JMU among Virginia institutions receiving grants for student work study, internships

James Madison University has been awarded two grants to improve work-study programs and provide better internship opportunities for students at its Harrisonburg campus.

The grants were awarded by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia in collaboration with the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership.

Grant one: Federal work-study programs at JMU

JMU, George Mason University and the University of Virginia were awarded the first grant, which distributes more than $524,000 among these institutions to transform federal work-study programs to work-like internships while accommodating the specific needs of students and providing high quality work-based learning experiences.

The Community Engagement & Volunteer Center at JMU is introducing the Madison Community Scholars and Madison Community Scholar-Leaders programs to enhance the federal work-study program.

“The program’s goals are to support students to enhance personal growth, career readiness, and social impact while building capacity for local organizations to offer internship-like opportunities,” said Kim Davidson, Community Engagement & Volunteer Center director at JMU.

Grant two: Capacity-building initiatives at JMU

The second grant is a $150,000 capacity-building grant that will promote the expansion of JMU’s newly designed work-based learning initiative.

In addition to JMU, Christopher Newport University, Longwood University, Marymount University, Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, Radford University, Richard Bland College, University of Mary Washington, University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Virginia Military Institute, Virginia State University, Virginia Tech and William & Mary also received the grant.

This program aims to increase internship opportunities by strengthening employer partnerships, improving institutional tracking mechanisms, and growing outreach with students, faculty and outside partners.

“By transforming the work-study program and expanding internship opportunities, we will provide our students with direct career pathways and make lasting, positive impacts here in our Harrisonburg community and beyond,” said Dr. Tim Miller, JMU’s vice president for student affairs.