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LEAD for Interns

The Virginia Peninsula Chamber launched LEAD for Interns in the Summer of 2026. LEAD for Interns is a new leadership development initiative designed to connect college interns with the people, industries, and opportunities that make the Virginia Peninsula an exceptional place to live, work, and play. The inaugural program includeed 50 college interns representing employers from across the Peninsula.

Through four interactive summer sessions, participants gained firsthand exposure to the Peninsula’s leading employers, innovation ecosystem, cultural attractions, recreational amenities, and community life. The program is designed to strengthen civic engagement, expand professional networks, and showcase the region’s unique advantages to the next generation of talent.

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By helping interns develop meaningful connections to the community and local business leaders, LEAD for Interns supports the Chamber’s broader efforts to attract, develop, and retain a skilled workforce on the Virginia Peninsula.

For more information on the LEAD for Interns program, or for questions on the application process, contact Caroline Branch at caroline@vpcc.org.

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Testimonials

“Participating in LEAD for Interns has been one of the highlights of my internship experience. As someone who is not originally from the Virginia Peninsula, the program gave me a much deeper understanding of the region, its industries, and the people who help make it such a great place to live and work. I especially valued the opportunity to meet professionals from a variety of fields, hear their career stories, and build meaningful connections that I hope to maintain throughout my career. The program not only expanded my professional network but also helped me feel more connected to the community. I am grateful to everyone who dedicated their time and effort to creating such a valuable experience for interns.”

Ashely Anne Allen – Intern, TowneBank (Class of 2026)

"The LEAD for Interns program opened doors I didn't know existed, connecting me with professionals across industries throughout the Peninsula and giving me a firsthand look inside their organizations. Just as valuable were the relationships I built with fellow interns starting out in this region alongside me.
 
None of this would have come together without the Virginia Peninsula Chamber, whose team built a program that truly connects interns with the region. I'm grateful to have been part of the inaugural cohort, and I know future interns will benefit just as much. I highly recommend LEAD for Interns to anyone looking to grow their network here on the Peninsula."
 
Kendall Etheridge – Intern, City of Hampton (Class of 2026)
"The LEAD for Interns was a great experience, It was a very awsome opportunity to grow my network with employeers and other interns from around the area. Had a great time being able to particiapte in events to learn more Hampton Roads. I would highly recommend to future interns who would want to grow their portfolio and learn what other opporutnities await in the 757."
 
David Morgan – Intern, Newport News Shipbuilding (Class of 2026)
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