignments or adjustments to work-site location. Internships are primarily in-person. The IALR Internship Program does not provide local housing or a housing allowance.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be considered for the 2026 IALR Internship Program applicants must meet ONE of the following criteria:
Be a high school graduate (may be graduating Spring 2026) with plans to attend college in Fall 2026
Be a current undergraduate or graduate student
Be a recent college graduate (within the past 12 months)
INTERNSHIP TIMELINE
Application Deadline: March 20 2026 at 4:00 PM (EST)
Candidate Interviews (Microsoft Teams): April
Intern Selection Notifications: April 30 2026
Please note: IALR internships are highly competitive and not all applicants will be invited to interview.
MANDATORY PROGRAM DATES
Intern Orientation (required for all interns): June 1 2026 OR June 8 2026
Mandatory Internship Luncheon and Final Presentations: July 24 2026
TIME COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS
Interns must complete a total of 224 hours by August 10 2026
The internship is designed as an 8-week program served in consecutive weeks
Interns are permitted ONE unpaid week off during the program
Except for this one week interns are expected to work continuously
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
All applicants must submit ONE letter of recommendation as part of the application process. The letter will be reviewed in addition to application letter must be received by March 20 2026.
SUBMISSION OPTIONS
Letters of recommendation can be provided by email or address. The details are below:
Email:
Mail:
ATTN: HR Internship
Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
150 Slayton Avenue
Danville VA 24540
LETTER REQUIREMENTS
The letter must include:
The references relationship to the applicant
Length of time the reference has known the applicant
Comments on the applicants knowledge skills and abilities relevant to the internship
Any concerns that may prevent successful completion of the internship
Required Experience:
Intern