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VTOP “Top Employers” Honored with Formal Congratulations at Regional Event Showcasing Internship Impact 

Virginia Talent and Opportunity Partnership (VTOP) celebrated its “Top Employers” event at Tidewater Community College’s Virginia Beach Campus Joint-Use Library on Wednesday morning, April 30. The program highlighted the value of internships and the strength of regional workforce development. The event brought together leaders in education, workforce development, and student interns to reflect the power of work-based learning experiences. TCC is newly partnered with VTOP with plans to connect students with more internship opportunities in the future.

Following a networking session, attendees were welcomed by Dr. Karen Campbell, TCC’s Vice President of Student Affairs who set the tone for a morning of insight and inspiration. Presentations began with key representatives from VTOP Region 5, including Sarah Jane Kirkland (Grant PI), Michelle Simmons (Project Manager), and Rita Yohe (Project Coordinator).

Alisha Bazemore, Assistant Director for Innovative Work-Based Learning Initiatives at the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, presented “Where is VTOP Now?”, updating guests on the program’s growth and impact.

Bazemore also presented data saying that VTOP reported that across 57 institutions, 24,094 students participated in a credit-bearing internships in Academic Year 2023-2024, an increase of about 4.3% compared to the 2022-2023 Academic Year.

VTOP supports the internship readiness of employers through modules and employer matching grants to small businesses. Bazemore noted that 768 employers participated in the Developing an Internship Program module and 327 employers have participated in the matching grants program. About 213 student interns have been hired through the matching grants program.

Joshua Sheffield, Director of Emerging Workforce- Hampton Roads Workforce Council, shared “The Impacts of Internships.” His remarks emphasized how internships bridge academic learning and professional experience.

Six local college students shared their personal stories about their internship experiences, followed by a Q&A session. The student panel included these students:

  • Alvin Spruill (Old Dominion University) at BMW of North America
  • Diana Tagbor (Old Dominion University) at Virginia House of Delegates
  • Rebecca Haegele (Virginia Wesleyan University) at Venture Electric Company and RK&K
  • Cameryn Conger (Christopher Newport University) at Norfolk Admirals
  • Shanequa Jamison-Nesbitt (Tidewater Community College) at TCC’s Student Resource and Empowerment Center
  • Zion Asamoah (Norfolk State University) at Wells Fargo

VTOP’s sponsors included multiple companies from the Hampton Roads area including Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group, City of Virginia Beach, Chartway Credit Union, LifeNet Health, Stihl, the YMCA, Norfolk International Airport, Wavy 10, and The Port of Virginia.

The VTOP “Top Employers” event served as a testament to the ongoing commitment to workforce readiness and the critical role of internships in shaping future professionals.