15 Internships for College Students in Virginia
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 9 min read
If you’re in college and looking to gain experience beyond your coursework, internships can help you explore your interests in a more applied setting. These opportunities allow you to work on projects, collaborate with professionals, and build skills in areas like research, communication, and analysis. They can also help you better understand different career paths and how your academic background connects to them.
In Virginia, internships are offered through government agencies, research labs, universities, nonprofits, and private organizations. These opportunities span areas like public policy, environmental science, public health, marketing, and technology, with formats ranging from full-time summer roles to part-time and project-based positions.
Why should I do an internship in college?
Internships give you a clearer sense of how your field operates in professional environments while helping you build relevant experience. You might contribute to policy research, support laboratory work, assist with data analysis, or work on communication and outreach projects, depending on the role. Over time, these experiences can help you develop practical skills, expand your network, and make more informed decisions about your future path.
To help you get started, we have a list of 15 internships for college students in Virginia.
If you’re looking for paid online internships, check out our blog here.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on program(financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort.
Eligibility: High school students, undergrads, and gap year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks
Ladder is a selective remote internship program where you work directly with fast-growing startups on real business projects. Startups span industries like tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You work closely with a startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach throughout the program. Interns contribute to real company deliverables and present their final work to leadership upon completion. The virtual internship usually runs for eight weeks, making it flexible for students with academic commitments.
Location: Multiple federal, state, and local government sites across Virginia and other locations
Cost/Stipend: $6,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 UVA students selected each year
Dates: Ten weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: March 23 (Tentative)
Eligibility: Current 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year students; all majors; must be enrolled in at least one semester after the internship
This public service opportunity stands out among internships for college students in Virginia for students interested in government leadership and civic engagement. During the 10-week, full-time internship, you are placed with elected officials or government agencies at the federal, state, or local level. Practical responsibilities include tracking legislation, conducting policy research, drafting memos, assisting with social media, and supporting constituent communication. Throughout the summer, participation is required in a Schaeffer Fellows Summit, professional development events, and educational site visits. Monthly mentoring sessions with a UVA alumni mentor are built into the experience. A $6,000 stipend supports travel, housing, and related expenses, though some out-of-pocket costs may still apply.
Location: Primarily Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Paid (exact amount not provided)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June – August (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 17 (Tentative)
Eligibility: Students in good standing at the University of Virginia
The EI Summer Internship Program offers paid, environmental-focused internships for college students in Virginia and D.C. Students are matched with host organizations based on their career interests in government, industry, and nonprofits. Past roles span energy research, resilience planning, climate communications, and environmental policy. Interns work full-time alongside professional teams for ten weeks. Applications are submitted through Handshake with a maximum of two placements per student. A one-page post-internship reflection is required for completion.
Location: Chesterfield County, Virginia
Cost/Stipend: $17 per hour (Subject to change)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: May 26 - July 30 (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Current undergraduate or graduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.8 and interest in public administration
Designed for students exploring public administration, this community-centered internship is for college students at the local government level in Virginia. During the 10-week program, you will be placed within a county department aligned with your field of study. Daily work provides direct exposure to government operations, public service delivery, and interdepartmental collaboration. Networking and professional development sessions are incorporated throughout the program. A realistic preview of municipal employment is emphasized through practical project work. The program prioritizes community contribution alongside skill development.
Location: Abingdon, Glen Allen, Harrisonburg, Salem, Virginia Beach, and Woodbridge, Virginia
Cost/Stipend: $16.26/hour
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: Current sophomore or junior majoring in environmental sciences with expected graduation in 2027 or 2028
Interns conduct regulatory inspections, field sampling, and environmental data analysis under professional supervision. Reporting responsibilities include graphs, progress summaries, and technical documentation. Participants receive formal training in state and federal environmental regulations. Outdoor work in summer heat and rugged terrain may be required. Travel to Richmond for the first week of orientation is mandatory.
Location: Richmond, Virginia, and local health departments across Virginia
Cost/Stipend: $20/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 interns
Dates: May 26 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Age 18+, enrolled in or graduated within 12 months from a degree program, 3.0 minimum GPA, legally eligible to work in the U.S., and must pass a background check
The VDH Internship Academy offers one of the most system-integrated public health internships for college students in Virginia. Interns are embedded directly in program teams or local health departments. Professional growth is supported through weekly learning sessions, structured mentorship, and leadership exposure. The program includes mandatory two-day kickoff and closing events in Richmond. Interns work a standard 40-hour workweek as paid employees. Hotel and meals are provided for required in-person events.
Location: Virginia (statewide)
Cost/Stipend: Paid; minimum $10/hour (set by employer)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by employer (not specified)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Age 18+; enrolled at a Virginia college or a Virginia resident attending an out-of-state college; STEM major; minimum 2.7 GPA; at least 30 college credits completed
CSIIP operates as a statewide gateway connecting college students in Virginia to paid STEM internships. A single application is shared with approved employers across multiple industries. Students may select companies of interest while employers directly manage interviews and hiring. Compensation is set by employers with a state-mandated minimum of $10/hour. Interns are responsible for housing and transportation logistics. Upon completion, interns receive a Certificate of Completion signed by the Governor.
