AI Ready Interns
Funding & Grants

Up to 50% of intern wages, reimbursed.

The VEDP Talent Pathways Internship Grant reimburses qualifying Virginia employers 50% of intern wages — up to $2,500 per intern. We help you check eligibility, apply, and stay compliant.

Reimbursement
50%
Up to $2,500 per intern
Intern commitment
120 hrs
Across ~8 weeks
Employer size
≤ 150
Virginia employees
Step 1

Supervisor training comes first

Before VEDP will reimburse anything, the supervisor of record completes roughly 5 hours of training. It's free, it's online, and it's the single most-missed step. We track this for you and won't let it block your reimbursement at the end.

How the money actually moves

  1. 1

    Pay the intern

    You pay wages on your normal payroll.

  2. 2

    Log hours + check-ins

    Use the platform to keep timesheets and structured check-ins on record.

  3. 3

    Submit to VEDP

    After the internship, file the reimbursement packet with proof of hours and payment.

  4. 4

    Get reimbursed

    VEDP reimburses 50% of wages, up to $2,500 per intern.

What the grant does NOT cover

  • Recruiting costs (job ads, agency fees)
  • Equipment, software licenses, or laptops for the intern
  • Hours beyond what the program guide allows per intern
  • Wages paid before the supervisor training is complete
  • Out-of-state interns or out-of-state employers
  • Unpaid or stipend-only arrangements

Always confirm against the current VEDP program guide — figures and rules can change year to year.

Other funding sources

The VEDP grant is the headline program for Virginia, but it's not the only path. If you don't qualify — or want to layer support — these are worth a look.

Workforce development boards

Local WDBs sometimes fund work-based learning placements. Start with Capital Region Workforce Partnership for Greater Richmond.

Industry-specific grants

Tech (CCI), advanced manufacturing, and healthcare each have sector-specific Virginia funding that can stack with internships.

College co-op offices

VCU, UR, J. Sarge, Reynolds and others have co-op programs that share intern wages or offer credit alternatives.

Why bother

Internships are the cheapest hiring channel you have.

~70%
of US interns receive a return offer at companies that run structured programs (NACE)
50%
of wages reimbursed under VEDP — your net cost is half
< $0
Net cost after reimbursement when paired with the grant and college credit

Stats sourced from NACE annual reports. TODO: confirm and date-stamp.

Concierge support — free

Don't want to navigate VEDP alone?

Our Richmond team will walk you through eligibility, the application packet, and reimbursement filing. No charge, no upsell — this is a community resource.