
NRV EXPERIENCE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The NRV Experience is a seven-week-long summer curriculum designed to support employer internship programs by helping their interns grow professionally while also experiencing the full benefits of living and working in Virginia’s New River Valley.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE NRV EXPERIENCE?

NETWORK WITH OTHER
PARTICIPATING INTERNS

EXPLORE THE NRV THROUGH
COMMUNITY EXCURSIONS

PARTICIPATE IN PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS
OUTDOOR EXCURSIONS
Outdoor excursions during the NRV Experience are designed to highlight one of the five unique communities in Virginia’s New River Valley. Onward NRV collaborates with local tourism directors from each of the communities to showcase the region’s outdoor amenities to the interns.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

Kick-Off Event
At the NRV Experience Kick-Off Event, interns participate in professional development training sessions with different professionals from around the region.

Training Topics
Professional development topics can include emotional intelligence, problem solving, leadership skills, collaboration, and communication skills.
PROGRAM RESULTS

Interns were surveyed before and after participating in the NRV Experience in 2022.
The goal of the program is to increase the number of young professionals living and working in the NRV post-graduation by increasing the number of quality internships and experiential learning opportunities in the NRV. Onward NRV believes that if interns experience the NRV for themselves they will see that it is a natural fit for work, life and play.
INTERN INFORMATION
The NRV Experience is a series of community engagement, professional development, and networking opportunities for students completing a summer internship program in Virginia’s New River Valley. These events connect collegians with one another while showcasing the wide variety of cultural, recreational, and outdoor amenities the NRV has to offer.
What Can Interns Expect from the NRV Experience?

Explore the Region
Interns will have the opportunity to explore the five different communities and experience the variety of amenities that the NRV has to offer through excursions hosted by the local tourism departments.

Network with Peers & Mentors
Participants will get a chance to connect with other interns throughout the program. Interns will also network with local companies and NRV young professional groups at the Wrap-Up Event.

Develop Professionally
Interns will participate in professional development trainings that can consist of topics such as emotional intelligence, problem solving, leadership skills, and collaboration.
How Do Interns Sign Up for the NRV Experience?
A qualifying employer in Virginia’s New River Valley can enroll their interns to participate in the NRV Experience. Interns are only able to enroll in the NRV Experience through their employer.
See more information about which employers qualify to participate here. Once you have secured a summer internship in the NRV, let your employer know that you are interested in participating in the NRV Experience!

EMPLOYER INFORMATION
The NRV Experience is an initiative through Onward New River Valley’s five-year economic development strategy for the region. The goals are to support employers’ summer internship programs, increase the number of young professionals living and working in the NRV post-graduation, and expose participants to the wide variety of cultural, recreational and outdoor amenities available in the region.
Employer Benefits
- Increase the probability of retaining interns as full-time employees post-graduation
- Help interns develop leadership, soft skills, and networking abilities to launch their careers
- Learn how to get the most from your internship program
Intern Benefits
- Explore the cultural, recreational, and outdoor amenities in Virginia’s New River Valley
- Network with other interns and young professionals in the region
- Develop professional skills needed in current internships and future careers
Employer Eligibility
- Current Onward NRV Investors
- Non-Onward NRV Investors who are:
- Located in Virginia’s New River Valley AND
- Categorized as a information technology, manufacturing, food processing & agribusiness, OR unmanned systems business
Employer Costs
- Onward NRV Investors: $100
- Non-Onward NRV Investors: $250

2023 NRV EXPERIENCE INFORMATION
Employer costs for the NRV Experience 2023 are $100 per intern for Onward NRV investors and $250 per intern for non-investors. The cost for each intern will cover the Kick-Off Event, professional development, summer excursions, and Wrap-Up Event.

How Do Employers Sign Interns Up for the NRV Experience?
A qualifying employer in Virginia’s New River Valley can enroll their interns to participate in the NRV Experience. Interns are only able to enroll in the NRV Experience through their employer.