Onward NRV Hosts 3rd Annual NRV Experience Program

Onward New River Valley, the regional economic development organization serving Virginia’s New River Valley, will host their 3rd annual NRV Experience internship program this summer starting with a Kick-Off Event on Thursday, June 16th.

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. The goals of the program 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. Through this program, Onward NRV works engage employers in building an effective talent pipeline in the NRV’s Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, Unmanned Systems, and Food Processing & Agribusiness industries.

Fourteen employers in Virginia’s New River Valley have enrolled 33 of their college interns to participate in the third cohort of the NRV Experience. Throughout the seven-week program, interns will participate in virtual professional development sessions taught by the team at Exelaration. The sessions will cover topics such as emotional intelligence, problem solving, leadership skills, collaboration, and communication skills. In addition, the participating interns will explore the region through excursions designed to highlight one of the five unique communities in Virginia’s New River Valley. Onward NRV has collaborated with local tourism directors from each of the communities to showcase the region’s amenities to the interns.

The seven-week long NRV Experience program starts on Thursday, June 16th with Onward NRV welcoming the 33 participating interns during the Kick-Off Event. The interns will spend the next five Thursdays exploring Floyd County, Giles County, Pulaski County Montgomery County, and the City of Radford through community excursions. They will conclude the program with a Wrap-Up Event on July 28th.

Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.