Newsletter March 2022

Ignite Internships create win win for Southwest Virginia students and employers Ignite Internships, an initiative of United Way of Southwest Virginia (UWSWVA) have proven to be invaluable to the businesses and students, who have been part of the program. The experience is designed to bridge the gap between work and learning in such a way that students will complete the program with knowledge of critical workplace skills gained through hands-on work experience. Employers gain eager, hard working interns with a real interest in learning the business. The internships, in some cases, have even led to full-time, long-term work opportunities for students. Employers in Southwest Virginia have a unique opportunity through Ignite Internships to show the next generation of employees they can be successful in long-term careers while remaining in the region after high school graduation. Jessica Vanover, Human Resources manager at West River Conveyors in Oakwood, Va., says, “For us as a company and for other businesses in our area, I think that it is important for us to let [students] know that we are here, that there is still an opportunity to stay here and be successful.” West River Conveyors has participated in the Ignite Summer Internship Program since the program’s first days and currently employs Ignite Interns from previous years. Employers also “For us as a company and for other businesses in our area, I think that it is important for us to let [students] know that we are here, that there is still an opportunity to stay here and be successful.” - Jessica Vanover, Human Resources manager - West River Conveyors

I think this internship will impact me and my life through college, through anything else that I do afterward, in a positive way. I think I really increase brand awareness and demonstrate commitment to their communities. Often described as a ‘win-win’ opportunity for students and businesses in our region, the Ignite Program had 52 interns participating in 2021 with 25 regional employers offering students positions in various sectors. Over the course of the program, with the help of 58 companies and 45 high schools, 102 summer interns have been placed. More than 50 percent of Ignite interns are experiencing their first job. Interns gain soft skills training by UWSWVA, go on to complete their internships, and deliver presentations about their experiences at the end of the program each summer. The Ignite Program receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from participating students and businesses each year and is looking forward to expanding internship offerings as more regional businesses get involved. UWSWVA encourages you to participate in the Ignite Internship Program by applying for a position or hosting an intern this summer. gained a lot. - AJ Bucy, Ignite Intern

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