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Cost/Stipend: $15–$17/hour (based on academic level)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: January – May (Exact dates to be announced)
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Eligibility: Master’s students or senior-level undergraduates in Exercise Science or a related field
This applied health internship focuses on first-responder performance and wellness. Interns support fitness evaluations, recruit training, and wellness programming for police and fire departments. Daily work includes data collection, workout leadership, and station wellness visits. Assistance with the Candidate Physical Ability Test is required. The position requires 32 hours per week with some Saturday shifts. Interns must provide their own housing and transportation.
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Cost/Stipend: $15–$17/hour (based on academic level)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: January – April/May (Exact dates to be announced)
Application Deadline: December 19
Eligibility: Students pursuing degrees in English, Marketing, Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, Public Relations, or related fields
This role offers applied marketing-focused internships for college students in Virginia within city development. Interns assist in content creation, copywriting, branding coordination, and digital outreach. Work includes collaborating with external marketing firms and reviewing campaign materials. Business intelligence collection and stakeholder outreach support strategic messaging. The internship runs 20 flexible hours per week. Portfolio submissions are optional but accepted.
Location: Richmond, Virginia (600 N. 5th Street)
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by available projects
Dates: Begins June 1; 12 weeks (exact dates vary)
Application Deadline: January 11
Eligibility: Age 18+; Virginia resident or attending a Virginia college; rising Junior, Senior, or Master’s student; 3.0 GPA minimum
This laboratory-based opportunity is among the most technically advanced internships for college students in Virginia within public health and emergency response. Interns are placed in project-driven laboratory assignments that may include malaria test validation, pesticide quality assurance, air testing updates, and informatics work. The internship runs 40 hours per week in person at the state-of-the-art DCLS facility in downtown Richmond. Daily work involves direct interaction with scientists engaged in disease monitoring and emergency preparedness. Each placement is tailored to an active project area and supervised by a designated mentor. Exact schedules and project scopes are finalized at the departmental level.
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Cost/Stipend: Paid (exact amount not specified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Mid-May – Mid-August (300 total hours) (Exact dates to be announced)
Application Deadline: (To be announced)
Eligibility: Students age 18+ enrolled at an accredited college or university
This museum-based experience delivers one of the most interdisciplinary internships for college students in Virginia, blending STEM education, nonprofit operations, and community engagement. Interns complete hands-on mentored projects within departments such as education, communications, collections, animal programming, and accessibility. Weekly professional development sessions introduce museum leadership, science communication, and nonprofit management. A 300-hour summer commitment is required, unless modified for academic credit. Interns receive direct mentorship from museum professionals throughout the summer. The program emphasizes making science accessible through real-world public programming and outreach.
Location: Children’s Science Center Lab, Fairfax, VA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: January – March 2026
Application Deadline: December 10, 2025
Eligibility: Age 18+; valid driver’s license; able to lift 50 lbs; background check required
This hands-on animal care role is one of the most physically immersive internships for college students in Virginia, focused on zoology and wildlife education. Interns are responsible for daily feeding, habitat sanitation, enrichment activities, and animal handling for reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Detailed recordkeeping of health observations, treatments, and welfare assessments is required. The role also includes exhibit maintenance, habitat construction, and educational guest engagement. Interns support both behind-the-scenes husbandry operations and public-facing programs. The position involves extended standing, lifting, and direct interaction with live animal collections.
Location: Hybrid program involving virtual sessions and sessions in the Children’s Science Center Lab, Fairfax
Cost/Stipend: $2,650 stipend
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or rising first-year college students, age 17+, residing in Northern Virginia
The program begins with a two-week professional skills training boot camp conducted by the Children’s Science Center Lab. Participants then transition into a five-week cyber internship with an industry partner in a virtual, hybrid, or in-person format. Throughout the placement, students complete five structured progress reviews to track skill development. The program is administered through George Mason University under the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative framework.
Location: Prince William County, Virginia
Stipend: $18/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 8 - July 31
Application Deadline: Jan 5 - March 29
Eligibility: Students aged 16+, enrolled in an accredited college or qualifying institution, legally eligible to work in the U.S., must have transportation, and must commit to all program dates
This paid county placement is a structured internship for college students in public administration in Virginia. Interns work on-site up to 37.5 hours per week and contribute to short-term government projects with measurable impact. A collaborative capstone project is presented at program completion. Rotations may occur based on operational needs. Absences beyond three days result in dismissal from the program.
Location: Fairfax, Manassas, and Woodbridge, Virginia (George Mason University campuses), Remote and Hybrid options available
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee + $1,299 tuition for 3 college credits (fee waivers available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Minimum age 15 (16 for wet-lab internships); must not have graduated from university
ASSIP is a research-intensive internship for college students in Virginia, focused on scientific discovery. Participants engage in faculty-guided research using advanced laboratory and computational tools. Scientific writing, data analysis, and technical communication are emphasized throughout the experience. A mandatory orientation opens the program on June 18, followed by daily research engagement. The internship concludes with a formal poster symposium on August 12. Students earn 3 academic research credits upon successful completion.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source - Ladder Internship logo