New River Valley, VA – This year, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia recognized 161 employers across the Commonwealth as the 2026 Top Virginia Employers for Interns. Several standout NRV organizations earned a well-deserved place on that list by providing high-quality internships that equip students with practical experience and exposure to professional settings.
According to the press release, “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” and that beyond internships “recipients deliver a broad range of work-based learning opportunities, including job shadowing, career exploration, capstones, micro-internships and apprenticeships.”
The NRV recipients are:
- Triple Point Security
- Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce
- Branch Group
- Brown Edwards & Company, L.L.P.
- Campus internEXP at Virginia Tech
- Carilion Clinic
Read the full list of recipients here.
Companies in Virginia’s New River Valley can enhance their internship programs by enrolling interns in the NRV Experience, an eight-week summer series hosted by Onward NRV. The program includes local excursions, professional development, and networking events that connect interns across the region while highlighting the NRV’s unique lifestyle. Learn why your interns should join the next NRV Experience here.
Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.
