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VWU Hosts 757 Regional Internship Collaborative
Students collaborate on real-world business solutions through innovative program
University News | June 5, 2024
Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) recently had the honor of hosting a weeklong event on its campus for the 757 Regional Internship Collaborative, bringing together a diverse group of professionals and students from across Hampton Roads. The Collaborative is a key initiative under the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) grant, spearheaded by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). It unites professionals from higher education, K-12, and business communities, all working towards enhancing the practical learning experiences of students. 
One of the standout features of this initiative is the partnership with District C to implement Teamships. Unlike traditional internships, Teamships involve teams of students working on real-world problems presented by businesses. These experiences are designed to teach students how to thrive in diverse team environments while building essential workplace skills.
This year's event featured a unique one-week intensive Teamship model. From 9 am to 4 pm each day, seven students participated virtually, while another seven engaged in-person at VWU. The virtual program was coached by Jessie Vernon, Program Manager at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, VA, while Michelle Simmons, Project Manager for the 757 Regional Internship Collaborative, led the in-person sessions.
Students from Virginia Wesleyan University, Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, and William & Mary participated, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the event. Throughout the week, they engaged in a series of rigorous activities designed to enhance their problem-solving and teamwork abilities. These activities included learning the components of the design thinking process, collaborating in diverse teams, developing creative solutions for business partners, and facilitating effective meetings.
The culmination of the week saw students preparing and delivering a collaborative presentation pitch, presenting their innovative solutions to representatives from the participating business organizations. The in-person Teamship was partnered with Innovate Hampton Roads, while the virtual session collaborated with 757 Collab.
Participants greatly benefited from the experience, gaining exposure to promising practices for team projects and honing critical and analytical thinking skills. They also established valuable peer and professional connections, which will undoubtedly serve them well in their future careers.
Virginia Wesleyan University is proud to have played a pivotal role in this initiative, demonstrating its commitment to fostering practical learning opportunities and preparing students for successful futures. The 757 Regional Internship Collaborative event not only showcased the talent and potential of its students but also reinforced the importance of partnerships between educational institutions and the business community.